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The Seeley Suzuki TR500 ridden by Barry Sheene

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Seeley Suzuki TR500

With Phil Aynsley

This is a rather historical bike. Suzuki withdrew from GP competition in 1967, but returned in a limited way with the introduction of the XR05, which was based on the 500 cc Cobra/Titan road bike.

Seeley Suzuki TR500

This modified motor was fitted with a ‘featherbed’ inspired frame and first raced at Daytona in 1968, with Ron Grant placing fourth, and Mitsuo Itoh ninth. Power output was 63.5 horsepower.

It wasn’t until 1971 that the XR05 was officially entered in the 500cc World Championship. Riders Keith Turner, Rob Bron and Jack Findlay finished the season in second, third and fifth places respectively. Findlay’s victory in the Ulster GP was Suzuki’s first in the 500cc class as well as the first win by a two-stroke.

The XR05 was good for 63.5 hp

Despite this success, the bike’s handling left a lot to be desired so famed chassis builder Colin Seeley was commissioned by Suzuki Team Manager Rex White to construct a frame to house the XR05 motor.

A certain Barry Sheene was to be the rider. This prototype frame was made from 1 1/8th Reynolds 531 tubing, bronze welded and had a long 55.5 inch wheelbase.

Seeley Suzuki TR500

Sheene reported it was the best handling bike he had ever ridden and proceeded to win the British Championship on it.

The bike seen here is one of the two bikes supplied by Seeley to Barry and has been restored to circa 1973 specifications. Barry sold it to his friend Dave Goddard who in turn sold it to the current owner in 2010.

Both Colin Seeley and Paul Smart have confirmed its history. Suzuki records show that the engine (TR500-100061) was one of the two supplied to Frank Sheene, Barry’s father.

Colin Seeley was commissioned by Suzuki Team Manager Rex White to construct the frame

Retail versions of the Seely frame, a full rolling chassis, were soon made and available for £350. A new road motor cost £250 and could be tuned as much as the owner could afford.

Competitive 500 cc GP racing was suddenly affordable!

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News, Uncategorized

‘Aussie’ Barry Sheene mementos at auction

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There should be a lot of interest among Aussie race fans for an auction of memorabilia belonging to beloved Brit and adopted Aussie Barry Sheene.

The two-time Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion and all-round larrikin was well loved in his adopted country where he died in 2003 from throat cancer.

Now some famous Bazza memorabilia is going up for auction at the Bonhams Winter Sale on 11-12 December 2020. The auction also includes many rare and collectable motorcycles.

The many Bazza items on offer would make a great Christmas present for the Aussie motorcycle fan who has everything.

They include:

  • 1976 John Player Grand Prix Senior 500cc race winner’s trophy, estimate £600-800 (about $A630-910). It consists of a sword mounted to a wooden backing. 
  • A Castrol trophy for first in the MCN Super Bike round at Mallory Park 12 September 1976. (£400–600).
  • Plaque for first in the 500cc ‘Gran Prix de Venezuela’ at San Carlos 19 March 1978, 19cm x 14cm; together with three other awards including a Martini ‘rider of the year 1977’ belt buckle inscribed to the rear specifically manufactured for Barry Sheene (£300-500).
  • A stainless steel Gabriel watch awarded at the ‘France de Chimay’ race in 1976 (£300 – £500).
  • Two sets of Suzuki team overalls and bib and brace (£250-350).
  • ‘The Sheene Collection’ leather jacket (£400 – 600/$A$ 720-1100) and a medium fabric jacket with badges and logos (£400-600).
  • A leather holdall featuring his famous number ‘7’, ‘Sheene’ to the end and ‘Suzuki’ logo to the ends and sides (£250 – 350).

Bazza history

Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene

Barry was born in London in 1950, and was back-to-back world 500cc champion for Suzuki in 1976-77 after a spectacular crash at the Daytona 200 in 1975.

He almost died in the crash that would have ended many other riders’ careers, yet he came back stronger than ever and more determined to win.

Barry was also instrumental in many safety developments with track design and racer clothing. 

Between 1968 and 1984, Sheene made over 100 Grand Prix starts, securing 52 podium finishes and 23 victories and remains the last Briton to win a motorcycle Grand Prix race. 

Read this industry vet’s tribute to the late, great Barry Sheene.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle Gallery, Motorcycle News, News

Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

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1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

With Phil Aynsley

Yamaha’s first foray into the 500cc GP class came in 1973 with the piston-port, in-line four-cylinder OW19. The company stuck with this basic design up until 1980 (although the final version, the OW48R, had the outside two cylinders reversed) when they decided that to stay competitive, a new, rotary-valve engine design would be required.

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

The new motor was a square-four very much like Suzuki’s RG500, but with the cylinders inclined at 45-degrees. The OW54 subsequently won three races in 1981, two for Roberts, one for Sheene.

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

For 1982 the bike was heavily revised with an upgraded motor and a completely new chassis. The frame featured square section alloy tubing (with additional reinforcing bottom rails welded in place. Likewise on the bottom of the swing arm. Plates also boxed in the steering head tubes. A new progressive-rate bell crack rear suspension was used.

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

Eight bikes were constructed, with two each for Roberts, Sheene, Graeme Crosby and Marc Fontan (Sonauto Yamaha). However Roberts only rode the OW60 twice, firstly in the ’82 Daytona 200 (DNF – motor), then in the GP season opener in Argentina, which he won (with Sheene second), before switching to the completely new OW61 V4. Crosby finished second in the Championship on the OW60 however.

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

The OW60 featured four seperate crankshafts contra rotating in opposed pairs, Teflon coated steel rotary discs and housings. YPVS power valves were also fitted. Output was 156 hp at 10,600 rpm. Wet weight (half a tank of fuel) was 121 kg with a top speed of 290 km/h. For comparison the OW48R made 102 hp and weighed 135 kg.

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

A bored and stroked version, the 695cc OW69, was used at Daytona in ’83 and ’84 with Roberts winning both events.

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

The bike seen here is fitted with the ’82 Daytona bodywork , although the “European” bodywork is also owned.

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OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

1982 Kenny Roberts Yamaha OW60 GP Racer

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

OW Yamaha PA YamahaOW

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

AGV X3000 helmet honours Barry Sheene

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AGV has released a Barry Sheene limited-edition tribute helmet in their new X3000 collection.

The Sheene helmet will cost $899 when it arrives in March 2019, but you can pre-order now to ensure you don’t miss out on the limited-edition model.

It is part of the extensive X3000 range led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini. There are also 10 colour choices ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.

AGV X3000 helmets retro helmet Barry Sheene
X3000 colours

Click here to read our AGX X3000 review.

The Barry Sheene X3000 is highlighted by the iconic lucky number seven that became Barry’s trademark on the track as well as the quirky Duck on the crown of the helmet all tied together with the infamous black and gold graphic.

It also has the likeable larrikin’s signature painted on the back.

The fibreglass helmet is engineered in three shell sizes with a vented visor, leather and suede fabric, removable and washable interior, anti-scratch visor with micro-opening system and a double-D chin strap.

Barry Sheene history

Barry Sheene AGV

Here is a history of Barry as supplied by Australian AGV distributors, Link International.

A true rockstar of the sport, Barry Sheene became a household name quickly taking the sport of motorcycle racing into the living rooms of people across the world. Even if you weren’t interested in motorcycle racing you were interested in what Barry Sheene was doing and his antics on and off the track. Known for his likeable demeanour and sex appeal Barry was envied by men and wanted by women, rarely ever photographed without a female companion by his side. He married a Penthouse cover girl Stephanie McLean who became his “lucky charm” as she attended nearly all of his races as a time keeper.

Barry went on to win two consecutive world titles in 1976-1977, a feat that had not been accomplished by a British rider at the time. A series of near fatal accidents threatened to derail his career but the attitude and determination that was Barry Sheene prevailed.

Barry was a dedicated showman who made time for his fans and enjoyed meeting and interacting with the people who supported him and came to watch his races. Barry’s larrikin personality lead to many headlines in the press over the years including the two fingers he used to show behind his back while racing again accomplished racer “King” Kenny Roberts. 

Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene

In 1984 after unsuccessfully trying to reclaim his title as world champ Sheene retired to Australia in the late 1980’s seeking a warmer climate to aid his recovery from injuries and arthritis. It was here he pursued business ventures and even worked for the 9 Network as a commentator of the World Motorcycle Grand Prix and also appearing in Shell ads with the legendary Dick Johnson.

It was here that Australian riders and fans set in stone their love for Barry Sheene, as his sense of humour struck a chord with the Aussie population. His knowledge and opinions helped shape Australian motorsport today with many riders, racers and teams receiving a helping hand from the motorcycle racer including Mick Doohan and Garry McCoy. Sheene was inducted into the MotoGP hall of fame and in 2017 was inducted into the motorsport hall of fame with his former engineer and sister accepting the honours.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com