Record-Breaking MotoGP Bike is Up for Auction
The ‘fastest’ MotoGP bike ever is up for auction but the asking price is north of £300,000
The bike with the fastest top speed ever in MotoGP is up for auction from KTM, but at what cost?
Brad Binder’s RC16 recorded a stunning top speed of 366.1km/h (227.5mph) during the Italian MotoGP weekend at Mugello in 2023, before fellow KTM rider Pol Espargaro matched that number during a wildcard appearance last year.
But it’s the South African’s bike that has gone up for sale at RM Sotheby’s presented in its original condition. However, it is for display purposes only.
The motorcycle is currently up for grabs with offers in excess of €350,000 (around £300,000) which is a long way off the £402,500 that Casey Stoner’s 2007 title-winning Ducati sold for last year. However, that figure will likely rise if significant interest is shown.
A statement from Sotheby’s, read: “Due to the specialized nature of modern MotoGP motorcycles – including pneumatic valve actuation and a mandatory unified ECU – independent private operation is not possible.
“Upon collection, the motorcycle will be started in the presence of the buyer. Any potential track use and service options can be discussed separately with KTM Factory Racing.”
Featuring a 1000cc four-cylinder engine, Binder’s factory KTM Racing machine produces a mouth-watering 295bhp at 18,000rpm. It also gets Magneti Marelli electronics and has a fuel capacity of 22 litres.
WP suspension is found at the front and rear as is often the case with KTM models, while braking comes from none other than Brembo with an aluminium calliper at the front which also features carbon brake discs with a 340mm diameter. The rear sees a 255mm steel brake disc and it gets Michelin 17-inch Prototype tyres.
From there, the bike also gets a carbon fibre swingarm that was developed internally by KTM and an Akrapovic full titanium exhaust system.
The engine aboard Binder’s bike is sealed and modifications are prohibited, while KTM will get first refusal on the motorcycle if it is sold by the new owner.
The bike’s handover will be done by KTM Factory Racing in Munderfing, Austria. However, transportation and delivery will be at the expense of the buyer.
While Binder’s top speed record still stands, it’s likely to be under threat this season and again in 2026 if it hasn’t been broken sooner, although all top speed records will then likely be finalised as MotoGP engines are dropping from 1000cc to 850 as part of the 2027 regulation changes.
The RC16 that was used by Binder throughout the 2023 season won two sprint races while securing a total of seven podiums in the new format. He also took the bike to five Grand Prix podiums.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
