Extremely rare 1904 Riley motorcycle stolen in the UK

One of the last remaining 1904 Riley motorcycles in the world, and the only one that’s believed to be in the UK, has been stolen from inside a barn on Lord's Lane in Ousden, Suffolk. 

If you didn’t already know, the UK has a major theft problem. So much so that it’s seemingly at the heart of a worldwide theft industry nicknamed “Grand Theft Global Inc”, according to a recent report from The Economist. So when another ugly case of bike theft takes place, it’s sadly unsurprising. 

This ultra-rare Riley motorcycle was stolen between 18:30 on Monday, December 15, and 07:00 on Tuesday, December 16. It is believed to be one of just two that remain globally.

The bike belongs to Robert Fellowes, the great-grandson of Percy Riley, founder of the Riley Motor Company. Reports say the bike was stolen alongside some other lesser valued items, after a transporter trailer inside a locked barn and padlocked area was broken into. 

The bike is considered to be worth around £10,000, and a reward will be issued by Fellowes if the bike is returned. Fellowes had hoped to pass the bike on to future generations, but even if it is returned, it’s unclear what condition the bike might be in.

Speaking about the devastation of finding out that the bike had been stolen, Fellowes told the BBC:

"I felt complete horror and amazement, to look inside and see it was gone… I was just aghast, and I couldn't comprehend it, and I still can't. I don't think many people would want it because they would know it was stolen, so we hope we get a hint as to where it is now, but maybe they will dump it.

"It's a huge part of our family background, and I very much hoped to have it to pass it on to future generations.”

Suffolk police have urged anyone with information about the bike to contact them.

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