What is the news exactly?
British motorcycle racing legend Barry Sheene’s 1977 title-winning Suzuki RG500 XR14 machine is set to go under the hammer on 26 April 2026, auctioned by Bonhams at the International Classic Motorcycle Show in Stafford, UK.
Who is Barry Sheene?
Barry Sheene is a widely regarded British motorcycle racing icon, renowned for his on and off-track exploits during the 1970s. Sheene stepped onto the World Grand Prix circus in 1970 and quickly became a shining star of the 70s due to his larger-than-life off-track character and his relentless exhibition of talent while riding the fearsome Suzuki RG500 XR14.
Sheene soon claimed the most coveted prize in Grand Prix racing – winning a world title in 1976 and another one in 1977, cementing his legacy as a 2x 500cc (Now MotoGP) champion, forever engraving his name among the greatest to ever grace the racing circuit. Sadly, Barry Sheene passed away in March 2003.
Which exact bike of Barry Sheene is going to be auctioned?
The Bike that is offered by Bonhams Auction is one of two Suzuki RG500 XR14 race bikes linked directly to Sheene’s 1977 500cc World Championship season. According to the reports, this specific bike is attributed to be the one Sheene rode in the final race of the 1977 season, where he crossed the finish line as the World Champion.
XR14 Tag
The X14 tag refers to the race chassis specifically developed for racing by works Suzuki, distinct from the other road-going RGs or later replica builds.
The bike bears the frame number 1201 and references engine number RR 1202 RG500, the sort of identifiers collectors look for when validating top-tier competition machines, which helps solidify their history and documentation.
What provenance does the Bike hold?
Despite last gracing the competitive racing in 1984 and his demise in 2003, Barry Sheene remains one of the last British world champions, still revered by fans for his accolades beyond his stats and titles, remaining a significant part of both British racing history and motorcycle racing heritage.
The Bike is a motorsports artefact that uncovers thousands of anecdotes from the 1977 500cc season, the story of every lap, every corner and the last tenth of a second that made the difference. Barry Sheene won 6 of the 11 rounds on board the two Suzuki RG500 XR14 chassis he used during the 1977 season.
