A Grand Prix champion, charasmatic, with a wild and flamboyant personality and one of racing’s greatest legends, and we’re not talking about the modern day Valentino Rossi, but about Barry Sheene.

The English rider did everything first, not only was he cocky and outspoken, he earned top drawer money, his multiple injuries captured headlines around the world, the endorsements, so if you weren’t around during the early ’70s and want to learn something about this racing icon, check out this video trailer from Barry Sheene, The Legacy narrated by actor and bike fan Ewan McGregor.

The special two-disc DVD was released in 2007 and was produced and directed by Mark Tinkler.

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Fifty-two units, $ 160,000 each, customed fitted, the Icon Sheene Superbike will get it’s launch on Saturday July 3rd at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Developed by motorcycle designer and builder Andrew Morris, this motorcycle is a tribute to the legendary double 500cc World Champion Barry Sheene. This hand built magnificent work of art is powered by 1.4-liter turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder engine, 250hp and a torque of 133 lbs-ft and reaches at top speed of 322 km/h.

Equipped with tubular aluminum frame including a fuel tank made from hand-beaten aluminum that takes around a month to fabricate. The bodywork is made up of hand-laid carbon fiber panels. Special features include etched and engraved plaques and yokes, a hand-painted 1940s style pin-up girl and Alcantara racing seat with Sheene ‘7’ logo which are designed by Mike Fairholme, who did the the graphics on Sheene’s helmets.

At Goodwood, the superbike will be ridden by Barry’s son, Freddie.

Continue reading: Icon Sheene Superbikes

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The guys from MCN went to Brands Hatch to test the Suzuki RG500 Replica Sheene. The tester is Michael Neeves, and he certainly gets the sound of the two stroke going.

The incredible thing about this video is we get a look at a 1988 model that’s been done up to imitate Barry Sheene’s 1984 Gran Prix bike. In a moment of nostalgia, we could be back in the 80’s - tester Michael says he’s in love.

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Here are some great historic pics from Amarcord in the 80’s and memories of “those were the days”. See motoblog.it for a look at the first gallery, with a young Barry Sheene at the fore. Thanks to Giorgio for the pics.

Continue reading: Back in the 80's Amarcord pics

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Nothing like the comparison to a dentist visit to give you an idea of what a crash at full speed on a motorbike can be like. Enjoy this older video of Barry Sheene and Wayne Gardner discussing Frankie Chili’s “spin out”.

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More sadness today as we announce the death of Barry Sheene’s father, Frank Sheene, having passed away peacefully in Australia at the age of 96.

Frank was a bike builder, tuner and also racer. He was very important in supporting Barry’s career. Even when Barry was riding for a factory team, Frank was still giving his support.

Via | motornieuws

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