20/06/2026
In 1980, Barry Sheene left Suzuki and took on the Grand Prix elite aboard an Akai-sponsored Yamaha TZ500G privateer machine. Nicknamed “The Slug” for its lack of power and handling issues, the bike struggled against the dominant factory Yamaha YZR500s.
Despite a difficult season that saw him finish 15th in the championship, Sheene’s determination and iconic black-and-red #7 Yamaha turned the campaign into one of the most memorable displays of grit in Grand Prix racing history.