Former Yamaha AMA 250cc National Champion Roland Sands, world-renowned for his custom designed motorcycles, was commissioned by Spies to build a bike for “quick runs to the grocery store.” The bike features a host of genuine Yamaha GYTR accessories and a host of other high performance accessories.
“Ben is a tremendous talent and this is proven by his MotoGP Rookie of the Year award,” said Roland Sands, “and we feel this design best fits his determined riding style and drive.”
“Ben joined the Yamaha family just two years ago and immediately won the First World Superbike Championship for our company,” said Bob Starr, General Manager of National Communications, “this special WR450F we are presenting to him today is a small token of our appreciation for what he has accomplished in such a short time.”
The 26-year-old North American rider made a great impact in his debut season in the MotoGP, after he switched from Yamaha's World Superbike team – with whom he won the title in 2009 – to the Japanese manufacturer's satellite MotoGP squad, Tech 3, last winter. He has recently replaced Valentino Rossi in the Yamaha MotoGP team's lineup for the 2011 season, joining Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo.
At the same event, consumers also got the chance to take an up close look at the new line up of 2011 Yamaha motorcycles and ATV’s, including the new Stryker from Star Motorcycles, the new FZ-8, and the all new “Adventure Touring” Super Tenere.
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