Ben Spies Yamaha MotoGP Leather Jacket: Replica Guide

Ben Spies raced the Yamaha YZR-M1 in the blue, black and white livery of the factory Yamaha team in 2011, and the Ben Spies Yamaha 2011 MotoGP Leather Jacket is a replica inspired by that season. This guide covers the rider background, what the product page lists for materials and protection, and how to match the jacket to the way it will be ridden.

The Rider and the Season

Spies entered MotoGP in 2010 with Monster Yamaha Tech 3, finished sixth and won the Rookie of the Year award; for 2011 he was set to ride the factory Yamaha alongside Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Racing archive). The replica jacket refers to that factory season. It is a rider-inspired design, not the item he raced in.

Other designs from the rider are collected in the Ben Spies replica leathers range.

Materials and Build

The product page lists 1.2-1.3 mm drum-dyed milled cowhide described as hand-stitched, made-to-order construction since 2009, with safety stitching throughout all seams. Pre-curved sleeves are cut for the riding posture, and Kevlar-look Cordura stretch panels sit at the sleeves and calves. The front and cuffs close with YKK semi-auto-lock coil zippers, and the lining is 100 percent polyester mesh.

Livery and Colors

The listed colors are black, blue and white, in the style of the 2011 Yamaha team look. Riders who want the wider factory look can see the Yamaha race gear collection.

Protection and Standards

The product page lists removable CE-rated shoulder and elbow armor (EN 1621-1:2012), TPU-reinforced shoulder protectors and a removable back protector described as EN 1621-2 compatible. It names CE Level 2 (EN 1621-1:2012) as a separate add-on option, and it does not state which level the default armor is, so the level should be checked on the product page and order form before ordering. EN 1621-1 covers limb joint impact protectors and EN 1621-2 back protectors, and Level 2 allows lower transmitted force than Level 1 in laboratory testing (Wikipedia: motorcycle armor). The standard describes protector performance only; it is not an assurance of any outcome in a crash.

Options and Fit

• Speed hump: standard, ventilated or hydro variants.
• Perforation: from none to full perforation, to match the riding climate.
• Lining: removable lining and thermal removable lining are listed as add-on options.
• Sizing: standard sizes or a custom size.

Related designs are listed in the Jackets collection. A race-cut jacket should fit snugly at the shoulders and chest. For a more recent Yamaha design, compare the Yamaha 60th Anniversary racing jacket .

Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.