Arguably the most famous British motorcycle racer of all time, Barry Sheene won the 500cc World Championship in 1976 and 1977 aboard a Suzuki RG500.
Sheene’s 1977 Championship stood as the last British solo motorcycle championship for decades until Danny Kent won the Moto3 Championship in 2015. In 1977, Barry won 6 of 13 races (he boycotted the Austrian round due to safety concerns after the death of Hans Stadelmann) and won the overall championship with a commanding lead.
These leathers were built by Bates.
The seller acquired these leathers seven years ago from a friend. During his ownership, he has occasionally applied leather protectant.
The seller has provided an email from 2015 in which he contacted Steve Parrish (Barry’s teammate in the 1977 season), who says that they “look correct and I would put them circa 1977.” In response to a question as to if these were maybe a back up set as there were no sponsor patches sewn on, Steve said, “It could have been that Bates made them and Barry switched to Dainese. In those days they where [sic] stitched on badges.”
The seller has also provided an email from Andrew Sargent, a collector in the UK who has owned several Sheene leathers – he was friends with Barry and met him in 1981. “I know they are from 1976 or 1977,” both of which were his championship years. “It wasn’t until 1978 that Barry changed from Bates to the Italian leathers Dainese.” Andrew’s collection of Barry Sheene’s leathers (not included in the sale!)
Dawn Grindle (Co-Owner of Bates Leathers) confirmed that this suit was custom made for Barry, though she was unable to verify the date of manufacture.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes “a few abrasions.”
Currently located in Mount Airy, North Carolina, these leathers are offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Sheene stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
