Opinions on Spies

Will September be too late to impress people? Contracts are being signed now, all the seats might be gone.

His name has been singing around the paddock the whole year, I am sure a few teams are holding out.

Vermeulen and Capirossi's up and down performances must surely be causing a few headaches at Suzuki. And having Spies in the mix mustn't be helping.
And the satellite Dukes, with all that is going on there, I don't expect those seats to get filled until the end of the season.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sally @ Jul 22 2008, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>His name has been singing around the paddock the whole year, I am sure a few teams are holding out.

Vermeulen and Capirossi's up and down performances must surely be causing a few headaches at Suzuki. And having Spies in the mix mustn't be helping.
And the satellite Dukes, with all that is going on there, I don't expect those seats to get filled until the end of the season.

CV and CapiRex will stay with Suzuki another season, and Spies will have to choose either leave AMA for a satellite Honda/Ducati, WSBK or stay in AMA....I think he will move to WSBK before he takes a second rate ride in GPs or stays in the Yosh Series.

Perhaps the Leguna Seca AMA report could have been in spoiler tags or marked as such. Not all of us have seen it yet.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 23 2008, 11:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>CV and CapiRex will stay with Suzuki another season, and Spies will have to choose either leave AMA for a satellite Honda/Ducati, WSBK or stay in AMA....I think he will move to WSBK before he takes a second rate ride in GPs or stays in the Yosh Series.
Don't be so sure. He still needs to learn the Tracks and if Ducati is trying to make the satellite team more of sister team he may have a great situation on his hands. Think about if Hayden goes to Ducati as well cause the U.S. is the largest market for them in the first place. That scenario would be a great one for the market.

hmmmm, a Spies Replica Hypermotard WOULD look nice in me garage

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xx CURVE xx @ Jul 23 2008, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>hmmmm, a Spies Replica Hypermotard WOULD look nice in me garage

if you were to ever get your hands of one, remember to give me your address

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ROCKGOD01 @ Jul 23 2008, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Don't be so sure. He still needs to learn the Tracks and if Ducati is trying to make the satellite team more of sister team he may have a great situation on his hands. Think about if Hayden goes to Ducati as well cause the U.S. is the largest market for them in the first place. That scenario would be a great one for the market.

Yes, that big jump in US sales of Honda's and Suzuki's thanks to Hayden and Spies has made them Marketing sweethearts across the industry. And given that masses and massess of American people those which follow Nicky's and Ben's advice on which bike to buy Ducati will be a huge beneficiary....

Let me ask RockGod01....Do you own a Nicky Repsol Replica Honda or a Spies Replica Suzuki or even bought your type/manufacturer bike because of your hero? And do you use Michelins on the bike based on Nicky's apperance in their commercials?

I think it's too early to tell.
Ben should at least have the benefit of a decent winter test program on the bike before judging his speed. Even after Indy, It's not enough time on the bike to determine how quick he is. 2009 will be the real acid test.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Frizzle @ Jul 24 2008, 05:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think it's too early to tell.
Ben should at least have the benefit of a decent winter test program on the bike before judging his speed. Even after Indy, It's not enough time on the bike to determine how quick he is. 2009 will be the real acid test.
So in your opinion he's shown enough to be worth seeing more?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 24 2008, 03:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Let me ask RockGod01....Do you own a Nicky Repsol Replica Honda or a Spies Replica Suzuki or even bought your type/manufacturer bike because of your hero? And do you use Michelins on the bike based on Nicky's apperance in their commercials?
I'd like to think I am one of the more informed American buyers (not difficult considering more than half the US market is made up of squids). Although I would never buy a Repsol replica and likely will never buy a Suzuki, I am influenced by what the riders use. Tires is the biggest thing for me. When Ben Bostrom was nearly unstoppable in 2001, it was Dunlops or nothing for me. Since I've followed GP and witnessed the success Hayden, Edwards and Rossi have (had), I've been a Michelin man and will likely continue to be regardless of their stature in the series at present. Same kind of story as to why I started buying Alpinestars and Suomy products. Although I've been loyal to those brands because of how happy I've been with their products.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 24 2008, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Do you own a Nicky Repsol Replica Honda or a Spies Replica Suzuki or even bought your type/manufacturer bike because of your hero?

I'd say <u>waaaaay</u> more than half the US market is made up of squids.

I recently asked a guy with a special edition GSXR1000 with #1 decals if it was a Spies or Mladin replica. He had no idea what I was talking about.

I think a free pair of Jesse James autograph flip-flops with sparking toe sliders would be a bigger sales incentive for most buyers.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RLMEsq @ Jul 24 2008, 04:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'd say <u>waaaaay</u> more than half the US market is made up of squids.

I recently asked a guy with a special edition GSXR1000 with #1 decals if it was a Spies or Mladin replica. He had no idea what I was talking about.

I think a free pair of Jesse James autograph flip-flops with sparking toe sliders would be a bigger sales incentive for most buyers.
hahaha...so true dude...it sucks, but hopefully that will change in the coming years. I have a small #46 on my rear hugger and some kid that was riding a gixxer 750 i think asked me what that was for and what it meant. I was thinking to myself, "you ride a sportbike and you don't know what that number means." idiots.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 24 2008, 01:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yes, that big jump in US sales of Honda's and Suzuki's thanks to Hayden and Spies has made them Marketing sweethearts across the industry. And given that masses and massess of American people those which follow Nicky's and Ben's advice on which bike to buy Ducati will be a huge beneficiary....

Let me ask RockGod01....Do you own a Nicky Repsol Replica Honda or a Spies Replica Suzuki or even bought your type/manufacturer bike because of your hero? And do you use Michelins on the bike based on Nicky's apperance in their commercials?

I influenced by what American racers ride, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I'm part of the Ducatisti for sure, but I have looked at RC51's many many many times. I'm determined I will buy one as soon as I can.

It's just another twin, why do I want that bike so badly? Maybe it has something to do with Colin and Nicky?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Jul 24 2008, 10:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I influenced by what American racers ride, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I'm part of the Ducatisti for sure, but I have looked at RC51's many many many times. I'm determined I will buy one as soon as I can.

It's just another twin, why do I want that bike so badly? Maybe it has something to do with Colin and Nicky?


just another twin, I've ridden a mates SP2 and its a completly different beast to my RSVR. I prefer the RSVR heartache and all. I am also on the lookout for an SP2 but not because some other guy races one, I want it because I enjoyed the experience I had on it

One thing to consider about Spies performance at Laguna, the monday after, he had his appendix out because he had felt like .... for a week. He did not use it for an excuse, but I'm sure he was feeling it. He didn't even give Maladin any kind of a hard time and that certainly isn't the norm.


And as a side note not relevant to this thread, but how fast did Maladin's qualifying time compare to Stoners??

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 24 2008, 08:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yes, that big jump in US sales of Honda's and Suzuki's thanks to Hayden and Spies has made them Marketing sweethearts across the industry. And given that masses and massess of American people those which follow Nicky's and Ben's advice on which bike to buy Ducati will be a huge beneficiary....

Let me ask RockGod01....Do you own a Nicky Repsol Replica Honda or a Spies Replica Suzuki or even bought your type/manufacturer bike because of your hero? And do you use Michelins on the bike based on Nicky's apperance in their commercials?
HA HA funny dude you would never see me on any of those Jap pieces of throwaway ..... I had a 2000 996s until my brother in law backed over it 3 memorial days ago. And as far as I know there is no Spies replica. There was a Mladin one a bit ago but never had seen a Spies. My duc was red with the white plates on it and very few decals. I have some pics but they are on the mac. I prefer the Ducati's so my next purchase should be a 1098s or really i am waiting to see if Ducati releases the 1200cc model in the base or the s model cause the wife would fall over if I spent 40g's on ther model.

Most people from the u.s. who are getting introduced to the greatest sport in the world moto gp need the hero's or greats of the sport to get a start. Usually once they get some knowledge they start to get in deeper and may like other riders or manufactures. I really like them all but because of the family heritage I am a duc fan mostly. The Yam gp bike is a great lookin bike. The intake port on the front looks like the front of speed racers mach 5. The kawasaki just looks real mean. The suzuki is alright but nothing to inspirational. The honda is always one to watch and I must say last years was pretty cool from a design perspective with that stbby rear. I do respect the companies but when the bell rings and the fight starts I stand wih the family that is my blood. And that is ducati red!!!!

Oh and I rode Pirelli Dragon Corsa Evo's cause they felt great and inspired confidence.

Excellent responses to a very simple question....in summary, most of us (motogp fanatics) don't necessary buy our bike and kit based on rider endorsement or factory they contract to....we buy what we want based on what we think.....the rest of the squids don't even know about the AMA number one riders so why would they buy a bike or kit when a Nicky or Spies moves to GPs? well they would not because they barely know what GPs are....at least that is my observation....

And for the record, I am a the proud owner of a Ducati 900ss FE Silver (don't laugh) on Pirellis and I wear Dainese Leathers, boots and gloves, and have a Diabolic 1 Shoei helmet. And none of those purchases were based on the riders in Gps or WSBK or AMA or BSB....I just think the Ducati history and the Desmo system are great, Twins are better than in lines, and Dainese in all forms are cool

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MigsAngel @ Jul 25 2008, 02:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Excellent responses to a very simple question....in summary, most of us (motogp fanatics) don't necessary buy our bike and kit based on rider endorsement or factory they contract to....we buy what we want based on what we think.....the rest of the squids don't even know about the AMA number one riders so why would they buy a bike or kit when a Nicky or Spies moves to GPs? well they would not because they barely know what GPs are....at least that is my observation....

And for the record, I am a the proud owner of a Ducati 900ss FE Silver (don't laugh) on Pirellis and I wear Dainese Leathers, boots and gloves, and have a Diabolic 1 Shoei helmet. And none of those purchases were based on the riders in Gps or WSBK or AMA or BSB....I just think the Ducati history and the Desmo system are great, Twins are better than in lines, and Dainese in all forms are cool
Very true, but when the dealer tells the squid 'that this is essentially the bike that Ben Spies won two championships on, or it's "very similar" to the bike that Nicky Hayden won a WC on, so you know it's fast', the squid's eyes light up.

And just to clarify, riders like Bostrom turned me on to Alpinestars and Suomy but my own personal opinion of the brands has kept me on. Similar to your thoughts on Dainese, who I also think is a great brand.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Jul 25 2008, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Very true, but when the dealer tells the squid 'that this is essentially the bike that Ben Spies won two championships on, or it's "very similar" to the bike that Nicky Hayden won a WC on, so you know it's fast', the squid's eyes light up.

These are the people I avoid riding with or near since they do think they are Spies or Nicky, but really ride like idiots....

just one example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqSOj17_Cm8