From a press release:
Schwantz’s Suzuki School Goes to Germany
Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz is bringing his world-renowned Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School to Europe for the first time this summer to help promote Suzuki’s newly released SV650/S and bring Schwantz’s unique Suzuki-only experience to more motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. In the first of what Suzuki and Schwantz hope to be an annual series of successful overseas school tours, Suzuki Germany, Suzuki Headquarters in Japan and KSSS have coordinated a schedule of four 2-Day schools in Germany this July and August.
Always known for his enthusiasm on and off the track, Schwantz is grinning widely about his new venture. “I am excited about going back to Europe to do some schools with Suzuki and all my instructors and the world-class program we’ve put together,” said Schwantz. “It should be a great time for everyone involved.”
Held on either side of the World Championship MotoGP Sachsenring event (25-27 July 2003), three schools are slated at Gross Dolln in Germany for 19-20 July, 23-24 July and 28-29 July with the final school taking place at the Nurburgring short course on 2-3 August. A maximum of 30 students per school will be split into two groups (Street and Advanced) and provided with Michelin Pilot Sport-shod SV650/S Suzukis provided by Suzuki Germany.
Suzuki designed the new SV650/S as “A V-Twin Fun Machine” that provides the ideal balance of high-performance and street-oriented sportiness found in its worldwide-popular predecessor. By adding a sophisticated Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel injection system and a lighter and more balanced high-vacuum-mold technology aluminum frame, the latest SV650/S enhances even more user-friendly performance for everyone from track-minded advanced riders to average street riders. Schwantz and his instructors have made excellent use of the SV650/S’ unique blend of confidence inspiring handling and flexible power delivery from day one and are happy to show students how surprisingly capable they are in skilled hands.
As its done in the United States, the Schwantz School’s curriculum is broken into alternating 20-minute classroom and track sessions covering subjects such as: Visual skills, concentration, body position, steering technique, cornering lines, reference points, gear selection, shifting technique, braking technique, controlling panic and suspension set-up. KSSS Chief Instructor Lance Holst and Schwantz (mornings only) handle classroom instruction while students will ride with highly capable on-track instructors Lee Acree, Jamie James, Michael Martin and Harry Vanderlinden III who will joined by Schwantz on the circuit in the afternoons. Here’s unsolicited feedback from a recent student who was relaying his KSSS experience to others in an open chat room: “I did the 2-Day (Schwantz) school back in March and loved it. Excellent staff, lots of track time and no sitting around. There are only two groups (of students), so you’re either riding or in the classroom. They did have a video bike when I was out there, they would take about five people from each session and follow you around for a lap or two, then critique you after the session (in the classroom). One of the best parts of the class was the open track session at the end of day one. What a blast buzzing around Road Atlanta with Kevin Schwantz, Tray Batey, Jamie James, Lance Holst and Harry Vanderlinden.”
Schwantz’s high-performance riding school is designed to improve the skill level and confidence of riders of all ability levels from street riders (with a minimum of one year’s riding experience) to national-championship caliber road racers and every rider in between. Motorrad magazine’s Motorrad Action Team will also provide two additional on-track instructors/translators. For more general, information, contact Suzuki Germany at www.suzuki.de, and for information on pricing and availability, call the Motorrad Action Team hotline 011.49.711.182.19.77. More information on Schwantz’s U.S.-based program can be found at schwantzschool.com or (800) 849-7223.