Barry Sheene 1950–2003: The Biography

by Stuart Barker

The definitive life story of the seventies world 500cc motorcycle champion Barry Sheene – the Brit whose death-defying crashes and playboy lifestyle made him the most famous bike racer on the planet. Written by the only journalist to have ridden on the roads with him, and featuring interviews with closest friends, team mates and former rivals. Born in London's East End in 1950, Sheene was introduced to motor sport at the age of five, with his father Frank building him his first ever motorbike. His story traces his humble beginnings as a maverick opposed to every educational influence, through an apprenticeship as a part-time rider and full-time mechanic, to a works team racer, with a host of diversions in pursuit of the opposite sex. It charts his success between 1975 and 1982, a golden period during which Sheene won more international 500cc and 750cc Grand Prix titles than anyone, including the world 500cc title in 1976 and 1977. This despite the horrendous carnage from a series of near-fatal crashes from which Sheene miraculously survived and overcame, against all odds. Outside the sport, Sheene discovered an acting talent, appearing in the ITV show Just Amazing and in numerous TV commercials, making him a household name. On his retirement, he found fulfilment (and a friendlier climate for his battered body) in Brisbane as an expert motor sport commentator and an accomplished businessman. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2002 he shunned conventional treatments, preferring natural remedies, but died early in 2003. This is the complete portrait of perhaps the greatest circuit racer of them all.

Genres: Biography

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2003

About the author

Stuart Barker was born in Galloway, Scotland and graduated from Strathclyde University in 1996. A lifelong motor racing fan, he worked at Motor Cycle News, first as a news reporter then as a feature writer and road tester. After four years, he became a freelance writer and has been published in many magazines including FHM, Superbike, Two Wheels Only and Biker. He has co-written books with Niall Mackenzie and Steve Hislop and wrote a bestselling biography of the late Barry Sheene.

Reviews

[Stewart Jarvis-Grove · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barry retired from racing just as I was gaining a way to watch it. I have some vague memories of being taken to Cadwell Park between 1978 and 1980 so I believe I did see him race but I can't really remember it.

I must admit I'm not a fan of him and in my opinion he wasn't a nice person. I'm with the others that claim that his two championships were won against weak competition so didn't really mean that much in the scheme of thing. I take my hat off to him for enjoying life and making a name for himself though but I don't admire him as a bike racer.

I have read this book before in the year it was released but I only really remembered the last section about his fight with cancer. I chose to read it again because I thought it would dove tail nicely with my recent reading of Steve Parrish's book who claims to be such a good mate of Barry's. I was initially sceptical of this because he isn't mentioned at all for a long time in this book but it turns out they were very good mates and Steve does get mentioned numerous times.

My main issue with this book however isn't the fact I don't like Barry, it is because I don't like the writing style. Stuart repeats himself which is annoying and uses sensationalistic descriptions and exclamations for too frequently and too easily. The continued exaggeration of what is being described just pissed me off and I was glad to get past the racing section of the book which jumped about far too much and would have benefited from a more linear telling.

This was at best an OK read which is shame and explains why I couldn't really remember it from the last time I read it over 2o years ago. I am curious to read more about Barry though so I will check out a couple of books that were mentioned here and see if I can find copies on eBay. 2/5

[Philip Packer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barry Sheene, was he that good?

Have read better books about motorcycle racers. World Champion twice, a bit flash and liked the limelight. A play boy with a lot of arrogance, and according to the book not the best of racers. He was British and perhaps liked for that reason.

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great account of the accomplishments of one of Britains greatest motorcycle racers. It details his rise to fame and doesn't hold back on the details of his numerous and accidents that resulted in him being held together by almost as much metal as bone.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully well written biography of an incredible man.

Littered with wonderful anecdotes and tales this book celebrates the life of Barry Sheene.

[Carl Smith-owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

8.2004