Few riders have left racing with such great prestige and such widespread, across-the-board, almost universal public affection for Kevin Schwantz. The legendary Suzuki rider, for whom he raced his entire career in the 500cc class, only won one title during his time in the world championship (1993), but his entertaining riding style, his daring – never beyond the limits of correctness – on the track, his creativity in overtaking attempts and his ability to tame the two-stroke RGV500 when there was still no traction control and all the electronics we see on MotoGP bikes today.
Kevin is and remains a motorcycling icon and Suzuki had already dedicated a limited edition bike to him, the GSX-R1000 Legend Edition, when in 2021 it intended to celebrate the Japanese manufacturer’s seven world titles with seven special versions of its sports bike, each with a livery dedicated to each title/rider (two different graphics were released for Barry Sheene’s two titles). But the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Texan’s 500cc title and his participation in Autolook Week in Turin was the perfect opportunity to present another Schwantz-dedicated version of a Suzuki motorcycle, the GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition.
Let’s start by saying that, technically, the limited edition version of the Suzuki streetfighter is no different from the GSX-8S, the differences are all in the equipment and the color, inspired by that of the Suzuki RGV500 ridden by the Houston champion in the season that culminated in the world title. Hence the “tobacco” paintwork with a white base combined with red and green, very recognizable and – for those who lived through that era or for those who are fascinated by it today – capable of thrilling, with the number 34 appearing proudly on the sides.
Only five GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Editions will be available, and each unit is numbered and autographed by the Texan rider, as well as accompanied by a certificate of exclusivity: to get them, you don’t have to go to the dealership, but wait until 9:34 a.m. on September 4, when the bike can be reserved on the e-commerce platform at www.suzuki.it.
The price of the GSX-8S Kevin Schwantz Edition is €11,490 including VAT (the standard model costs €8,900), but when you reserve it on the website you’ll need to pay a deposit of €500, you’ll then receive a confirmation email and, within two working days, you’ll be contacted by the seller to make an appointment at the dealership to finalize the purchase and agree on the delivery time or method.