Yamaha MotoGP Factory Riders Teach Class In Indonesia

By Anne Proffit

Anne Proffit

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822 views Jan 16, 2012

Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies - Yamaha photo

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The two Yamaha Factory MotoGP riders took their knowledge to Indonesia, where they spent a one-day visit in Jakarta, sharing at least some of their valuable riding knowledge with up and coming racers riding in the Indonesian Yamaha R Series Cup. 

This program is part of Yamaha's very unique Coaching Clinic in which the two MotoGP stars gave tips on rider positioning, cornering and overtaking to the delighted local riders.

Following the morning coaching session, Lorenzo continued the visit by helping Yamaha Motor Indonesia launch its new Yamaha Byson motorcycle, as more than 3000 Indonesian Yamaha dealers looked on. This special event took place just outside Jakarta. 

The 150-cc Yamaha Byson street motorcycle is the new star machine for the company's Indonesian retail efforts. Ben Spies intended to assist in the launch but a bout of food poisoning unfortunately held him away from the festivities.

"It's been a pleasure to meet the new Indonesian racers of the future," Lorenzo stated. "I think with good teachers, they can be professional riders in world championships. It was important, as well, for us to see all the dealers here in Indonesia this afternoon, who sell all the Yamaha bikes; I hope we helped to motivate them to achieve success in 2012," he said.

Spies found it "extremely cool to come here and meet the Indonesian people. They've been so warm and welcoming to me. I'm really sorry to have not been able to meet all the dealers this afternoon--just my luck to get struck down with a bug today," he apologized. 

"I'm off to Bali now to recover and take a few days rest," Spies continued, "but I'm already looking forward to another opportunity to come back here again and see everyone!"

The Yamaha Factory Team will take part in MotoGP's first sanctioned test of the 2012 season, which takes place January 31 to February 2 at the Sepang race track in Malaysia.