Barry Sheene’s 1976 world championship-winning XR14 has been restored by former Team Suzuki mechanics, Martyn Ogborne and Nigel Everett, with the help of Suzuki’s Vintage Parts programme. The motorcycle was ridden by Barry Sheene’s son, Freddie at this year’s Sheene Festival at Oliver’s Mount.
Alongside the 1976 Suzuki XR14, which carried Barry Sheene to victory in four Grands Prix in 1976, the parade session at the Sheen festival also featured the 1977 XR14 that Barry rode at the world championship. The event also displayed other bikes which were raced by Barry Sheen and his collection of leathers.
The 1976 Suzuki XR14 was powered by a 500cc engine which produced 114bhp of power and was capable of achieving a top speed of 282kph. Suzuki also showcased the Katana, GSX-R750F, GSX-R1100 and the TL1000S, at the event. Speaking about the event, Freddie Sheen said, “Those bikes had lain dormant for the past 40 years and it’s a special moment for everyone to be a part of. The whole process of bringing these bikes back to life wouldn’t have been possible without the help from Suzuki GB and most importantly, Martyn Ogborne and Nigel Everett; they have put over 600 hours between them to make this happen.”
