Kevin Schwantz interview | Kevin, the RGV500 and what was his career highlights?

Рет қаралды 60,072

Жыл бұрын

In this video it is our absolute honour to interview Kevin Schwantz. We get to ask Kevin for a few insights about each RG500 Kevin rode across the years up to the 1993 RGV 500 and chat about the most remarkable moments of Kevin’s career.
Kevin Schwantz 1989 Pepsi Suzuki RGV 500 - No other bike looks as bad-ass, rides as brutal or is even close as iconic as this machine is.
But then the rider! - few other riders can match Mr Kevin James Schwantz’s style and flare both on and off the circuit. ‘Joie de vivre’, a warm feeling in the heart is what any spectator will get when watching any race Kevin competed in during his career in the 1980’s and 90’s. A true legend.
From the iconic colour schemes of the 1989 Pepsi Suzuki to the Lucky Strike RGV500 1993, to some of Kevin’s moments, such as Wayne Rainey vs Kevin Schwantz, Kevin Schwantz Vs Mick Doohan, Kevin Schwantz 1993 Hockenheim, Kevin Schwantz wheelie, it’s difficult to say what exactly are Kevin Schwantz best moments, they were all truly fantastic from that golden era of 500cc GP racing.
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@darrenpugh8576 Жыл бұрын

His legendary status is cemented by the number of legendary riders who say Kevin was their favourite racer of all time.

@fryim06 Жыл бұрын

Definitely! One of the Big Greats!!!

@user-zx1ir7jt4c Жыл бұрын

Including one Valentino Rossi!

@robertthurman3743 Жыл бұрын

PF Chili named his son after him. That's gotta be something.

@scottsmith491 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely the true "golden age" The bikes, the riders and just the entire atmosphere of the racing at that time. There was just a very raw edge to it at that time.

@cavscout62 Жыл бұрын

As a Texan of the same basic age group and racer I followed Kevin very closely. People have funny ideas about we Texans, Cowboy Hats and Boots, Horses, blah blah blah. Yes, the majority of us carry a personal handgun and if you know Texas history you understand why. People seem to think we are angry, illiterate hicks however that’s just not the case. We are exactly the opposite but, we don’t like being told we “can’t” or “no” and we are Very Big on Loyalty. I personally believe it’s just an independence thing that we have in our genetics. Kevin was the perfect representative of our ROT and there will never be another. Thanks Kevin, you did us proud.

@gs1100ed 9 ай бұрын

Well said

@StefanMedici 6 ай бұрын

Although Edwards did a pretty good job of waving the flag too.

@michaelscurr9046 Жыл бұрын

I’m an Aussie loved watching Kevin take on Doohan and gardener. He was very classy rider and fearless. He was always one of my favourite riders of that era on those crazy machines All the best Kevin schwantz.

@soundzrinmygarden3833 Жыл бұрын

I loved Kevins riding style. He was like a motocross rider on a road bike, always sat right on top of it and went in and out of corners at angles, nobody else could replicate. The man was a genius.

@Gma7788 Жыл бұрын

That's what I say about myself. I'm still hear but most riders did a face plant into a car or something. I get a medal 🏅 each year I'm still alive. I'm really THAT good. I've heard all the BS and A kissing from humans, that now I know how to destroy it in an instant.

@benjaminkenny8492 Жыл бұрын

Yes I agree . I also think Kevin stoped a little early . He definitely had more wins in him . He was so gifted.🏁👍

@StefanMedici 6 ай бұрын

I only found out recently there's now a name for Kevin's riding style. They call it Goon, I assume it's bastardized short for hooligan. I remember late 90s the late great Abe had a very similar style.

@FerroH1338 Жыл бұрын

I am a motorcyclist from Portugal and I had the privilege to see Kevin Schwantz live in many GP... 34 Forever

@AS76950 Жыл бұрын

No one like Kevin dares to try to control a hurricane like that. He didn't need to push out the track other riders. His skills inspire generations. Beyond any limit he must go due to the lack of level from Yamaha and Honda. His wrists says it all, no one brakes like him. Even today i keep seeing his best moments, Assen, Suzuka, Salzburg, Hochenheim... Incredible what he could do with that wild beast. Thank you so much Dear Champion!!! 34 was only ONE!!!

@Gma7788 Жыл бұрын

But I'm number one. I've been number one all month. Racing is no good these days cause you're missing me out of it. I can explain everything to you but guys like Kevin can't, as you heard in the video. I knew that at the time.

@franklinwilkerson2061 Жыл бұрын

I love Kevin's quote about riding the RGV500: "Push, push, push, see God, Back Off!"

@QuicknStraight Жыл бұрын

Still my favourite racer, to this day. Flat-out from start to finish.

@lyndonbull3581 Жыл бұрын

Loved these days, this was my era. Kevin was my hero, Suzuki bikes through and through. Thanks guys for the upload.

@Gma7788 Жыл бұрын

KZfaq is MY tube. Those suzuki bikes should have all gone to me. I would have appreciated them all. In my hands, they would have been perfect each race.

@ImoldsoIknowstuff Жыл бұрын

I just loved this era of GP. Not taking anything away from the young blokes of today, but BY JEEEZUS!!! these guys had balls of steel. Kevin's rides at Hockenheim were incredible! Biggest brakes in the business.

@thekillercapricorn6334 Жыл бұрын

Schwantz, Doohan, Rainey, Biaggi..... Watching those guys ride the Unrideables as a kid got me into riding motorcycles. Still riding them to this day. Thanks for all the memories.

@ramizlayaud327 Жыл бұрын

I remember watching the GP live on TV, my heart pounding at every corners Kevin was taking, his Pepsi 2 stroke screaming and the nose pointing the sky…1989 was just a roller coaster of emotions for any Schwantz fan. He was and is still my hero, no one like Kevin, NO ONE. I had posters of his RGV Pepsi 34 in my room! What an era for moto 500GP!

@eddieanthonisse605 Жыл бұрын

Kevin Will be riding both the 89 Pepsi and the 93 RGV in Assen next year!

@MrEtnorb Жыл бұрын

I can still vividly recall his high side coming down from Lukey Heights into the right corner at Phillip Island in 1989

@gerryjamesedwards1227 Жыл бұрын

I could listen to Kevin reminisce for hours! What a rider!

@xipingpooh5783 Жыл бұрын

His win in 1994 was on July 4th and I can remember feeling like it may very well be one of his last. As it turns out it was his last. It’s very fitting that it took place at Donnington Park. I am fortunate to be able to say I saw it on TV, and as an American celebrating our independence that day as Kevin carried the Stars and Stripes was quite emotional. Thanks for the memories Kevin!!

@YouCantSawSawdust Жыл бұрын

Why is it "very fitting" that his last win was in the U.K.?

@xipingpooh5783 Жыл бұрын

@@YouCantSawSawdust kevin loved the British fans and he was a master of the Donnington Circuit winning in 1989, 1990,1991,1994.

@YouCantSawSawdust Жыл бұрын

@@xipingpooh5783 He said in the interview his favourite circuit was SUZUKA.

@xipingpooh5783 Жыл бұрын

@@YouCantSawSawdust 1) an American wins British Grand Orix 2) an American rides around the track celebrating a victory on a British track holding an American flag 🇺🇸 3) in the United States it’s 4th of July. The celebration of our Independence by defeating the British. 4) Schwartz won there 4 times 5) his largest fan base is in the UK 🇬🇧 6) The Suzuki GP Team base of operations was in Britain 🇬🇧 I’d say in my personal view that Is a “very fitting” last win of Kevin’s GP career. Wether or not you agree or disagree is not important.

@YouCantSawSawdust Жыл бұрын

@@xipingpooh5783 Listen to the interview. Don't put words in his mouth. HE said Suzuka was the most special to him.

@hondambx80 Жыл бұрын

1991 dutch gp assen still gives me the chills. What a race was that, the victory lap with the american flag , the sound and smell. I will never forget it!

@usernameenabled Жыл бұрын

What a brilliant interview. Thanks Guys

@claytonknight3078 Жыл бұрын

Passing Rainey at Hockenheim on the last lap was maybe the greatest pass I have ever seen! Just a monster on the brakes. Beating the Honda's and Yamaha's in that era was unreal, and you should have gotten a special award just for keeping up with them. No other teammate ever did what you did. You were truly amazing sir!

@EmperorNerox Жыл бұрын

Intro is badass Kevin flying around Macau GP in 1988 on the backwheel when he won!!! That course is fkng balls.

@robertveronese4405 Жыл бұрын

I saw him ride at willow springs before he was famous. He almost lapped the whole field!

@gitaneVYS491R Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed that. The Rainey / Szhwantz years, for me, haven't been bettered, or equalled, during my time as a race fan.

@saturday7 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. Great to hear Kevin's views and recollections. For me he brought something to a race that few riders do. Every generation has their heroes but few match Kevin's unique style and panache. Great racer.

@mikecocoprint4894 Жыл бұрын

What an absolute joy of a video.. I am 55 years old now and I haven’t been on the bike for years.. I’ve never written a four stroke bike actually that’s a lie. I rode a TT 600 across Australia, but before that it was rg500 , TZR 250, rgv250, rg250 …lc250 …lc350x3 ..x7 ..and puch maxi .. what exhaust ports raise so high it never came in power lol .. oh also three, RD, 250 LCs .. also because I’m completely mad, I put the dispatch rider on a tunned 350lc in London..before sat nav .. I spent more money on two-stroke oil ..than I earned.. Soho wheelies lol .. keep up the good work. Absolutely fantastic.

@petrolrevolt Жыл бұрын

Glad to know it wasn’t only me to do crazy stuff like that. I did a paper-round when I was 16 on a DT50 😂

@mikecocoprint4894 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant 🤩

@sprngrdave Жыл бұрын

Great Interview with an Extremely Humble & Classy Racer. Nice follow up after riding that ‘89 Monster of a bike

@eaglestrikes1 Жыл бұрын

Legend

@robchaloult5487 3 ай бұрын

Champion, legend and a great personality. Splendid interview filled with some wonderful insights. Well done Petrol Revolt.

@TheServal Жыл бұрын

Love to hear the old dogs of war talk about the battles!

@susanbutler2498 Жыл бұрын

I Finally get to hear my Hero of the 2 Stroke Golden Age!!! Frickin' LEGEND! NZ!! : )

@blacklight4460 Жыл бұрын

No one had more flash factor back then. Schwantz always went balls to the wall!

@g.wenisch4481 Жыл бұрын

.....what an interview......great......i can feel your deep respect to that handsome warrior. Next step is to arrange a personal meeting between Kevin and his 89 bike. Please.......please.....please try that event!!!!!!!!!

@davidherringgo Жыл бұрын

Awesome interview I could listen to Kevin talk all the day. His recollection is razor sharp

@jeffestrada6857 Жыл бұрын

Kevin Shwantz & Suzuki BOTH LEGENDS 👍👍👍

@d1want34 10 ай бұрын

Schwantz v Rainey, Prost v Senna is what I grew up watching. I'm blessed to have watched them in my childhood.

@C_Dana Жыл бұрын

Great show PetrolRevolt. Kevin's recollections are priceless. He was always my fav rider after Barry Sheene retired. Glad Kevin is still doing well and hope he has a video of all his race bikes in action. Since he lives in Texas, COTA would be an obvious choice but he mentioned Suzuka and Donington Park as his favs.

@dougiequick1 Жыл бұрын

I'm 70ish now and this interview made me think of my own favorite moments racing. I raced MX mosting in over the hill years and was dog slow yet STILL there were moments that just made me feel like a million dollars like the ONE time I got the most amazing hole shot in a race mixed with experts was a brand new rear tire and I literally wheelied through the gears all the way to the first corner and led the race for a short time DAMN that one thing made it all worth it ,,,people wonder how tail enders enjoy racing but it is the same as the front runners there is always someone you can beat there are often wonderful times, The best bart of that one day was having a few guys I did not even know find me in the pits just to say how awe struck they were with my start ,,,,damn that felt good to an older guy

@boxboxbox624 Жыл бұрын

I had his race helmet. I got it at Eastern Creek Raceway, just west of Sydney. I treasured it for years but was forced to sell it to pay bills. I sold everything else so there was no way I could have kept it. Such is life. Kevin is still the bomb and the goat!

@jerl.980 9 ай бұрын

Watching him race live was the most entertaining motorsport i ever watch. He was driving at the absolute limit all the time like Villeneuve or Sena in F1.

@makkonenpaavo4675 7 ай бұрын

A class act. We need more of his kind in top level sports. And in everything, i guess.

@ianmangham4570 Жыл бұрын

Great to see Kevin still on this rock 🌎 💯🤟

@iand5706 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for going to the trouble, of making this and the RGV500 video happen. Great content!

@petrolrevolt Жыл бұрын

🙏 Ian

@vssjim4311 Жыл бұрын

Always my Hero.... and even though he came from an 'era' of greats.... i liked em all, steady Eddie, Rainey, Gardner, etc etc.....

@wheelspin10 Жыл бұрын

Great to see this. See his eyes light up on talking about the 89 vs 93 bike. Need more stuff like this. How about a chat with mamola, or doohan.or rainy.? And there bikes and races

@christoperdevore3617 Жыл бұрын

Always loved Randy. Had his poster up for years.

@crazecol Жыл бұрын

Brilliant interview guys loved watching #34 back in the day loved the 1993 lucky strike rgv what a machine !

@65sneaky Жыл бұрын

Loved that, thanks guys. I'm lucky enough to have seen all of KS's races at Donny, bought a pair of his boots at the Day of Champions and got invited to the Schwantz family BBQ, my absolute hero. Cant believe Danny got to ride his '89 bike, so jealous !!!!

@leslieharding7514 Жыл бұрын

What a great episode, cheers guys

@garykelly4689 Жыл бұрын

Great interview all round lads

@rong.7768 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this interview. Some of my great legends!

@tedbaxter5234 Жыл бұрын

What fun! Thank you!

@kristalpalace Жыл бұрын

Top stuff, great interview guys.

@LiquidAudio 8 ай бұрын

Awesome interview, love KS!

@PlTBULL Жыл бұрын

Excellent content!

@freddykoopmans6985 11 ай бұрын

Respect for his loyalty to Suzuki, and respect for the racing he did show us. He was on the posters in my workshop, and he was a big inspiration for my racing career and working live, Thank Kevin for That!

@EV4RY Жыл бұрын

My first racing hero, great interview thank you all ❤

@pointnozzleaway 8 ай бұрын

Kevin Schwantz brought me into the Sportbike Thing ! 👍

@nampow Жыл бұрын

Brilliant.. Could listen to his stories all night.. Legend from my childhood memories, to the point of buying an rg125 at 16.. Wow 35 years ago..

@johnbunkoski6671 Жыл бұрын

THIS IS GREAT ! I could listen to Kevin tell his memorys all day long . Is the best and most entertaining GP rider as far I'm concerned . Racing or Crashing he was never boring . Thank you for memorys KEVIN .

@gpz7525 Жыл бұрын

The legend🥇🏆👑💚❤️

@puckle69 Жыл бұрын

Great interview, could listen to KS34 all day long. Followed his career from Trans-Atlantic races through GP’s & had the great pleasure watching him along with Rainey, Doohan & Roberts fire up Goodwood last year, magic moment 👌

@sonnysulaksanasoetadi9902 Жыл бұрын

Kevin is the legen driver for suzuki bles you mr Kevin hope you still healty god luck

@ninja12lawbreaker Жыл бұрын

Legend. When the wife and I see a footballer being tripped up we always laugh and talk about the likes of Kevin losing his bike in the wet from the lead, keeping hold of the clutch whilst bouncing down the back straight at 160mph, getting back on the bike and fighting his way back to second or third with 2 or 3 broken fingers on his clutch hand. Legend

@andis9076 Жыл бұрын

I remembered he always slow at the start then start passing every driver one by one then challenging #1 spot at the end.

@NatMart9394 Жыл бұрын

Awesome memories came flooding back for me too.

@joestrickland5153 Жыл бұрын

Great interview

@petrolrevolt Жыл бұрын

🙏

@takeonetheater Жыл бұрын

Well done ..when we were young!

@rochellestanley9532 Жыл бұрын

Very unique riding style, fun to watch..

@Twobarpsi Жыл бұрын

Kevin is one of the greats!

@robertthurman3743 Жыл бұрын

I can't believe you guys didn't show the Hockenheim '91 clip. It was epic Kevin. I had a chance to talk with him at Mid-Ohio in the late 90's about it. I had 3 minutes with the guy and he was kind, polite and completely gracious.

@kevinbovin7856 Жыл бұрын

Kevin was an animal loved every race whether he finished or not.i was pretty down when he retired.thanks kevin

@eatsblades Жыл бұрын

Not just the racing the racers who literally diced with death or serious injury, but also the characters, the emotions

@travisguide4516 Жыл бұрын

What a amazing intimate understanding of what it was really like so cool dude

@freshconnekt Жыл бұрын

So cool!!

@ianhoyle8459 9 ай бұрын

This is the best video I’ve seen with Kevin speaking. I wondered why he doesn’t own his ‘89 bike, do you know? I went to BGP in ‘91 and Kevin pulled right opposite me on the track it was amazing to see him and the bike close up!

@type1krush205 Жыл бұрын

I had a YAMAHA TZR 125 back in the early 90s when I was 17 and I can tell you I used to idolise the Magical Moto GP riders back then ..... Schwantz , Doohan , Rainey , Kocinski....... There will never be any riders like them again ! True Hall of Famers

@HUSKY7-1 Жыл бұрын

Brand new RG500 in the crate, every two stroke fan's dream becomes reality.

@stevejordan103 Жыл бұрын

Always my favourite 500 rider

@YouCantSawSawdust Жыл бұрын

Listening to his comments on how light and how hard the 1989 era bikes were to ride explains why only the Aussies and Yanks could take them to the limit. Euros and English had no idea,as they didn't grow up on dirt track like Aussies and Americans. In latter year's when big-bang came,the Euro and U.K.mid-pack riders started to get near the podium. They should have kept them wild and light. I enjoyed watching the best riders.

@TheFender18 Жыл бұрын

My motorcycle hero from day 1 thanks for the memories schwantz

@PeterOKeeffe3333 Жыл бұрын

Kevin Schwantz my all time hero, some man to ride an unrideable bike, and just made it look easy to us watching at home, but far from it, what a legend.

@acceleratefaster46 Жыл бұрын

Two stroke era was ❤️.

@specop67 Жыл бұрын

Had the pleasure of watching him race at Donington, used to sit between McLeans and Coppice, could watch them come down through craner curves then past the spark plug then in front of us, can still smell the two stroke oil now thinking about it 😃

@petergrundy8081 Жыл бұрын

My absolute hero

@andydesilva2163 Жыл бұрын

Kevin still number 1# true star

@steadytube Жыл бұрын

man what a legend

@dgochez Жыл бұрын

I had a tuned 250 2 stroke motocross bike, and the thing was violent. So I can relate to an extent. Those narrow powerband, high revving engines might not be the most effective but they are incredibly fun to ride.

@stephendineen4419 8 ай бұрын

In 92 I bought a RG125F new, because it was the closest I could have to being Kevin Schwantz. To this day, there is no other rider to compare to that time for me. A Gentleman, a Scholar and a grand judge of whiskey. I'm Irish, what ye expect. I never met the man but maybe some day?

@spencerwvcmoon 3 ай бұрын

I was at assen 96 what a guy a truly noble warrior

@johnshanks5593 Жыл бұрын

He was my hero, half the reason I bought an RGV250 when I got my licence,

@gazwit1603 Жыл бұрын

Balls of steel

@GNARGNARHEAD Жыл бұрын

oh man I'd love to see him ride those bikes again 😀

@stephenbuckby7700 Жыл бұрын

So proud I grew up in this era watching him at Donny and Mallory with me dad happy days

@thecornishbiker9323 Жыл бұрын

Was at Donington the day he came off on the oil. He is an absolute legend.

@alanraven7539 Жыл бұрын

brill vid..... he was the real deal brill!

@muhammadfairus9691 Жыл бұрын

Legend Kevin Scwhants😎👍

@princesssolace4337 Жыл бұрын

In 1990 I was choosing between TZR250 and NSR250 and he was the reason I got my first 250 bike a Suzuki with Pepsi livery and my only Suzuki.

@aggravatedprogressive7443 Жыл бұрын

A real racers racer.

@philipgreensmith1694 18 күн бұрын

I was there at Donnington with the flag 👍 The golden era! Rainey, gardner, kev, doohan, all heroes but kev was the 1 👌

@neilsimone7691 Жыл бұрын

top man kev

@mikecocoprint4894 Жыл бұрын

Can we see a review of all of the NSR250’s also my all time favourite bike, the reverse cylinder, TZr ..and what about a fizzy lol😮