Always a big fan of the "Antenna 3" Abe paint job show in a couple of prior pictures. And on a cool bike as well. Honorable mention (technically not a GP bike)... I can't find any good static shots, but the original "pre-RC-30" RVF Honda...
Schwantz's bike was always the one that did it for me I think. It was also the first GP bike I ever saw up close and personal at the IMS show in NYC way back when I was a kid.
I think that plays a big role in what we find appealing about them. I can vividly remember seeing that RC30 on the turn table at the Honda dealership in Gwinnett country in my early teens. I think I am drawn to that style given the impression that bike had on me when I saw it. The sharp pointed, winglet laden shit on the grid today just isn't visually appealing at all.
Same magical vision on this side of the Atlantic. The only experience that was a match for that was the first time I saw a Ferrari F40. Totally different situation, it was parked on the street in the rain. Same magic of the spotless spinning RC30. To this day, both are favorites of mine.
The first time I saw a RC30 in person was at the 1987 Bol 'Dor. I thought they were stunning looking bikes. The sight of works bike coming onto the start finish straight at dusk when they got the signal to turn their lights on is still a sight that is as fresh now as it was then.
Sinshein Auto Teknic museum in Sinsheim Germany. Awesome place to spend a day or two. When I was there back in 2012 most of the race bikes and cars were displayed in an "as last ridden/driven" condition which made them even cooler. I had no idea that Suzuki was running a Carbon frame that far back. https://sinsheim.technik-museum.de/en/
Dang! Had thought about visiting Karlsruhe, Germany (where I lived as a nine year old) before heading to Amsterdam in June. Looks like I have another reason to make that addition. This museum is only 60km or a two hour train ride away.
Hey Rob, that's pretty cool! If I make the trip, I will let you know. That way I can meet your kinfolk and let them know what a Dummkopf you really are. ;--)