Suzuki celebrates MotoGP Legend Kevin Schwantz by rolling out a very limited edition of the GSX-R1000A
Suzuki celebrates 25 years since their former World Champion and acclaimed rider Kevin Schwantz won the GP500 Championship with a limited edition motorcycle that’s a collector’s item right off the bat. Behold the GSX-R1000A 1988 Pepsi Suzuki RGV500 replica, a machine that simply oozes road racing history.
Even though the oldtimer was a 2-stroke beast and its modern replica is a high-tech 4-stroke in-line 4 machine, the overall looks hark back to the golden era of the “unrideable” motorcycles. The anniversary bike proudly shows off a livery that’s a faithful reproduction of the 1988 RGV500 Pepsi Suzuki, with its dominant white color and bold Pepsi logo, upswept tail, and sponsor decals.
Road racing fans will undoubtedly be fascinated by the yellow 34 racing number on the tail and front cowl. This number is so special that it was retired from GP500 (and later, MotoGP) when Kevin Schwantz decided to hang his leathers in 1995.
Besides the instantaneously recognizable livery, the bike also bears the insignia of Blade and MCN, UK’s famous MotorCycle News, while Kevin’s signature dominates the tank. The renowned R/GSX badge is complemented by the “Schwantz Edition” lettering on the fairings, too.
Only 25 such machines are available through select Suzuki dealers, making them as rare as they are beautiful. We got wind that a Suzuki GSX-R1000A Schwantz Edition can be had in the UK for just under 14,000 pounds, which makes for around $19,900 or 16,070 Euro. Customers who order the bike before 30 April will get a nifty bonus, too, courtesy of Yoshimura: a racing exhaust worth some 659 GBP ($935 or 755 Euro). On the tech side, nothing seems to be changed from the official figures.
Check with your nearest Suzuki dealer if you fancy riding the 34 GP machine replica.