A lot of motorcycle companies are celebrating anniversaries in 2015. One of them is Suzuki->ke371, which is actually blowing the candles on the 30th anniversary of one of its most iconic models: the GSX-R1000. This celebration may not have the same level of grandeur as other anniversaries on tap this year, but don’t tell that to Suzuki.

By and large, the GSX-R1000 has been one of the company’s most enduring models, first gaining entry into the market in 1985 before skyrocketing in popularity thanks in large part to the racing exploits of Kevin Schwantz. Fittingly enough, Suzuki dusted off the bike’s iconic blue and white livery for the special occasion as a fitting tribute to the legacy it has cultivated in the three decades that it’s been around. Suzuki’s MotoGP riders, Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales were even seen sporting the same limited edition paint scheme on their respective bikes at the Deutschland round of the 2015 MotoGP season over the weekend.

It’s a noteworthy tribute to a bike that has given Suzuki so much racing success in the past 30 years. The GSX-R1000 and all its past iterations including the first GSX-R has been one of the most celebrated racing bikes in the world. That’s probably a big reason why Suzuki is spending so much of its time and resources to give the bike the anniversary hat tip it deserves.

Remember, the GSX-R has a long and proud history of not only winning races, but also winning championships. You only need to look at its status as the most successful manufacturer in the AMA Superbike series with 13 national titles to understand why the bike means so much to Suzuki. Its track record of success dates back to its founding years in 1985 and has continued all the way to present times where the GSX-R1000 remains a true contender in whatever motorcycle racing series it’s a part of this season.

The GSX-R1000’s 30th anniversary may not seem like much to other people, but for those who know its place in Suzuki’s acclaimed racing history, the GSX-R1000 is well within its rights to celebrate its 30 years of existence and toast to at least another 30 more.

Continue reading to read more about Suzuku’s special livery for the GSX-RM1000.

Why it matters

I honestly didn’t think that the Suzuki GSX-R range is already 30 years old. I mean I do know that it was one of the few bikes that made me gravitate towards motorcycles when I was young. The GSX-R had that appeal on me back when I was a kid and three decades later, it still has the same gravitas.

That’s the personification of a bike that has reached classic and timeless status, both as a road-going sportsbike and a championship-winning race bike. Ever since the GSX-R first burst into the scene back in 1985, it’s been making waves all over the racing world. In the 30 years that it’s been around, it has accounted for 14 titles in the FIM Endurance World Championship, 13 national titles in the AMA Superbikes series, and countless other racing victories in motorcycle series’ all over the world.

None of that would’ve happened though had Suzuki not rolled the dice on the bike’s launch 30 years ago. Even then, it probably wouldn’t have reached iconic status without the contributions of Kevin Schwantz, an up-and-coming rider who took the GSX-R and turned it into a world-class racing machine that has evolved as one of the most revered motorcycles in the world.

Happy 30th anniversary, Suzuki GSX-R! It’s hard to imagine it’s been this long, but that’s what happens when you’ve been as successful as this model for so long. Time flies when you’re racing and winning championships, right?