Suzuki RG500 – Photo credit: Jan & Hetty Burgers
2014 marks the fortieth anniversary of the introduction of the Suzuki RG500. Barry Sheene clinched the 1976 and 1977 World Championships on the then water-cooled square-four, whereas also the Italian duo of Marco Lucchinelli and Franco Uncini were crowned Suzuki World Champions in 1981 and 1982. Suzuki icon Kevin Schwantz finally got his 500cc world title on the new V4 in 1993 and Kenny Roberts Junior was Suzuki’s last World Champion in 2000. The organisation of the Bikers’ Classics simply cannot leave this special anniversary of the RG unnoticed and will work together with the specialists of Amicale Spirit of Speed in order to present a unique field of Suzukis at Europe’s biggest Classic race event in that first July weekend of 2014.
However, the Suzuki’s fortieth ‘birthday’ will by means be the only highlight of the 2014 Bikers’ Classics. Many different sorts of entertainment should provide enough excitement to keep the many fans happy at the three-day party. The organisation is collaborating with a number of bike clubs to offer them a platform to present themselves at the Bikers’ Classics. Apart from that, as always, the often rare and stunning bikes of the 700 track day participants and of course the bikes of the big stars will be put on show in the paddock.
On Saturday night, no less than eighty teams will start the sixth edition of the spectacular 4 Hours of Spa Classic. Prior to this second round of the European Classic Series, all Bikers’ Classics participants will do their, by now, traditional lap on the old 14 kilometer/8.7 mile long circuit of Spa-Francorchamps.
Soon after the successful eleventh edition, the organisation started working on the 2014 Bikers’ Classics. For some time now negotiations and talks are ongoing with many former World Champions and other world-class riders. The organisers can confirm that once more the Sidecars will play an important role at the event. It goes without saying that true Classic race fans are in for another treat at the 2014 Bikers’ Classics. Therefore, the first weekend of July, from Friday 4th until Sunday 6th, can be marked on your 2014 calendar!
