Kevin Schwantz and the Suzuki RGV500 defined the 500cc Golden Era. While the RGV lacked the raw horsepower of its Honda and Yamaha rivals, it was a precision scalpel in the corners. Schwantz famously wrestled the machine, pushing it beyond its mechanical limits with a visual style where the rear wheel seemed permanently sideways and on the edge of disaster.
His success relied on heroic late braking. To compensate for the bike’s top-speed deficit, Schwantz stayed on the gas terrifyingly late, coining the philosophy, "When I see God, I know it's time to brake." This aggressive approach, combined with the iconic Lucky Strike livery, made the #34 Suzuki the most electric spectacle on the grid.
This volatile partnership culminated in the 1993 World Championship. Moments like his physics-defying pass at Hockenheim ’91 cemented his legacy as a rider who didn't just pilot the RGV500, but forced it to win through sheer will. His impact was so profound that the FIM permanently retired his legendary number 34.
*image(s) for illustration purposes. Actual product is 1:18 scale diecast model.
