Glyn Macdonald, aka Macca, built this Suzuki RGV250 from the ground up as a tribute to the late Barry Sheene, British GP racer and outspoken playboy. Some of you may have never heard of Barry Sheene, but he was a MotoGP legend in the 1970s. Macca’s interactions with Sheene began when the GP champ retired and moved to Australia.

He was very approachable for a world champion, we would talk just like mates down at the pub, and although I was not regarded as a close mate of Barry`s because he had so many followers, I would always chat to him when I got the chance.

This may not be the coveted 500 version of the Suzuki race bike that Sheene competed on, but that does not discount the amazing quality of this build. Every bolt was meticulously turned from start to finish.

I really wanted to do a 500 Suzuki but they are very rare, and when you do find one they are very expensive , so I opted for a 250. I always had the Sheene theme in my head to build. This RGV started off as another basket case, literally bought off a guy who had it in pieces, in a shed in Rural Queensland.



After tearing the Suzuki down and starting from scratch. The racer was fitted with an early style Yamaha TZ fairing, and genuine Suzuki tank.

The Engine was completely rebuilt, and meticulously gone through with a fine tooth comb to ensure top performance.

Macca adapted a set of late-model Yamaha R6 rear-sets, and hand fabricated an alloy radiator. He topped it off by blacking out the frame, and the bike neared completion.

The end result, a beautiful two stroke race machine. Dont stare to long, your girlfriend will accuse you of cheating!

For more information on the man who inspired this build, check out this thrilling documentary about Barry Sheene and James Hunt, When Playboys Ruled the World.

