Suzuki will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Barry Sheene’s maiden world title by showcasing an extensive collection of Sheene memorabilia at this year’s Motorcycle Live, including his championship-winning bikes and FIM winners’ medals.
Seven of Sheene’s race bikes will be on display, including the two 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 Sheene raced the season before his championship-winning years in ‘76 and ‘77.
The Heron Suzuki XR27 that Sheene was racing in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone when he made the famous gesture to rival Kenny Roberts in 1979 will feature, along with the XR35 and XR45 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.
Suzuki GB aftersales marketing coordinator, Tim Davies, said, “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, and on such a key anniversary, too. On top of the seven bikes that we’ll have on display – including some really rare examples – it’s going to be very special to see the genuine winners’ medals that the FIM handed to Barry when he won his world championships, as well as the leathers and helmets we’ll have too. 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.”
Suzuki’s Barry Sheene celebration display can be found on stand E20 in hall three at this year’s Motorcycle Live, where Suzuki will also be display its full 2017 model range, including the all-new GSX-R1000R, as well as its Vintage Parts stand and the returning Suzuki hospitality area.
For Motorcycle Live tickets and more information, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
For information on Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, click here.
