I had the privilege of seeing so many great racers in their early AMA days at Mid-Ohio- Spies, Edwards, Hayden, Bostrom, Duhamel, Chandler, Ru$$ell, AND the guys that came back from other series like Hodgson, Both Troys (Bayliss and Corser), too many to even remember them all! It tore me up when MotoAmerica took over from DMG and decided to quit racing at Mid-Ohio. 10 years later (this summer) MotoAmerica announced the return to Mid-Ohio and I was excited for about 2 minutes and then I realized that I really didn't care. I watch all the races that I can on TV but there hasn't been any group of riders that excites me enough to go to the track in years (especially at over double the admission price from when they left!!). I'm just glad that I have so many happy memories from back in the day!!
I met him at a Pirelli SBK test at Kyalami in 2008. He was shy but didn't give attitude when a star-struck fan asked him for a photo and a chat during his lunchtime. And then he absolutely smashed it on that R1!
I was a fan of Ben Spies for years. Then we tried to enter MotoGP level he got injured. To this day I have my work ID badge hanging on a Ben Spies lanyard. I had hopes that Ben would bring America's racers back into contention. Out of 55 races in MotoGP he won once and podiumed 6 times. I believe he got rookie of the year. I always felt Ben was a bit too big for the MotoGP bikes. You look at some of these guys nowadays and they look like 15 year old skinny kids. But I'm happy to see him still involved with racing.
Good to see Ben out there again! That V4 looks awesome! You would think that, by now, they would have figured out the SSSA alloy and be able to "print" a swinger that worked the same as this new one. Probably cost prohibitive.
I know time marches on, but I do miss the single side swing arm. But at least the styling is there unlike the 999. Having said that, I love riding the 999. But my favorite is still a mono 916 in yellow with a 955 kit. Why? I still have mine is why 😂. My 1098 and 1198 are better, but it’s like driving the older air cooled 911. Heavier mechanical and rewarding to make them move quickly
Yes, it’s like a two wheel 911. I’m out for a drive this fine east coast Sunday in my 991.1 C4S manual. Had to sell my V4S as taking heart meds messed up my riding balance, so after 35 years of sport bikes…it was time to move on. Three Ducatis, Two Aprilias, Kwackers, Suzukis and Hondas. I still miss the RC51 Hayden version that I had.
Who else remember Ben’s wreck on the bank at Daytona? Man I miss the paddock. I was with Corona Suzuki, later Corona Honda, during that time until the AMA killed the old series. It was awesome. WERA was huge and super fun.
Still have my autographed HJC lid replica from his debut year in MotoGP. Looks almost exactly like the one he is wearing here. He was legitimately USAs last chance at winning a MotoGP title.
Great to see Ben riding again 👍🏻 If the V4R gets a dual sided swingarm I think there'll be no stopping them in WSBK, it's only full lean corners that they're no so good at presently, due to an overly stiff swingarm, which over works the rear slick - sssa have to be overly strong by design, breaking in two isn't an option....
This whole "overly stiff" swingarm narrative that Ducati is pushing and everyone now regurgitating is rubbish. The Pros like it stiff for more feel. Look at all the race teams in WSBK and they all have race specific swingarms that are stiffer and more expensive, the R1's swingarm cost over $30k alone. This year BMW Motorrad gave the American series factory teams the WSBK swingarms which are stiffer, offer more direct feel and thus more responsive. The riders dont want a mushy flexible swingarm. We'll see when the factory teams start racing the V4R version if they use a Ducati Corse specific swingarm for the WSBK teams just like the other manufacturers on the international grids, as I suspect they will.
When I was 18 in 1978 I had a Kawi KZ1000, flexi flyer of a frame when pushed. After many years and many bikes the other extreme was my Ducati 998. Very rigid, I thought.
It was a Sunday drive at first 😜 rather than the swing arm, not a fan of the nose. I didn't much care for the previous gen either, but atleast it was unique. And that tail...😔 all I see is the Mopar logo. Tank shape and side profile is fantastic though
That featureless sheetmetal muffler cover is not the kind of thing you expect to see on a $50k motorcycle. It should be embossed with some kind of logo but you might have to pay an extra $10k for a good looking muffler.
Ahhh because you know better than a multiple national and world champion ex motogp racer...riiiight. Fyi this is pro level shit, keeps the bike smooth if you don't want hard engine breaking to create chatter as you decelerate. He's not a noob squid so he has all the nannies turned off and controls the bike how Pros do it, manually.
They never should have sent him from AMA to MotoGP that was too bad with John for him. After one or two years in MotoGP you never heard from the man again. When you win almost every race in ama then go to MotoGP and get smoked it kills you mentally😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
It "IS" designed for the track, starting to grow on me. Remember we saw this movie before when the 999 came out, I expect more wins in 2025 with this new Panigale.
I'll never forget his first WSBK season on the OG, crossplane R1! That was just awesome!
It was epic.
Agree. Ben was iconic on that R1😎
Yes! Spies and Haga! That was a great season!
Man he should’ve stayed there too!
I totally thought he should've stayed in wsbk. We missed out on some epic battles, I Bet.
I had the privilege of seeing so many great racers in their early AMA days at Mid-Ohio- Spies, Edwards, Hayden, Bostrom, Duhamel, Chandler, Ru$$ell, AND the guys that came back from other series like Hodgson, Both Troys (Bayliss and Corser), too many to even remember them all! It tore me up when MotoAmerica took over from DMG and decided to quit racing at Mid-Ohio. 10 years later (this summer) MotoAmerica announced the return to Mid-Ohio and I was excited for about 2 minutes and then I realized that I really didn't care. I watch all the races that I can on TV but there hasn't been any group of riders that excites me enough to go to the track in years (especially at over double the admission price from when they left!!). I'm just glad that I have so many happy memories from back in the day!!
Good to see Texas Terror riding again 👏👏
B-B-BBBenny, Benny & the jet.....!
Hell yeah!!
Yes, but we want to see him send it again... I know Elbows still has it in him!
I love Ben's Pies.
He does a mean Meat and Potato
❤❤❤
He’s handling that bake very well!
Super cool to see elboz on a bike again
It would be cooler if the actual elbows were on the tarmac
Brought back memories of the legendary skirmishes with Mat Mladin
I like how Ben did a warm up lap and then he’s like ok let’s have some fun🍻☘️😆
Former US and world SBK champion 🏆,, great video ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland awesome motorcycle
I met him at a Pirelli SBK test at Kyalami in 2008. He was shy but didn't give attitude when a star-struck fan asked him for a photo and a chat during his lunchtime. And then he absolutely smashed it on that R1!
This bike is Amazing! I am so happy when I see both lights on and all balanced and symmetrical!!
Beautiful DUCATI CBR
Ben taking it easy on the bike....he's still going around that track faster then what 99% of the rest of us could do.
That's probably including the paddock LOL
He looked very comfortable and was certainly hitting his marks. Good show!
He just doesn’t want it to go into limp mode , it’s a Ducati after all 🤣
Ben has still got it. So good to see Ben on the back of a bike again!
Yeees!
It’s awesome to see the good Ben riding again!!
🤘🏻👽
I was a fan of Ben Spies for years. Then we tried to enter MotoGP level he got injured. To this day I have my work ID badge hanging on a Ben Spies lanyard. I had hopes that Ben would bring America's racers back into contention. Out of 55 races in MotoGP he won once and podiumed 6 times. I believe he got rookie of the year. I always felt Ben was a bit too big for the MotoGP bikes. You look at some of these guys nowadays and they look like 15 year old skinny kids. But I'm happy to see him still involved with racing.
Still ❤ Big Ben 🥇💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Ben looked so comfortable at speed! Crazy good skills still. That warm up lap was so relaxed looking, but he was still cookin'!
That's nowhere near being at speed. That pace is intermediate at best. You can tell ben hasn't been on a bike in a while. Looks tight and not relaxed.
Went to wsbk, didn't know all the tracks, and won the championship. He should have stayed there.We missed out on epic battles, I'm sure.
he also had the potential to be the next american at the top level. he took his shot. him on the crossplane was incredible imo
Great to see Ben Spies back on a bike!
Did the commentary say 0:59 'anyone' could jump on a current motoGP bike and be fast, like top 10 fast? Fast into the the wall!
Miss Ben 😢 great to see him out riding again even if it’s just for fun
elbowz! love to see it!
We all love you !
Quanto mi mancano i periodi dove era in sbk ❤
Roger Lee on the commentary. Spies on the bike. Kudos
Beautiful beast 😊
Very cool. Am I correct in noticing that this machine was converted to GP shift? Great to see Ben back out there.
And he's using the clutch!
Good to see Ben out there again! That V4 looks awesome! You would think that, by now, they would have figured out the SSSA alloy and be able to "print" a swinger that worked the same as this new one. Probably cost prohibitive.
I know time marches on, but I do miss the single side swing arm. But at least the styling is there unlike the 999. Having said that, I love riding the 999. But my favorite is still a mono 916 in yellow with a 955 kit. Why? I still have mine is why 😂. My 1098 and 1198 are better, but it’s like driving the older air cooled 911. Heavier mechanical and rewarding to make them move quickly
Yes, it’s like a two wheel 911. I’m out for a drive this fine east coast Sunday in my 991.1 C4S manual. Had to sell my V4S as taking heart meds messed up my riding balance, so after 35 years of sport bikes…it was time to move on. Three Ducatis, Two Aprilias, Kwackers, Suzukis and Hondas. I still miss the RC51 Hayden version that I had.
I have a V4 Speciale , But I love my 748/1098 wayyyy more. Absolute track weapon
Finally get to see the fastest person in the MotoAmerica paddock.😂
LEGEND!
Awesome!
Who else remember Ben’s wreck on the bank at Daytona? Man I miss the paddock. I was with Corona Suzuki, later Corona Honda, during that time until the AMA killed the old series. It was awesome. WERA was huge and super fun.
I remember it but why bring it up! whats the point
@USAracing age. You're old 😆 🤣 nothing more.
Still have my autographed HJC lid replica from his debut year in MotoGP. Looks almost exactly like the one he is wearing here. He was legitimately USAs last chance at winning a MotoGP title.
SPIES A GREAT CHAMPION!!!!
If you're old like I am, seeing him completely dismantle the Mladin dominance was something special to behold.. still love you Matt😘
Look good on that Ducati Texas Terror ❤🎉
the face reminds me of Nien Nunb from Star Wars
😂😂😂 Ben Spies Blipper downshift no Clutsch 😂😂👌✊
Dude was the Johnny Manziel of MotoGP
"It's a bit like riding a bike"... No, its exactly like riding a bike.. Hes riding a bike !!
Great to see Ben riding again 👍🏻 If the V4R gets a dual sided swingarm I think there'll be no stopping them in WSBK, it's only full lean corners that they're no so good at presently, due to an overly stiff swingarm, which over works the rear slick - sssa have to be overly strong by design, breaking in two isn't an option....
SSSA should only have been on the regular and S models. Leave the DSSA for the V4R where it actually affects the race teams
@@ghlibisk67great idea
This whole "overly stiff" swingarm narrative that Ducati is pushing and everyone now regurgitating is rubbish. The Pros like it stiff for more feel. Look at all the race teams in WSBK and they all have race specific swingarms that are stiffer and more expensive, the R1's swingarm cost over $30k alone. This year BMW Motorrad gave the American series factory teams the WSBK swingarms which are stiffer, offer more direct feel and thus more responsive. The riders dont want a mushy flexible swingarm. We'll see when the factory teams start racing the V4R version if they use a Ducati Corse specific swingarm for the WSBK teams just like the other manufacturers on the international grids, as I suspect they will.
Crossed the blend line
Great to see him on track but we needed more wheelies! 😂
Are they gonna use this new swingarm to V4R in wsbk?
Love my Ducati. Hate the unreliable Brembo components that are constantly failing.
LOL what?? 😅 Never heard anyone say that and never had an issue with 4 bikes I've had over a 20 plus year span.
aftermarket or OEM Brembos?
@@js290 oem.
@@js290 does Ducati sell bikes with knock off Brembo components?
@@j.taveras8447 if you say so. M50's were recalled.
When I was 18 in 1978 I had a Kawi KZ1000, flexi flyer of a frame when pushed. After many years and many bikes the other extreme was my Ducati 998. Very rigid, I thought.
go mr spies
is GP shift pattern stock on the new ducati?!?
excellent
This bike has grown on me significantly. At first I thought it was rather ugly, but now, I really really want one
I wish I had one
Awesome
Such a shame we never got to see Ben in his prime healthy in Moto GP. I really think there were many more wins on the table.
I see him using the clutch at down shifts. Doesn’t has it have a blipper?
The VFR with a conventional swingarm. I wish they would have done a better job with the audio.
Like CBR1000RR!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Finially back to the wheel
Announcer please explain the difference between grip and mechanical grip.
the whole "litre bikes are racebikes" kinda sunk in as I listened to how the modifications were track focused
#11!!
Do the ELBOWZ...!!!💪
It was a Sunday drive at first 😜 rather than the swing arm, not a fan of the nose. I didn't much care for the previous gen either, but atleast it was unique. And that tail...😔 all I see is the Mopar logo. Tank shape and side profile is fantastic though
Which circuit is it??
Circuit of the Americas
Elbows baby
What happened to the elbowz style?
What's up with Paolo Ciabatti? How is he involved in road bikes now?
It’s the 998 all over again. Love it or hate it. Or the 999? Whichever.
Josh Herrin tears it up on this bike.
How come Ben still uses clutch to downshift instead of the auto blip
Removing the single-sided swing arm is a marketing mistake IMHO.
Ben could be the first person in the USA to go into limp mode on a 2025 Duck in 2024
That featureless sheetmetal muffler cover is not the kind of thing you expect to see on a $50k motorcycle.
It should be embossed with some kind of logo but you might have to pay an extra $10k for a good looking muffler.
Elbows! Get some
Yamaha really screwed him over.
Elbows!
Where are the elbows?!😱😱😱
ELBOWS OUT!
Maybe someone should tell Ben, there is no need for the clutch for downshifting, it’s not a Yamaha! 😂😂😂
Ahhh because you know better than a multiple national and world champion ex motogp racer...riiiight.
Fyi this is pro level shit, keeps the bike smooth if you don't want hard engine breaking to create chatter as you decelerate. He's not a noob squid so he has all the nannies turned off and controls the bike how Pros do it, manually.
@@j.taveras8447
Chill bro, it was a joke!
I know who Ben Spies is!
@@dylandog5008 😂My bad, sarcasm doesn't transfer over in text lols
Looks like hes riding a pocket bike. Great to see elbows out there...
Why is he clutching his down-shifts? Doesn't that bike have an UP & DOWN quick shifter?
Surprised he didn’t throw it down the rd.
Tbh, it's growing on me lol
the wings are fatter which I dont like and there is no visible central air intake. How does the thing suck in air? I dont see it
Yeah I like the double sided swing arm. Like the lights. It’s the narrow fairing (it’s neck) I really don’t like.also wings in red 🤮
@USAracing there is, it's under thr front fairing, between thr lights
Did anyone get that lap time 😳😂
Use of the clutch when downshifting… 🤔
Like SVG , clutch blips softens traction disruptions.
Pro level shit, keeps the bike smooth if you don't want hard engine breaking to create chatter.
They never should have sent him from AMA to MotoGP that was too bad with John for him. After one or two years in MotoGP you never heard from the man again. When you win almost every race in ama then go to MotoGP and get smoked it kills you mentally😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Bring back the AMA....
just decided im NOT buying one. man that looks weird outside of press photos
jajajajjaa looks like he is riding a pit bike
Ducati
Bring back 500 cc
Dang.. He retired way too early.
The bike looks like a scorpion
the wings look so dumb
I would prefer a more insanely difficult bike to ride. lol
It "IS" designed for the track, starting to grow on me. Remember we saw this movie before when the 999 came out, I expect more wins in 2025 with this new Panigale.
Toprak has nothing on big ben!
easy testing
What happened to this guy?
Ben spies makes a bike look tiny.