From the Owen Art Studios' exclusive classic-vintage photo collection, this historic black and white picture of motorbike racing from the 1980s has been beautifully restored and enhanced.
In 1981, American "King" Kenny Roberts was the reigning World 500cc Grand Prix Champion for the third time, and Brit Barry Sheene, in an attempt to regain the motorcycle champsionship, switched from Suzuki to Yamaha. In this high-action image, the two arch rivals on their Yamahas are shown cresting a hill. You can see Sheene's front end pushing out as he attempts to pass Roberts for the downhill charge toward the grandstand.
Sheene and Roberts fought all season and let Suzuki riders Marco Lucchinelli of Italy and American Randy Mamola beat them for the top two spots. Roberts finished third and Sheene fourth for the 1981 championship. Also in 1981, a newcomer named Freddie Spencer made his first foray into GP racing, riding the four-stroke Honda NR500 up to fifth place before it broke at the British Grand Prix.
Only 500 prints of this restored and enhanced black & white photo were produced for worldwide sale. They are on heavy-weight paper, and are easy-to-frame yourself – no mat is needed and each fits into a standard ready-made frame.
Customer Comments
"Print Sheene & Roberts has arrived. It is fabulous and once I frame it this weekend, it will sit nicely with the Lawson & Cooley one I got from you previously. Thank you for such prompt service." — Tim Claridge, Bracknell, Berkshire, Great Britain
"The print Sheene & Roberts arrived this afternoon. Beautifully packed. I am so pleased with it. Taking it to the pub tonight (British Pub) to show the boys." — Alison Osment, Sherman Oaks, CA
"I have received Sheene & Roberts very fast and I like it very much. Unfortunately, I had no time till now to buy a frame. I would like to have taken care of it before Christmas. Your service is first-class. I will be glad to shop with you once more." — Friedhelm Roth, Muelhelm an der Ruhr, Germany
"Sheene & Roberts arrived today in excellent condition and looks fantastic, cannot wait to put it over my desk! Absolute bargain." — Andrew Sampson, South Yorkshire, England
"Hi, I received the print Sheene & Roberts (11 business days). It is framed, looks great. I wished I purchased the larger one. Thanks." — Gary Stride, Victoria, BC Canada
"My print of Sheene & Roberts arrived earlier this week. It is now framed and hanging in my garage here in Liverpool, England. The print is beautifully sharp, has been restored and reworked beautifully and for me captures the passion of motorcycling so much. A great piece of work." — Dave Bridge, Liverpool, England
"Thanks I just received my 6th print Sheene & Roberts, and it's BEAUTIFUL! I wouldn't have thought that the larger one would have been as clear as the 16x20, but it is! Thank-you 6 times over and my collection continues to expand!" — Dan Cowing, Dresden, ME
"Thanks for your quick shipment of my print Sheene & Roberts. I like the picture very much. Also thanks for the special number 77. Best wishes and all the best." — Johan de Vries, Rolde, The Netherlands
"Hello, I just want to say how pleased I am to be able to own some of your prints Sheene & Roberts, Senna at Magny-Cours, Edwards Outside Rossi. These are great pieces of history told by art. Just phenomenal to look at. Very happy I found you." — Paulo Barros, Santa Rosa, CA
"The prints Sheene & Roberts and Rossi on the Gas are fantastic. I am going out today to buy frames. Thanks so much for your prompt shipment, and contacting FedEx for me." — Rich Slaughter, La Selva Beach, CA
"Dear Sirs, Just received my Hayden & Rossi and Sheene & Roberts framed prints. They look absolutely awesome! Framing type and quality perfectly complement each print. I could not be more pleased! ... Strong product and customer service!" — Bill Sheets, Houston, TX
"Greetings - I just received my Sheene & Roberts print. I am 100% satisfied! I can't put into words just how happy I am! It is by far the best Ebay purchase ever! It's crystal clear and MUCH nicer than I ever expected. Thank you so much!" — Dan Cowing, Dresden, ME