Talk Morgan Forums Community General Photo Gallery 12 Years Today

12 years today a hero of mine lost his battle with cancer.
Sadly missed.

Barry Sheene (11.09.1950 - 10.03.2003)

2nd photo added, Mick Grant receiving attention!

I was lucky enough to have seen him at his home address whilst I was in the Police Force. After our chat he showed me around his garage. I have never seen so many racing bikes going back to when he was a teenager.

David

There was a v v good documentary on BS a couple of months back ...Steph was in it and his son..some grt old footage too.

Sorry cannot find the link:((

A great guy and a great rider.

The first of the very few times I met him, I went out to dinner in Adelaide with some friends and he was part of the group, I found him amusing company but my first impression of his character was not great. Subsequently when I came across him on the classic motorcycle racing scene (in Australia) I completely changed my mind. The thing that most impressed me, and always comes to mind when I remember him, was his kindness and patience with young kids. Once on the track he may have been in retirement but you would never have known it from the way he rode his Manx Norton and he was able to show he still had the capacity to win races.

He was certainly not one to tolerate fools. I often use one of his expressions to describe a certain type of person: "He's a legend in his own lunchtime."

I happened to bump into Giacomo Agostini (no relation of Alis) at Bergamo airport not long after the funeral. I was carrying an Ago replica helmet and most embarrassingly did not recognise him. He told me he had just returned from Australia and it was only later that I wondered if he had been to Barry Sheene's funeral.

There were and are very few "greats".
Barry Sheene is definitely up there.
In any sport there are a few people who you want to go and see in action and he was one of those.
They become household names and their name conjurs up magic.
RIP Barry.

Me to.

He was an absolute legend. I think of him every time I go through an airport scanner & wonder how long it would take him to get through security if he was still alive today.

You have a good point there, Donald.

I was brought up worshipping Barry, and being just down the road from Silverstone & Mallory Park, we went to watch often.

Barry was more than just a racer though; he was a huge ambassador for motorcycling in general, and his character shone into the ordinary lives of many who had simply no idea about bikes.

I admit it's early days, but I see Guy Martin as being another ambassador for two wheels and all that it conveys. He'd probably not agree, but he IS a special breed and a terrific role model for young men. He's not into alcohol, he's a damned hard worker & he loves using his hands to create.

I find him fascinating & would love to shake his hand one day.

I hadn't realised it was twelve years since the world lost Barry. The world will never forget him though..

I acquired an old Barry Sheene replica helmet some years ago and repainted the Donald Duck image, I loved it. imho BS revitalised motorcycle racing into the top class sport we see today. A fantastic character.