It breaks my heart every time I hear Kevin say it wasn’t worth it, you can see the pain in his eyes! Although Wayne was his bitterest rival he would rather have been second than see what happened to him, a true champion, a true gentleman and a true bike hero!
I'm proud to say I knew both of these men - met them on the AMA Superbike series back in the mid 80's. You can't find two more different individuals. Wayne was focused, smooth, serious. At the track he was quiet and totally there to win. I remember a quote about Laguna saying "All I need is a three inch wide track." He had an incredible robotic precision - he'd knock off practice laps that would be within .002-.003 seconds lap after lap. Kevin was a blast to be around (he pushed me off the highway more than once, I often found my rental car either moved or tucked against the hotel on the sidewalk) and you never knew what was coming next from him. He gave me some of the best memories of my two years of involvement with Superbikes. Wayne was so very, very smooth. He never looked like he was working the bike, just flowing and fluid. Kevin was a bull dog and threw the bike everywhere. He was all over the machine forcing it to go where he wanted. Two absolutely stellar individuals.
@Dubavko Janusic, nah. The reason is that Hondas & Yamahas are much richer factories than Suzuki and their bikes have always had more power. It's amazing that Schwantz was able to even stay with them, let alone beat them. He had to ride twice as hard to get the same result.
I get tears in my eyes. I watched them then and I admired them both then... I admire them even more now! What an era, what machines, what riders we could watch! And they would never have become so good without each other. What if Kevin could trade his championship for "new" legs for Wayne... "I'd rather be 2nd..." He still would be #34 and the most determined and entertaining rider, and the king of the Suzuki fans of the time and a big man of sports.
I grew up watching these 2 riders fight out in the championship. No matter how great riders of nowadays are/will be - no one will ever reach the intensity these guys delivered in this sport and how they defined my passion for MotoGP! Wayne, Kevin - thanks for wonderful years of racing and fantastic battles!!!
Kevin, my all time favourite racer, world champion in 1993, 51 stage places, 25 winnings and 29 pole positions. He's a down to earth guy, no star allures and he had this spectacular racing style. #34 is reserved, noone else can ride with that number, in respect for the great Kevin.
I remember being on my dads lap watching the GP500 races and cheering on Wayne. My dad used to ice drag Yamaha snowmobiles so I`ve always been a Yamaha fan. I remember that I actually cried when I heard the news that Wayne was never going to race again in 93. I was 7 then, and I still get butterflies when I see that red #1 Marlboro Yamaha in videos.
I was 15. I was studying in the USA and got the news via my cousin who sent me a letter and a magazine on that race (I could not watch the GPs on tv during my year in the US) I was shocked and terribly sad when I received the news that he could not race again.
Brings back such great memories. That crash is when I decided not to get into racing, seriously. I was watching the race on TV, that day, Rainey was riding on a whole other level. He did everything right, and was expanding his lead. Then he crashed. Later I thought, man, if Rainey can make such a mistake and pay the price he did to live to talk about it, I’ll end up in the morgue.
Rainey was racing for a team and sponsors he was getting paid millions and had pressure to perform. He wasn't at track day putting around the track. Lol. His crash wouldn't have anything to do w it you raced and crashes. You don't have to push yourself that much of you don't want to, unless like the rest of us u can't control that part of urself and go nuts. Lol
Wayne Rainey was Mr consistency he was so smooth and gentle with the bike no wonder why he won 3 world championships Kevin Schwartz one of the most naturally gifted racers of all time it's a crying shame that he never fulfilled his full potential even tho he won the world title but his aggressive fast hard riding style was what made him truly exciting to watch a bit like the late Colin McRae despite the fact he only won the world championship once but his style in the way he drove the car in the WRC made him an instant fans favourite Full respect to these legends
Wayne Rainey was like Tommi Makinen in WRC 90s. Consistent, Smooth, Gentle and Multiple champions, I absolutely agree with the fact you're saying Kevin was like Colin McRae in WRC. Coincidentally their race winning stats are similar to Makinen and McRae on the top tier championship. Wayne Rainey and Tommi Makinen had 24 premier class wins, Kevin Schwantz and Colin McRae had equally 25 wins to their names
@@garinakbar1907 omg I’ve only just realised that now that is fascinating stat, Makkinen and Rainey both won 24 races and McRae and Schwantz won 25 The only difference is Tommi won 4 world titles whiles Wayne won 3
Ahh the memories 🤗 I'm Aussie and Doohan was my man as was Gardner, Beatie and McCoy but those yanks (Rainey, Schwartz, lawson and Roberts jr) were fantastic. They are all heroes of mine and I miss the 2 stroke era dearly...... Thank you 👍
Rainey was better and more consistent overall but Kevin was the best on the absolute edge. Both are legends!!! If it came down to it, I would refuse to choose between the two.
Glorious days. I remember getting my first job in a bakery at the age of 16 and i saved and saved and saved to buy myself a nice bike. After three years of sweating in front of those ovens the great day came when i left my London flat at 4am and rode all the way to the south of France for a 3 month riding holiday. Every corner and every motorway mile I was Schwantz, McKenzie, Rainey and big McElnea, riding to victory for my engineers and mechanics lol. Happy HAPPY days...
I ran into Kevin at Laguna Seca back in 2005, Hayden won the race but it was in the time off the Rossi domination, Kevin was telling this story how a reporter approached him and asked a fantasy race question " Kevin, if you were racing today with Rainey...Eddie....Mick....Freddie.. and Rossi...., who do you think would win..? and Kevin replied " I don't know who would win..... But Rossi would loose.
You had to be really special to ride those big two strokes, they were PURE EVIL !! Only half a dozen guys in the whole world really had the measure of them.
Rossi rode 2 strokes too, I think it would be a very good race but if it was a whole season rossi would win the championship. Schwantz is my fave though, hes a true racers racer
I grew up watching "bike hero" which documented Kevin's career in the 80s and early 90s with lucky strike and Pepsi... and Wayne was the Marlboro man. What a great rival. You're courage sustains me
Never rained when it was Rainey,Kenny's boy was is a legend but that's when you used pure talent no rider aids,2 stokes massive power,I enjoy going back looking at Rainey work his magic,I was in tears when he had his accident my dad couldn't believe how upset I was at 15..but when you watch someone like Wayne in bad times he got me through a shit childhood.thanks from your 🇬🇧 fan club..👋👍
Really good video, thank you! Always thought Rainey had the upper hand on Schwantz most of the time. But I always liked Schwantz riding style more It was much more enjoyable to watch. You never knew what he was going to do during a race. And his late braking was very impressive and he rewrote the limits on late breaking.
These guys were greats. Rainey was as precise as you could get, Schwantz had the ability to push himself and the bike beyond there limits, Doohan had freakish riding skill and mastered the nasty Honda. All complimented each other so well, what a great era! Watching these guys get on the power coming onto the pit straight at Eastern Creek Raceway ( 91 or 92 I think?) is burnt into my memory!
What an era for road racing that was ! Those bikes were brutal and nobody came out unscathed ! Schwantz was my favourite back then for the way he rode and his persona ! Have even more respect for the guy after the 'I'd have rather finished second' comment ! I don't doubt for a minute he'd give that hard won championship away tomorrow for Rainey to still be walking ! Two legends of the sport whatever and I'm glad they get on better now !
I remember watching this era . I can honestly say as good as MOTOGP is the 500 era was by far the best . You can also see in Kevins eyes when he is talking about Raineys career and life changing crash how he feels about it . Truely the most underrated champion of his era
I had the pleasure of seeing the 1987 AMA Superbike race at Sears Point. Schwantz jumped the flag during the qualifying round and started the main in the last row. He then proceeded to blitz the whole field including Rainey and win the race. I was a fan for life. This era of MotoGP was the absolute best. I've probably watched Schwantz pass Rainey @ Hockenheim 500 times. These two gave us so many classic moments.
I knew these guys when the raced Superbikes in the mid 1980s. Two of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. All that talent and just good people too.
I had the TERRIFIC opportunity to talk with Wayne for several minutes of personal conversation, at the 2016 MotoAmerica Races at Road Atlanta... I am also "physically limited" due to a near-fatal bike crash, but am fortunate enough that I am not in a wheelchair. But as I was voicing my respect and admiration for how he has continued to remain a Major Force in the Sport he Loves so much ... HE focused on Encouraging ME to continue to "Fight the Challenges" and to do all that I am capable of doing..!! And I DO do that...including still riding a 170mph Yamaha, and even doing an occasional Track Day at Road ATL or other nearby Tracks, in spite of a fractured lumbar, artificial rt hip and left knee, and a variety of other injuries... But I DO also 'struggle' with the frustration those limits create... and I very well understand just HOW MUCH Wayne must continue to "Fight the Challenges" as he goes forward with all that he is still doing within this wonderful, but Dangerous, Sport...
There was a degree of respect when they raced each other, but they really didn't like each other at all back then. I noticed they're still taking little pokes at each other now. Always racers, no matter what. Boy I miss those two-strokes though. There's probably only a small percentage of the top Moto GP riders that could handle them at their limits. The newest bikes might be faster, but those 500's were completely ferocious.
Kevin had an artistry in contrast to Wayne's precision riding always appealed to the romantic in me. One thing I noticed watching old races where they ran hard against each other is that whatever their differences, their sportsmanship never lacked. They always shake hands on the warmdown laps and have affable chats during podium/post-race coverage, no doubt recapping their dogfights.
*Met them both several times, but must admit prejudice for Kevin as had an Suzuki Pepsi RG500 Replica, what a beast. Both Signed my GP Winners Book but Kevin in Pink Ink.*
I loved Wayne Rainey back in those days but I always rooted for Kevin for his wild style riding and he was just plain cool. I miss those 2 stroke motoGP days
Senna and Prost. Loved watching these guys at their peak, huge Rainey fan , respect to Schwantz for showing his human side. Senna and Prost needed each other and so did Rainey and Schwantz to push the limits. Credit all 4 of them for giving us a show
Kevin is my childhood hero. Watching him race was amazing, his grit, his determination and mostly his ability to race on a knife edge was something that racers today don’t have. The two stroke five hundreds were essentially an extremely fast, road going rocket ship and no one could captain one quite like Kevin.
Had quite a bit to do with both from the late 80's until the crash, the big difference between their relative success was their management, Whilst Stu Shenton was great, Rainey did his apprenticeship with Roberts, made a huge difference to championships.
True. People I have spoken to say Rossi is the greatest but he never competed properly with those legends. Big Bang Era riders are the best there will ever be.
These two men started my fascination with the sport bikes when I was 10 years old in the 90s. I used to love to look at the magazines in the pictures of these two guys on their bikes With the cigarette sponsorship. The Lucky strike in Marlboro bike will forever be in my heart
Forgive the offensive language but Schwantz rode with his balls -Rainey with his head - I think it was Wayne who said "to be 1st, first you have got to finish". Only a few will remember that the year that Wayne crashed out he was a dead cert to be champion but Yamahas then were poor especially in frame technology which meant that Wayne had to ride at 11 10ths to be a front runner andI believe this is what caused his career ending crash. I love both of these men as heroes to this day - Happy memories of this era of 500's....
I was newly born when they race in 91 at Assen. I wish I could've watch these races . 500 cc 2 stroke, no traction control, no launch control, no other aids.....nothing but skills. Nothing against the current crop of motogp riders but the 500cc riders are the beasts.
classic battle...i'm lovin it..i'm so glad to be watch this race in his era...i was a kid..this two men fire me up with racebike's....respect to both of you!!!!!!
I could be wrong but my first time at a live event was 1986 what was then Sears Point Rainey and Schwantz had their first start to finish race. And what a race it was. They finished Rainey Schwantz 1 2. But a distant Fred Merkel got the win. What a show they put on. I was hooked from that day.
Always been a Schwantz guy. He rode on the edge because he had to with inferior equipment, and it was exciting. From the Superbikes to the 500 two stroke monster's, what a great time in motorcycle racing.
Man I hate seeing that crash. Brings back memories of a very sad time. My first GP was Laguna and he was only there in spirit. I was a Supersport racer and Wayne was my idol.
Fighting each other and hating each other is two different things. These legends fought and pushed each other. They had so much respect for each others talent. Compare this to the Rossi vs Biaggi circus.
Agreed. Watching old races, their sportsmanship is impeccable. Always a handshake on the warmdown lap after a duel, and affable conversation clearly being had about their dogfight during the post-race and podium coverage. Tremendous competitors.
500cc 2-strokes. the sound......the SMELL.........i miss those heady days. the bikes, the colours, the charismatic smiling riders, and FULL GRIDS. blimey, the bikes on the grid seemed to never end. brilliant days.
2018: Marc Marquez is an awesome rider, but guess, what happened, if he would do his current style on a "not computer-aided" racing bike: he wouldn't complete a single lap. Even if today's electronics-packed motoGP bikes had 500 hp, they would be easier to handle than the 160 hp 2-stroke machines of the early 90s. Then, ALL riders were permanently on a razor's edge.
Smooth like Rainey or aggressive like Schwantz. True men on authentic motorcycles!
Frankie Fuente True. I’m not a big fan of comparing decades but MM93‘s last Moto2 race opened my eyes about him. From 17 in the starting grid to the win. And we all know there are no electrics in Moto2! He is the most talented rider today and i think he can handle anything. But? Two-strokes were special. They ended careers and more! Would be interesting to watch.
I never really liked Schwantz back then watching em race , I knew there was a rivalry between them and I enjoyed seeing Rainey beat him as much as I loved seeing Gardner beat Rainey , I never knew they became friends after there careers ended and now seeing it and also hearing Schwantz say he would’ve happily taken second place in the championship and never to win one just to see Rainey continue racing shows me now how wrong I was about this as infact he he an absolute legend of his time and was 100% correct in saying that those days of racing were the best years in moto GP
I dont care what anybody says the bikes & the riders, were the best in the eighties and nineties. No rider aids , and plenty of power , good old two stroke racing. And as for kevin & wayne what a pair of legands. So sad how it ended for wayne really bad luck.
Jeez, You have to give respect to Kevin Schwantz, after he won the title he said "We put ourself in a position to take advantage of any doors that were open to us, & we still earned it, we wer,nt given it, & i would rather have come 2nd, than become Champion in this way". Wayne & Kevin took G. P. 500 racing to a whole new level, the way that they pushed themselves to the limit, even with Mick Doohan, in the mix, it was always Kevin & Wayne, Wayne & Kevin, you can have it any way that you want, Kevin won more races than Wayne, but Wayne won more titles, i think that they are both Apex racers, thanks for the memories guys, god bless you.
What a great video! imagine a top rider from the current era trying to be as fast on those bikes?! no wheelie control, no traction control..Bet the best of now don't stand a chance..
Both THE American Originals. My real heroes. I actually owned the RGV250 Suzuki, "Made with the Grand Prix spirit". Plus I've still got my Kevin Schwantz replica helmet!
I look at these guys more as the Lauda and Hunt of MotoGP The cool, calculating computer mind of Rainey (Lauda) against the flamboyant, popular with the fans Schwantz (Hunt). On track they were fierce rivals but off it for the most part they got on ok (maybe not at the peak of their rivalry but as the years went on they said themselves they grew friendlier).
Just saw the vid,loved it,im an aussie too,but kevies put the brains in the glovebox and ride it like you stole it attitude was what made him sensational, did he's front tyre ever get changed,didnt spend much time on the tarmac
Disagree. I always thought that Wayne Rainey was the Ayrton Senna of 500cc GP racing, because he also won 3 titles during the same period and he rode the Marlboro colors. Rainey and Senna both were perfect style racers. Kevin was more like all out, win or crash type of a racer.
![THE MOST TRAGIC MOTOGP RIVALRY OF ALL TIME - Kevin Schwantz vs Wayne Rainey [Short Story]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_-TtxulT3Ec/mqdefault.jpg)
It breaks my heart every time I hear Kevin say it wasn’t worth it, you can see the pain in his eyes! Although Wayne was his bitterest rival he would rather have been second than see what happened to him, a true champion, a true gentleman and a true bike hero!
,sss,sss,s
"its not worth it" Now that is a quote that makes this bloke a legend and above all, a man! Proper respect
More like a pansy.
salazam twat!
Yer, there's a lot in that line, and the look on his face.
@@salazam You sad little man.
Mark of a goodguy
I'm proud to say I knew both of these men - met them on the AMA Superbike series back in the mid 80's.
You can't find two more different individuals.
Wayne was focused, smooth, serious. At the track he was quiet and totally there to win. I remember a quote about Laguna saying "All I need is a three inch wide track." He had an incredible robotic precision - he'd knock off practice laps that would be within .002-.003 seconds lap after lap.
Kevin was a blast to be around (he pushed me off the highway more than once, I often found my rental car either moved or tucked against the hotel on the sidewalk) and you never knew what was coming next from him. He gave me some of the best memories of my two years of involvement with Superbikes.
Wayne was so very, very smooth. He never looked like he was working the bike, just flowing and fluid.
Kevin was a bull dog and threw the bike everywhere. He was all over the machine forcing it to go where he wanted.
Two absolutely stellar individuals.
Tell us something we don't know, gramps.
Thats why one got three WC, and the other one just one.
@@dubravkojanusic6996 nah. Kevin was the better rider.
@@salazam shut up jerk .
@Dubavko Janusic, nah. The reason is that Hondas & Yamahas are much richer factories than Suzuki and their bikes have always had more power. It's amazing that Schwantz was able to even stay with them, let alone beat them. He had to ride twice as hard to get the same result.
I get tears in my eyes.
I watched them then and I admired them both then...
I admire them even more now!
What an era, what machines, what riders we could watch!
And they would never have become so good without each other.
What if Kevin could trade his championship for "new" legs for Wayne... "I'd rather be 2nd..."
He still would be #34 and the most determined and entertaining rider, and the king of the Suzuki fans of the time and a big man of sports.
Why are you crying like a baby? Do you want your mommy?
What a fantastic comment! Thanks and God bless.
@@aximusroh6453 At least Suzuki got a new star with Rins
This comment made me cry smh I know how you feel @salazam go fuck yourself in the ass
'I would have rather been second.. not worth it'. Takes alot for your dire rival to say that. Good man.
I was thinking exactly the same true gentleman and respect! !!
vivere militare est Same thoughts here....respect to Kevin
I grew up watching these 2 riders fight out in the championship. No matter how great riders of nowadays are/will be - no one will ever reach the intensity these guys delivered in this sport and how they defined my passion for MotoGP!
Wayne, Kevin - thanks for wonderful years of racing and fantastic battles!!!
@Proctor valentino and marc marqeuz had one good showdown
Kevin, my all time favourite racer, world champion in 1993, 51 stage places, 25 winnings and 29 pole positions.
He's a down to earth guy, no star allures and he had this spectacular racing style.
#34 is reserved, noone else can ride with that number, in respect for the great Kevin.
I remember being on my dads lap watching the GP500 races and cheering on Wayne. My dad used to ice drag Yamaha snowmobiles so I`ve always been a Yamaha fan. I remember that I actually cried when I heard the news that Wayne was never going to race again in 93. I was 7 then, and I still get butterflies when I see that red #1 Marlboro Yamaha in videos.
I was 21 and a Schwantz fan but I cried too....it was NEVER the same after Wayne's crash.
I was 15. I was studying in the USA and got the news via my cousin who sent me a letter and a magazine on that race (I could not watch the GPs on tv during my year in the US) I was shocked and terribly sad when I received the news that he could not race again.
Brings back such great memories. That crash is when I decided not to get into racing, seriously. I was watching the race on TV, that day, Rainey was riding on a whole other level. He did everything right, and was expanding his lead. Then he crashed. Later I thought, man, if Rainey can make such a mistake and pay the price he did to live to talk about it, I’ll end up in the morgue.
Rainey was racing for a team and sponsors he was getting paid millions and had pressure to perform. He wasn't at track day putting around the track. Lol. His crash wouldn't have anything to do w it you raced and crashes. You don't have to push yourself that much of you don't want to, unless like the rest of us u can't control that part of urself and go nuts. Lol
Wayne Rainey was Mr consistency he was so smooth and gentle with the bike no wonder why he won 3 world championships
Kevin Schwartz one of the most naturally gifted racers of all time it's a crying shame that he never fulfilled his full potential even tho he won the world title but his aggressive fast hard riding style was what made him truly exciting to watch a bit like the late Colin McRae despite the fact he only won the world championship once but his style in the way he drove the car in the WRC made him an instant fans favourite
Full respect to these legends
Wayne Rainey was like Tommi Makinen in WRC 90s. Consistent, Smooth, Gentle and Multiple champions, I absolutely agree with the fact you're saying Kevin was like Colin McRae in WRC. Coincidentally their race winning stats are similar to Makinen and McRae on the top tier championship. Wayne Rainey and Tommi Makinen had 24 premier class wins, Kevin Schwantz and Colin McRae had equally 25 wins to their names
@@garinakbar1907 omg I’ve only just realised that now that is fascinating stat, Makkinen and Rainey both won 24 races and McRae and Schwantz won 25
The only difference is Tommi won 4 world titles whiles Wayne won 3
@@StephenLMW yeah it's okay
A golden era, never to be repeated.
Ahh the memories 🤗 I'm Aussie and Doohan was my man as was Gardner, Beatie and McCoy but those yanks (Rainey, Schwartz, lawson and Roberts jr) were fantastic. They are all heroes of mine and I miss the 2 stroke era dearly...... Thank you 👍
Aw another crybaby. Dry your tears little one, mommy will pick you up from daycare soon.
@@salazam lazy fiver 💵 says you're a fudge packer 👌👈
@@aximusroh6453 Says the Aussie drooling over other men
salazam Go and take your shit somewhere else nobody wants to listen to your bollocks here
Right with you, mate. Aussie too, and I agree with everything you just said.
500cc's absolutely rule.
Thank you gentlemen for an amazing era !!!!! 🏆
All of them had grey hairs coming out of their EyeBrows by 29years of age from the PURE ADRENALINE!!!
Rainey was better and more consistent overall but Kevin was the best on the absolute edge. Both are legends!!! If it came down to it, I would refuse to choose between the two.
Very special comment from Kevin, "Its not worth it" What a true champion x
Ckass act,showing the respect,he had for Waynemhard rivals on track,but decent human beings ,off the track.
Rainey wanted to become a champion, Schwantz wanted to be the fastest, this is the difference. But both were the greatest riders.
Duality of Man. They are different, but the same.
Glorious days. I remember getting my first job in a bakery at the age of 16 and i saved and saved and saved to buy myself a nice bike. After three years of sweating in front of those ovens the great day came when i left my London flat at 4am and rode all the way to the south of France for a 3 month riding holiday. Every corner and every motorway mile I was Schwantz, McKenzie, Rainey and big McElnea, riding to victory for my engineers and mechanics lol. Happy HAPPY days...
Thank you MotoGP for finally bringing great content to this youtube channel. I love the classic stuff.
I ran into Kevin at Laguna Seca back in 2005, Hayden won the race but it was in the time off the Rossi domination, Kevin was telling this story how a reporter approached him and asked a fantasy race question " Kevin, if you were racing today with Rainey...Eddie....Mick....Freddie.. and Rossi...., who do you think would win..? and Kevin replied " I don't know who would win..... But Rossi would loose.
You had to be really special to ride those big two strokes, they were PURE EVIL !! Only half a dozen guys in the whole world really had the measure of them.
Rossi rode 2 strokes too, I think it would be a very good race but if it was a whole season rossi would win the championship. Schwantz is my fave though, hes a true racers racer
FENOMENAL,QQUE CAARA SE LE PONDRIA A ROSI?JA JAJA
We can only dream of such races.
A racer's racer? That's so racist.
I grew up watching "bike hero" which documented Kevin's career in the 80s and early 90s with lucky strike and Pepsi... and Wayne was the Marlboro man. What a great rival. You're courage sustains me
Never rained when it was Rainey,Kenny's boy was is a legend but that's when you used pure talent no rider aids,2 stokes massive power,I enjoy going back looking at Rainey work his magic,I was in tears when he had his accident my dad couldn't believe how upset I was at 15..but when you watch someone like Wayne in bad times he got me through a shit childhood.thanks from your 🇬🇧 fan club..👋👍
Really good video, thank you! Always thought Rainey had the upper hand on Schwantz most of the time. But I always liked Schwantz riding style more It was much more enjoyable to watch. You never knew what he was going to do during a race. And his late braking was very impressive and he rewrote the limits on late breaking.
These guys were greats. Rainey was as precise as you could get, Schwantz had the ability to push himself and the bike beyond there limits, Doohan had freakish riding skill and mastered the nasty Honda. All complimented each other so well, what a great era! Watching these guys get on the power coming onto the pit straight at Eastern Creek Raceway ( 91 or 92 I think?) is burnt into my memory!
What an era for road racing that was ! Those bikes were brutal and nobody came out unscathed ! Schwantz was my favourite back then for the way he rode and his persona ! Have even more respect for the guy after the 'I'd have rather finished second' comment ! I don't doubt for a minute he'd give that hard won championship away tomorrow for Rainey to still be walking !
Two legends of the sport whatever and I'm glad they get on better now !
I remember watching this era . I can honestly say as good as MOTOGP is the 500 era was by far the best . You can also see in Kevins eyes when he is talking about Raineys career and life changing crash how he feels about it . Truely the most underrated champion of his era
I know it might be unfair to say this...but I do honestly think it did take a much greater skill to ride the two strokes.
With no electronics to boot. No tire warmers... insane platforms back then.
Yeeeeeep, very very twitchy bikes.
Nothing but a word Raul. Mastering that poweband is truly a skill. 👊
Wow, totally going out on a limb with that one!
@@tyroniousyrownshoolacez2347 Bikes for men, not pussies.
I had the pleasure of seeing the 1987 AMA Superbike race at Sears Point. Schwantz jumped the flag during the qualifying round and started the main in the last row. He then proceeded to blitz the whole field including Rainey and win the race. I was a fan for life. This era of MotoGP was the absolute best. I've probably watched Schwantz pass Rainey @ Hockenheim 500 times. These two gave us so many classic moments.
I knew these guys when the raced Superbikes in the mid 1980s. Two of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. All that talent and just good people too.
I had the TERRIFIC opportunity to talk with Wayne for several minutes of personal conversation, at the 2016 MotoAmerica Races at Road Atlanta...
I am also "physically limited" due to a near-fatal bike crash, but am fortunate enough that I am not in a wheelchair.
But as I was voicing my respect and admiration for how he has continued to remain a Major Force in the Sport he Loves so much ... HE focused on Encouraging ME to continue to "Fight the Challenges" and to do all that I am capable of doing..!!
And I DO do that...including still riding a 170mph Yamaha, and even doing an occasional Track Day at Road ATL or other nearby Tracks, in spite of a fractured lumbar, artificial rt hip and left knee, and a variety of other injuries... But I DO also 'struggle' with the frustration those limits create... and I very well understand just HOW MUCH Wayne must continue to "Fight the Challenges" as he goes forward with all that he is still doing within this wonderful, but Dangerous, Sport...
Wayne Rainey is one in a million.
There was a degree of respect when they raced each other, but they really didn't like each other at all back then.
I noticed they're still taking little pokes at each other now. Always racers, no matter what.
Boy I miss those two-strokes though. There's probably only a small percentage of the top Moto GP riders that could handle them at their limits.
The newest bikes might be faster, but those 500's were completely ferocious.
It made a good drama, good for ratings.
Kevin had an artistry in contrast to Wayne's precision riding always appealed to the romantic in me. One thing I noticed watching old races where they ran hard against each other is that whatever their differences, their sportsmanship never lacked. They always shake hands on the warmdown laps and have affable chats during podium/post-race coverage, no doubt recapping their dogfights.
*Met them both several times, but must admit prejudice for Kevin as had an Suzuki Pepsi RG500 Replica, what a beast. Both Signed my GP Winners Book but Kevin in Pink Ink.*
Good! Keep uploading videos like this, and full races!
I loved Wayne Rainey back in those days but I always rooted for Kevin for his wild style riding and he was just plain cool. I miss those 2 stroke motoGP days
Senna and Prost. Loved watching these guys at their peak, huge Rainey fan , respect to Schwantz for showing his human side. Senna and Prost needed each other and so did Rainey and Schwantz to push the limits. Credit all 4 of them for giving us a show
Took Kevin's school at RA many years ago. One of the nicest guys I've ever met- and GREAT stories!. Love KS.
Will NEVER have racing like that ever again.
man I'm lovin these old school battles u guys r uploading.
Much respect. No electronics, just the throttle and guts !
we have to wait many years to see such a racing spirit and driving skills... both are just icons on MotoGP world in many ways...
Other riders were and still are my heros! As a club racer AFM I was thrilled to find #134 open when a went from novice to expert in 1991
Love the strokers , that was close racing, respect to all the riders
Wow. I remember thats races.
Riders MEN. 500 2T.
Greetings from Spain .
What an awesome short documentary. How's it even possible to dislike this video?
Kevin is my childhood hero. Watching him race was amazing, his grit, his determination and mostly his ability to race on a knife edge was something that racers today don’t have.
The two stroke five hundreds were essentially an extremely fast, road going rocket ship and no one could captain one quite like Kevin.
Masive respect for both of them, even that i liked Schwantz more at that time! Such great races with them :")
Had quite a bit to do with both from the late 80's until the crash, the big difference between their relative success was their management, Whilst Stu Shenton was great, Rainey did his apprenticeship with Roberts, made a huge difference to championships.
Had my first bike back then, a Suzuki RG125, and my head was filled with racer nonsense. Loved watching these racers, it was epic.
One word... #Respect!!!
Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Eddie Lawson, Mick Doohan, Wayne Gardner. We’re not gonna see quality like that in the same era again.
True. People I have spoken to say Rossi is the greatest but he never competed properly with those legends. Big Bang Era riders are the best there will ever be.
These two men started my fascination with the sport bikes when I was 10 years old in the 90s. I used to love to look at the magazines in the pictures of these two guys on their bikes With the cigarette sponsorship. The Lucky strike in Marlboro bike will forever be in my heart
Two great racers!
They still both have fire in the eyes, a magnificent time for gp's and unforgiving two stroke monsters 🏍
What a gracious man Schwantz is .
They both always had a lot of respect in their battles. Great as ever seen
Forgive the offensive language but Schwantz rode with his balls -Rainey with his head - I think it was Wayne who said "to be 1st, first you have got to finish". Only a few will remember that the year that Wayne crashed out he was a dead cert to be champion but Yamahas then were poor especially in frame technology which meant that Wayne had to ride at 11 10ths to be a front runner andI believe this is what caused his career ending crash. I love both of these men as heroes to this day - Happy memories of this era of 500's....
I had the yamaha calendar hanging on my wall.... with all these guys on it. My room was full of these pics
I was newly born when they race in 91 at Assen. I wish I could've watch these races . 500 cc 2 stroke, no traction control, no launch control, no other aids.....nothing but skills. Nothing against the current crop of motogp riders but the 500cc riders are the beasts.
classic battle...i'm lovin it..i'm so glad to be watch this race in his era...i was a kid..this two men fire me up with racebike's....respect to both of you!!!!!!
I could be wrong but my first time at a live event was 1986 what was then Sears Point Rainey and Schwantz had their first start to finish race. And what a race it was. They finished Rainey Schwantz 1 2. But a distant Fred Merkel got the win. What a show they put on. I was hooked from that day.
Always been a Schwantz guy. He rode on the edge because he had to with inferior equipment, and it was exciting. From the Superbikes to the 500 two stroke monster's, what a great time in motorcycle racing.
The best times. Man I loved the 500 GP. THAT was racing!!
Omg 12:19 most heartfelt words from a true hero
Man I hate seeing that crash. Brings back memories of a very sad time. My first GP was Laguna and he was only there in spirit. I was a Supersport racer and Wayne was my idol.
Fighting each other and hating each other is two different things. These legends fought and pushed each other. They had so much respect for each others talent. Compare this to the Rossi vs Biaggi circus.
Agreed. Watching old races, their sportsmanship is impeccable. Always a handshake on the warmdown lap after a duel, and affable conversation clearly being had about their dogfight during the post-race and podium coverage. Tremendous competitors.
Schwantz team here 👋 Full respect for Rainey though. It was hell difficult to beat him.
500cc 2-strokes. the sound......the SMELL.........i miss those heady days. the bikes, the colours, the charismatic smiling riders, and FULL GRIDS. blimey, the bikes on the grid seemed to never end. brilliant days.
2018: Marc Marquez is an awesome rider, but guess, what happened, if he would do his current style on a
"not computer-aided" racing bike: he wouldn't complete a single lap.
Even if today's electronics-packed motoGP bikes had 500 hp, they would be easier to handle
than the 160 hp 2-stroke machines of the early 90s.
Then, ALL riders were permanently on a razor's edge.
Smooth like Rainey or aggressive like Schwantz.
True men on authentic motorcycles!
Frankie Fuente
True. I’m not a big fan of comparing decades but MM93‘s last Moto2 race opened my eyes about him.
From 17 in the starting grid to the win. And we all know there are no electrics in Moto2! He is the most talented rider today and i think he can handle anything. But? Two-strokes were special. They ended careers and more! Would be interesting to watch.
Even more respect for Kevin after watching this.
It took special riders to ride those 500cc two strokes
I never really liked Schwantz back then watching em race , I knew there was a rivalry between them and I enjoyed seeing Rainey beat him as much as I loved seeing Gardner beat Rainey , I never knew they became friends after there careers ended and now seeing it and also hearing Schwantz say he would’ve happily taken second place in the championship and never to win one just to see Rainey continue racing shows me now how wrong I was about this as infact he he an absolute legend of his time and was 100% correct in saying that those days of racing were the best years in moto GP
WTF is wrong with 60 people? Great video guys, takes me back.
Didn't think I could admire Schwantz any more than I do, but it seems I can. What a gentleman
I've been lucky to have seen every AMA and GP race between these two at Laguna Seca. They are the cream of the crop! FEARLESS and SKILLED
Greatest Era
I dont care what anybody says the bikes & the riders, were the best in the eighties and nineties. No rider aids , and plenty of power , good old two stroke racing. And as for kevin & wayne what a pair of legands. So sad how it ended for wayne really bad luck.
Jeez, You have to give respect to Kevin Schwantz, after he won the title he said "We put ourself in a position to take advantage of any doors that were open to us, & we still earned it, we wer,nt given it, & i would rather have come 2nd, than become Champion in this way". Wayne & Kevin took G. P. 500 racing to a whole new level, the way that they pushed themselves to the limit, even with Mick Doohan, in the mix, it was always Kevin & Wayne, Wayne & Kevin, you can have it any way that you want, Kevin won more races than Wayne, but Wayne won more titles, i think that they are both Apex racers, thanks for the memories guys, god bless you.
What a great video! imagine a top rider from the current era trying to be as fast on those bikes?! no wheelie control, no traction control..Bet the best of now don't stand a chance..
Rainey vs Schwantz battle is legend in japan!
so excited season
Awesome to see what those guys were capable of doing, on that equipment!
That Gagiva bike is beautiful.
Both THE American Originals. My real heroes. I actually owned the RGV250 Suzuki, "Made with the Grand Prix spirit". Plus I've still got my Kevin Schwantz replica helmet!
It took the both of you to build what you both have today... It's like for the better or the worst... It was you two that made it Raw...
I love these 2
The good old days. Late 80s to mid 90s. Rainey schwantz Doohan Gardner Lawson Spencer cadalora koscinski creville pons...amazing times
Mamola.
Loved watching their rivelery...
great video guys, thanks!
No,34 My Hero in 90's.
The Senna and Prost of MotoGP
+Anthony Kernich The difference is that Prost was a pussy. Rainey and Scwantz were both great human beings.
I'd take Rainey and Schwantz any day - both clean racers.
Anthony Kernich mmmmm.... yey
I look at these guys more as the Lauda and Hunt of MotoGP
The cool, calculating computer mind of Rainey (Lauda) against the flamboyant, popular with the fans Schwantz (Hunt).
On track they were fierce rivals but off it for the most part they got on ok (maybe not at the peak of their rivalry but as the years went on they said themselves they grew friendlier).
Only homosexuals watch F1
Kevin... Wayne is great but ANY rider who wing a GP on a Suzuki is a HERO...
I start watching Moto GP because of Rainey. Truly Legend..!
Kevin Schwantz is the true moto GP Legend, the best racer of all time
He could go well over the limit and make it happen. The only one. Yet I would call the all time best the one who regularly beat him - Wayne Rainey.
Keep them coming!
Hollywood should make a movie of this
Kenny was the King. but in pure balls it boils down to 2 guys for me, Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan. in freakin sane.
I wasn't aware of the exact hp and weight numbers, but 250 lbs/150 hp,,whole lot of respect for the men who could race these..
Just saw the vid,loved it,im an aussie too,but kevies put the brains in the glovebox and ride it like you stole it attitude was what made him sensational, did he's front tyre ever get changed,didnt spend much time on the tarmac
Two Legends!
Rainey + yamaha = Champions loved this guy.
Kevin Schwantz, the Ayrton Senna of 500cc GP racing.
Disagree. I always thought that Wayne Rainey was the Ayrton Senna of 500cc GP racing, because he also won 3 titles during the same period and he rode the Marlboro colors. Rainey and Senna both were perfect style racers. Kevin was more like all out, win or crash type of a racer.
Road Atlanta 1987 Schwantz & Rainey on gsxr/vfr 750.
Schwantz passing Rainey on grass in turn 4.