History In The Making
Last week, we got a look into what a Repsol edition 2021 CBR1000RR Fireblade would look like thanks to a dedicated MotoGP fan going the distance and going through the hassle of customizing their own motorcycle. Suzuki has taken the liberty to get a leg-up on Honda by releasing their own factory collection of special edition MotoGP tribute GSX-R1000R bikes.
Suzuki is screaming into 2021 with six official historic MotoGP designed liveries to pick from with their “Legends Edition” GSX-R1000R series of motorcycles.
The first motorcycle is dedicated to British Suzuki racer Barry Sheene and his RG500 race bike. Sheene won back to back titles in 1976 and 1977, and this livery captures the essence of his motorcycle and translates it to a 2021 superbike.
Shortly after Scheene’s success, Marco Lucchienlli joined the Suzuki racing team in 1976 for a short stint. He later re-joined the factory racing team in 1978 and won the 500cc world title years later in 1981.
The following year after Marco’s 500cc Suzuki reuniting success story, Franco Uncini had a great season with the team and rode himself into victory lane with five wins and a 27 point lead on the rest of the grid thanks to his tactful riding style and trusty Suzuki race bike.
Kevin Schwantz was next in the championship livery resurrection ceremony bringing his 1993 500cc title-winning motorcycle livery back to the future with the Schwantz edition.
Valentino Rossi is a legendary motorcycle racer… But imagine beating the amazing Vally Gold to a championship in your first year as a rider in the 500cc class? Kenny Roberts JR, son of Kenny Roberts (duh) has his championship-winning livery immortalized in both history and this sweet GSX-R1000R.
The final and most recent champion to have his livery transferred to the new GSX-R1000R is Joan Mir with his wicked journey to being the 2020 MotoGP champion.
All of these motorcycles will come stock with after-market Akrapovic exhaust systems and will only be available in Europe.
There’s no “c” in Sheene.
There’s no “I” in team either – ha, thanks. Updated! Appreciate it.
Wow you can order any of those color schemes? Suzuki really is doing something good here… very cool. Hard enough to choose which superbike… NOW you gotta pick what colors!
This is great – finally someone is offering some really special color options!