Motorcycle racing history rarely resurfaces in such a tangible way, but one of the most iconic machines of the 1970s is about to step back into the spotlight. The Suzuki RG500 XR14 ridden by legendary British racer Barry Sheene to secure the 1977 500cc World Championship will go under the hammer at a Bonhams auction this April.
The sale will take place during the International Classic MotorCycle Show at Staffordshire Showground on April 26, marking the first time in nearly four decades that this historic machine has appeared on the open market. The current owner has held the bike since 1987, meaning collectors and racing enthusiasts have had little opportunity to see — let alone acquire — this important piece of motorsport heritage.
Estimated to fetch between £160,000 and £200,000, the bike carries enormous historical significance. It was one of the two factory RG500s Sheene rode throughout the 1977 season and, crucially, the machine he used in the final race to secure his second consecutive world title. That season was dominant by any standard: Sheene won six of the eleven races and secured several other podium finishes, finishing ahead of American rider Steve Baker in the championship standings.
The RG500 XR14 represents a fascinating era of Grand Prix engineering. Unlike modern MotoGP machines packed with electronics and rider aids, bikes of the late 1970s demanded exceptional rider skill. This particular Suzuki still retains many authentic racing characteristics of the time — including the right-side gear shift, four separate exhaust outlets from its two-stroke engine, and twin front disc brakes. Visually, the machine remains instantly recognizable with its classic red, yellow, and white Suzuki livery and Sheene’s unmistakable yellow-and-black number seven.
Beyond the bike itself, the timing of the auction adds another layer of meaning. The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Sheene’s first world championship in 1976, a milestone that will be celebrated across several historic motorsport events at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Festivals including the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Members’ Meeting, and the Goodwood Revival will all feature machines associated with Sheene’s remarkable career.
At some of these events, as many as 30 classic 500cc Grand Prix bikes from Sheene’s era are expected to return to the track, offering fans a rare glimpse into one of the most exciting periods in motorcycle racing history.
Final perspective: The sale of Barry Sheene’s 1977 championship-winning Suzuki is more than just another collector’s auction. It represents a moment where history, engineering, and sporting legacy intersect. For collectors, it is an extraordinary opportunity. For racing fans, it serves as a powerful reminder of a time when courage, skill, and raw mechanical performance defined Grand Prix racing.
