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LONDON, England – Suzuki’s restoration of racer Kevin Schwantz’s 1989 RGV500, on the brand’s stand during the 2017 Motorcycle Live (November 18-26) in Birmingham, central England, has been voted best manufacturer feature of that show.
The iconic Grand Prix machine – that’s the finished product in the image above – was stripped then meticulously restored in those nine days by Team Classic Suzuki chief mechanic Nathan Colombi as the crowds watched.
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The restoration was supported by Suzuki’s vintage parts programme – provider of some of the show’s headline entertainment in recent years – with the build of a brand-new TL1000S from genuine parts, the restoration of an original GSX-R750F, and the build of Team Classic Suzuki’s Katana which raced in the 2017 European Classic Endurance.
The award was handed out based solely on visitor feedback.
Suzuki GB’s aftersales marketing co-ordinator, Tim Davies, told Carman’s Corner in a media communication: “When we’re thinking of ideas for each show we just do what we know we’d like to see.
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”We’re enthusiasts, ultimately, the same as everybody who visits Motorcycle Live, and in 2017 were just as excited to see the full restoration of such an iconic race bike as everyone else.
”However, Motorcycle Live has lots of great features each year so it’s really special to know that what we did was appreciated. We’re very grateful for the title.”
Suzuki’s new SV650X was on display in the UK for the first time at the event.
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The Japanese brand displayed its full 2018 model range, as well as Michael Dunlop’s Isle of Man, Senior TT-winning GSX-R1000.
Motorcycle Live is biggest motorcycle show in the UK and takes place for nine days annually in November.
Get more information on Suzuki’s vintage parts programme or view its 2018 models
Get more information on Suzuki’s vintage parts programme or view its 2018 models
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