BARRY SHEENE’S CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING SUZUKI RG500 ON SHOW – AND FOR SALE – AT THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Stafford, 25–26 April 2026: Europe’s largest classic motorcycle gathering brings the world’s most famous racing Suzuki out on public display for the first time in nearly 40 years. In addition, it will be shown alongside a machine shared by two of bike racing’s greats Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini.
The International Classic MotorCycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash, returns to Staffordshire County Showground on 25–26 April 2026. With it comes the Bonhams auction with a world-class headline lot.
Barry Sheene’s 1977 World Championship-winning works Suzuki RG500 XR14, the machine on which Britain’s last 500cc World Champion claimed his second successive title, is coming to auction for the first time in nearly 40 years. It is offered without reserve at an estimate of £160,000-£200,000.
In the mid-1970s, Sheene occupied a place in British public life shared by few other sportsmen. His rivalry with Kenny Roberts filled back pages. Moreover, his recovery from a 170mph crash at Daytona in 1975 made him a national phenomenon. The Suzuki heading to Stafford (frame number RG500-1201) is one of just two works XR14 machines. He contested the entire 1977 season on these two bikes.
Used at Silverstone when he took pole on his way to the title, this is the bike he was riding when the championship was won. The other 1977 machine remains with the Sheene family. Additionally, this one has been in private overseas ownership since 1987.
It has not been seen in public until now.
Ben Walker, International Department Director, Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles said: “The sale of Barry Sheene’s 1977 World Championship-winning works Suzuki RG500 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the bike which Sheene won the final race of the 1977 season on and the World Championship. Bikes with this heritage calibre rarely come on to the market, let alone one belonging to the late, great Barry Sheene.”
While the Sheene Suzuki speaks to the 1970s, the second standout bike is from a decade earlier. The 1965 MV Agusta 500cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle (estimate: £160,000–£220,000) is a works bike ridden by two legendary riders Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini. MV Agusta dominated the 500cc class through the 1960s.
Also, a documented works example associated with both its most celebrated riders is incredibly rare.
Both motorcycles form part of The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II. They will be on display throughout the show weekend before going under the hammer. The Sheene Suzuki appears on Sunday 26 April. Every visitor has the rare chance to get close to machines that define golden eras of grand prix racing.
The Bonhams auction contains more than 250 lots across both days, from pre-war veterans through to modern classics, with the majority offered without reserve. The sale starts on Saturday, April 25 at 2.30pm. It continues on Sunday, April 26 from 11.30am.
EVENT
- The International Classic MotorCycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash
- Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26 2026, 9am–5pm BST both days
- Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0BD
- Advance tickets are available now, saving visitors over 21% on the gate price from www.classicbikeshows.com/stafforda
- Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale: Sat 25 April from 14:30 BST; Sun 26 April from 11:30 BST