Full-factory auction | Ex-Gobert Bimota is just one of the bikes under the hammer at MCN’s London Show

A former factory Bimota SB8K World Superbike racer, ridden to a stunning victory by the late Anthony Gobert at the 2000 Phillip Island round, is one of the star lots up for auction at next month’s Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show.

Expected to fetch between £80,000 and £100,000, the 996cc twin is in original unrestored condition and is the very bike that Gobert rode to victory in Australia – finishing a full 30 seconds in front of second-placed Carl Fogarty.

It was to be Gobert’s last victory in the World Superbike paddock, having also enjoyed spells in the 500cc GPs, too. In January 2024, the Aussie racer died aged 48 following a short illness.

Bimota SB8K left side

The Bimota is one of 72 bikes already signed up to be sold at next month’s show, which will run from February 14-16 at London’s ExCel. With the sale run by Iconic Auctioneers, the bikes will be available to view across the weekend, with the auction kicking off at 11.15am on the Sunday.

A number of racing machines will be available alongside rare and collectable road bikes, memorabilia, and even a custom chopper owned by Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood.

Some machines are being sold to raise money for good causes. These include a pair of Moto Morini twins which are going under the gavel to raise money for the MS Society.

Bimota SB8K front

Expected to fetch between £3000 and £5000 each, the bikes are a 1978 500 Strada – recommissioned in 2021 – and a mostly original, unrestored 1981 500 Sport.

The Strada has covered 13,500 miles, whereas the slightly newer Sport carries 23,400 miles on the clock. Both are original UK models with correct frame and engine numbers, and both make use of almost identical 478cc V-twin.

Elsewhere, fans of analogue sportsbikes have been catered for, with everything from a 1999 Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD through to a 2000 Aprilia RSV Mille SP twin expected to fetch up to £30,000.

Moto Morini 500 pair

The black and red Aprilia is a true homologation special and is number 142 of 150 built. It’s covered a little over 15,000 miles and has been refreshed by AP Workshops.

Finally, for fans of classic GP racing, a number of Yamahas are being sold from a private collection. These include a 1977 Maxton-framed TZ750 two-stroke – using one of six chassis built by the late Maxton founder, Ron Williams.

Although requiring recommissioning for use, having been displayed for the past few years, it’s still anticipated to fetch between £25,000 and £30,000.

Bids can be made either in person, online (via Iconic Auctioneers website) or over the phone.