For fans of the late, great Barry Sheene, Suzuki GB are offering a chance for you to be able to see his race-winning GP bikes and his two FIM world championship medals
Suzuki will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Barry Sheene’s first 500cc motorcycle grand prix roadracing world championship, which the British rider won in 1976, by showcasing a collection of Sheene’s championship-winning bikes at this year’s Motorcycle Live in the UK. Seven of Sheene’s racebikes will be on display, including the two Suzuki XR14s that took him to world championship glory in 1976 and 1977. Also forming part of the display will be the XR05, which used a Seeley chassis and TR500 engine, and the XR14 that Sheene raced the season before his championship-winning years in 1976 and 1977. Other display bikes will include the Heron Suzuki XR27 that Sheene was racing in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone when he made the famous ‘V’ gesture to rival Kenny Roberts in 1979, as well as the XR35 and XR45 which Sheene rode in 1983 and 1984.
Sheene’s two FIM world championship medals will make a rare public appearance, alongside seven sets of leathers worn by the twice 500 Grand Prix champion, and two helmets that don the famous duck graphic. ‘We’re all incredibly excited to see this display pulled together at Motorcycle Live this year. It’s going to be really great way to celebrate the achievements of arguably Britain’s greatest world champion. Sheene is still a hero to many motorcyclists and we feel privileged to be able to put this feature together at the biggest bike show of the year,’ says Suzuki GB aftersales marketing coordinator, Tim Davies. For Motorcycle Live tickets and more information, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk