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Barry Sheene won the 500cc world championship in 1976 on a Suzuki RG 500, and the jacket described here is a replica inspired by the leathers of that season. Sheene, a British rider who used the number 7 throughout his career, won again in 1977 and remains the last British rider to win the premier class, according to Wikipedia. This barry sheene jacket is made to order in cowhide.
Key Takeaways
- Sheene won the 500cc world title in 1976 and 1977 on the Suzuki RG 500.
- In 1976 he won five of the first seven rounds and clinched the title with three rounds left.
- The jacket is a replica inspired by the 1976 Suzuki livery, offered in black, red or white.
- The product page lists 1.2-1.3 mm drum-dyed milled cowhide, pre-curved sleeves and Cordura stretch panels.
- Removable CE Level 2 armour (EN 1621-1) for shoulders and elbows and a spine protector are listed.
Barry Sheene and the 1976 Season
Sheene raced for Texaco Heron Team Suzuki in 1976. As the 1976 Grand Prix season record shows, he won five of the first seven rounds and secured the title with three rounds remaining, finishing on 72 points against 48 for runner-up Teuvo Länsivuori. Sheene repeated the title in 1977.
The era is part of the wider history of Suzuki racing leathers, from Sheene to later champions such as Kenny Roberts Jr., who won the 500cc title for Suzuki in 2000. Riders who follow that line can look at the as a later chapter.
From Race Suit to Jacket
The reproduces the look of the 1976 Suzuki colours as a leather jacket rather than a full suit. The product page lists black, red and white colourways, and the jacket is part of a wider group of . For the Suzuki family as a whole, the range brings together replica gear from several seasons.
Jackets of this type suit riders who like vintage racing leather but prefer a separate jacket to a one-piece suit. Fans who want to pair it with classic gear can browse .
Materials, Armour and Specification
According to the product page, the jacket uses 1.2-1.3 mm drum-dyed milled cowhide with pre-curved sleeves and Cordura stretch panels for the riding position. Zips are YKK semi auto-lock, stress points carry safety stitching, and a polyester mesh lining aids breathability. There is one inner mesh chest pocket on the left side.
- Removable CE Level 2 armour for shoulders and elbows, referencing EN 1621-1:2012
- Removable spine and back protector compatible with EN 1621-2
- Speed hump options: standard, ventilated or hydro
- Perforation options: none, chest, front or full
Riders who want a modern Suzuki look instead can compare the .
Sizing and Use
The jacket is offered in standard sizes (XS to XXL for men, XXS to XL for women) and in custom measurements submitted through a measurement form. The listing gives no EN 17092 garment class, so confirm one with the maker before relying on it as riding gear; it also suits use as a collector piece honouring Sheene and the 1976 season. The jacket is an independent replica and is not affiliated with Suzuki or the Sheene estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Barry Sheene the first British 500cc champion?
No. Earlier British riders had won world titles before him, and Sheene is better described as the last British rider to win the premier class. His consecutive titles in 1976 and 1977 on the Suzuki RG 500 made him the face of the class in the late 1970s and the number 7 became closely linked with him.
Is the jacket an official Suzuki product?
No. It is an independent replica inspired by the Suzuki leathers Sheene wore in 1976. Leather Collection is not affiliated with Suzuki, the Sheene family or any racing series, and the jacket is not sold as team merchandise. It follows the look of the season as a tribute for fans of vintage racing.
Which armour is listed with the jacket?
The product page lists removable CE Level 2 armour for the shoulders and elbows, referencing EN 1621-1:2012, plus a removable spine and back protector compatible with EN 1621-2. Three speed hump styles are offered. Ask the maker for the protector certificate. Armour is a component of protection and does not remove the risk of injury in a crash.
Can the jacket be made to custom measurements?
Yes. Besides standard men and women sizes, riders can submit their own measurements through the measurement form on the product page. Because leather is cut to pattern, measurements for chest, shoulder width and sleeve length affect fit more than a size label does, especially with armour fitted.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
