Suzuki RG500 T-shirt

In the late 1970s and early 80s, Suzuki enjoyed a blistering and dominant run of 500cc Grand Prix racing success, akin to that of Norton's reign during the 1950s. In 1974 they developed the RG500 or 'Gamma' prototype racer, denoted XR14 by the factory and to be ridden by Barry Sheene.

The bike debuted at the 1974 French Grand Prix and Sheene managed an impressive 2nd place finish behind MV mounted Phil Read. Suzuki finished 3rd in the Manufacturers Championship that year but there were teething problems throughout the season, mostly with engine seizures and unruly handling at high speed.

For the 1975 season the XR14 was further developed with power output increased slightly to 100bhp. Barry Sheene had been injured earlier in the year in a violent high-speed crash at Daytona. On his return from injury at the Dutch Grand Prix he took his and Suzuki's first ever 500cc victory and also won the Swedish Grand Prix.

This t-shirt is our tribute to one of the great racing motorcycles of its era.