Barry Sheene’s 1977 World Championship-winning Suzuki RG500 XR14 has emerged for sale for the first time in 40 years. The Works Suzuki will be auctioned at Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale, held during the International Classic Motorcycle Show on 26 April 2026.
Offered in the 50th anniversary year of Sheene’s first 500cc World Championship in 1976, the bike is presented without reserve and is expected to fetch between £160,000 and £200,000.
Bearing frame number 1201 and engine number RR 1202 RG500, it is one of two factory machines Sheene rode en route to securing his second and final 500cc title in 1977. Frame 1201 was used in the season-ending British Grand Prix, where he was crowned 1977 World Champion. Its sister machine is believed to remain in the ownership of the Sheene family.
‘The sale of Barry Sheene’s 1977 World Championship-winning works Suzuki RG500 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the most discerning two-wheel collector,’ said Ben Walker, international department director of Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles. ‘Machines of this calibre and importance rarely come onto the market, let alone one belonging to the late, great Barry Sheene.’
The bike’s first private owner was Peter Agg, chairman and managing director of Heron Suzuki GB. Agg was instrumental in Sheene’s World Championship successes; when Suzuki signalled its intention to withdraw ahead of the 1976 season, he convinced the factory to continue supplying Grand Prix machinery to his Texaco-backed UK team.
Frame 1201 entered Agg’s collection of historic vehicles in 1980 before passing to the consignor in 1987. Sheene’s Championship-winning machine will be sold alongside 90 other motorcycles from the same owner’s collection.
Machines from the collection of motorcycle racer and collector Rex Judd will also be offered. Judd raced in the pre-war period at storied venues such as Brooklands before amassing a significant private collection of veteran, vintage and early classic bikes.
Highlights from the Rex Judd Collection include an 1898 Holden 800cc Flat Four ‘Motor Bicycle’ (est. £40,000–70,000), a 1911 Pierce Four (est. £50,000–80,000) and a 1910 Wilkinson TAC (est. £20,000–30,000).
View the auction catalogue here.
