Sheene’s Suzuki XR14’s to be ridden by Parrish and Sheene Jnr
By Michael Mann
BikeSocial Managing Editor. Content man - reviewer, road tester, video presenter, interviewer, commissioner, organiser. First ride was a 1979 Honda ST70 in the back garden aged 6. Not too shabby on track, loves a sportsbike, worries about helmet hair, occasionally plays golf and squash but enjoys being a father to a 7-year old the most.
23.06.2017
The restored Suzuki XR14 RG500 that propelled Barry Sheene to his 1976 world championship will be ridden by his son Freddie at this year’s Sheene Festival at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough on 22-23 July.
Sheene Jnr. will ride the iconic machine in a special parade session during the weekend, while Steve Parrish will ride the 1977 XR14 that Barry also rode to world championship glory.
The ’76 bike, that won five Grand Prix, was recently restored by former Team Suzuki mechanics Martyn Orgborne and Nigel Everett with the help of Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme. It’ll form part of a display of other bikes raced by Barry Sheene, and a collection of his leathers.
Restoration - Part 1
The first part of the restoration of Barry Sheene's 1976 XR14 RG500.
Suzuki will also be displaying a range of the classic race machinery including the Team Classic Suzuki Katana. The original GSX-R750F that was restored as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations will also feature, as will the GSX-R1100 restored by Suzuki’s apprenticeship programme and the TL1000S built from new parts.
The event, held at the only true road-race circuit in England, will also feature a full programme of 21 races, a trade village, and live band on the Saturday night.
Freddie Sheene said, “I’m really looking forward to the Oliver’s Mount event, not only for the usual atmosphere but for the fact that the public will be able to see the both world championship-winning bikes back where they belong.”
He continued, “Those bikes laid dormant for the past 40 years and it’s a special moment for everyone to be a part of. The whole process of bringing the bikes back to life wouldn’t have been possible without the help from Suzuki GB and most importantly Martyn and Nigel; they have put over 600 hours between them to make this happen.”
The 2017 Barry Sheene Festival will take place at Oliver’s Mount on 22-23 July. For tickets and event information, visit www.oliversmountracing.com
Restoration - Part 2
The second part of the restoration of Barry Sheene's 1976 XR14 RG500
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