Barry Sheene’s 1977 Suzuki RG500 heads Bonhams sale with rare championship pedigree
The championship-winning machine from his dominant 1977 season leads Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale
Bonhams, Kelsey Media
Suzuki made dozens of RG500 race bikes between 1974 and 1980, and it’s not unusual to hear the claim that “this one was ridden by Barry Sheene”.
1. The bike tips the scales at just 135kg – making for the equivalent of 666hp per tonne…
In reality, genuine Sheene-raced RG500s are few and far between. And none is quite so special as this one, which is set to lead Bonhams’ annual Spring Stafford Sale at the end of April.
2. Engine is a 495cc, two-stroke, ‘square four’
Why? Because it’s the actual bike on which Sheene took pole position at Silverstone on August 14, 1977, on the way to winning his second 500cc World Championship in succession (he also won the Formula 750 title in 1973).
3. The ‘French seven’ on the fairing signifies only one rider…
Bearing frame number 1201, the RG500 XR14 is one of only two bikes on which he contested that year’s championship, with the other still being in the ownership of the Sheene family.
4. At a screaming 11,000rpm, the RG500 makes 90hp
The late and much lamented racer (he died in 2003, aged 52) dominated the 500cc class in ’77, winning six of the 11 rounds outright and finishing second and sixth in two others to accrue a total of 107 championship points, 27 more than next-placed rider, Steve Baker.
5. Maximum speed is 180mph
From 1980 to ’87, the bike was in the ownership of Peter Agg, the Trojan F1 boss and respected collector who ran the Suzuki race team for several years – and recruited Sheene to it in 1973. Agg sold 1201 to the current owner in around 1987, since when it has been lost to public view.
6. The bike’s Heron Suzuki livery is instantly recognisable
“Machines of this calibre and importance rarely come onto the market,” said Bonhams motorcycle guru Ben Walker. “Let alone one raced by the late, great Barry Sheene in one of his championship-winning years.”
We wholeheartedly agree.
1977 Suzuki RG500
On sale with Bonhams, The Spring Stafford Sale, Stafford, April 26. Estimate: £160,000-£200,000. bonhams.com