Celebrate five legendary riders and the racing motorcycles that helped make their names part of motorcycle history. From the raw two-stroke Grand Prix era to modern MotoGP, these illustrations capture some of the most recognisable riders, race numbers and liveries ever seen on two wheels.
Rider: Valentino Rossi | Manufacturer: Yamaha | Race Number: 46
Few rider and motorcycle combinations are as instantly recognisable as Valentino Rossi and the number 46 Yamaha. Rossi raced for the Fiat Yamaha Team during one of the defining periods of his MotoGP career, with the blue and white Yamaha YZR-M1 becoming inseparable from his famous number 46. Rossi won back-to-back MotoGP World Championships with Yamaha in 2008 and 2009, adding another chapter to an extraordinary racing career.
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Rider: Nicky Hayden | Manufacturer: Honda | Race Number: 69
The number 69 Repsol Honda belongs to American racing legend Nicky Hayden, affectionately known as the "Kentucky Kid". Hayden joined the Repsol Honda MotoGP team in 2003 and developed into one of the championship's most popular riders. His greatest season came in 2006, when he became MotoGP World Champion. The unmistakable Repsol colours remain closely associated with Hayden and his famous number 69.
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Rider: Joey Dunlop | Manufacturer: Honda | Race Number: 3
Few names command as much respect among road-racing fans as Joey Dunlop. The Northern Irish rider became a legend of the Isle of Man TT, and his number 3 machines are among the most recognisable racing motorcycles of all time. Dunlop raced Honda machinery extensively during his remarkable career, including the formidable Castrol Honda RC45.
Bizarre Fact: we have a front brake light switch to fit this bike, it also fits a Honda ANF 125 Innova
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Rider: Kenny Roberts | Manufacturer: Yamaha | Race Number: 1
Kenny Roberts changed Grand Prix motorcycle racing forever. The American arrived in the 500cc World Championship with an aggressive new riding style and became World Champion in his rookie season in 1978. Roberts went on to win three consecutive 500cc World Championships for Yamaha in 1978, 1979 and 1980. His yellow, black and white Yamaha race bikes became icons of the fearsome two-stroke Grand Prix era.
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Rider: Barry Sheene | Manufacturer: Suzuki | Race Number: 7
Barry Sheene and the number 7 Suzuki are one of British motorcycle racing's most celebrated partnerships. Racing the fearsome Suzuki RG500, Sheene captured consecutive 500cc World Championships in 1976 and 1977. His speed, charisma and larger-than-life personality helped bring Grand Prix motorcycle racing to a much wider audience.
Direct link tag: #barry-sheene
Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Joey Dunlop, Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene represent very different generations of motorcycle racing, but each left an unmistakable mark on the sport. Their race numbers, colours and motorcycles remain instantly recognisable to racing fans around the world.
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