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The World’s Greatest Moto Racer’s Dreamy First Grand Prix Bike Is Out There, Man, Just Waiting for You

The beauty of a motorcycle may be in the eye of the beholder, but the significance of this one cannot be denied.

Top view of a racing motorcycle front fairing with number 46 in black and blue on a yellow background and blue side panels.Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Years ago, before I had ever even dreamed of riding a motorcycle, I was lucky enough to be invited on a press trip to Valencia, Spain for a MotoGP race.

Lord knows why I accepted, but I’m so glad I did, as I not only got to see the great Nicky Hayden (RIP) race but also witness the legend of The Doctor, Valentino Rossi, near the end of his racing prime.

Blue and yellow racing motorcycle with number 46 and multiple sponsor logos on a black stand.
The bike appears to be remarkably well preserved. Then again it has not been ridden much, if at all, in 30 years.
Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

I was immediately fascinated by this gangly Italian’s unique riding style, his too-long limbs jutting off the sides of his bike as he tore around the track on the edges of his saddle, always pushing to the limit.

That approach paid off in spades with 115 total GP wins and seven MotoGP world titles, feats that put him squarely in the GOAT conversation (I’m sure Marc Marquez would like a word). 

Blue and yellow Aprilia racing motorcycle with sponsor logos and number 46 on a black background.
Twenty bucks if you can tell me what even half of these sponsors do, make or sell.
Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

But even the legends have to start somewhere, which is why I’m stoked to see Rossi’s very first Grand Prix bike hit the auction block. 

Starting small

As you might imagine, the European motorcycle racing circuit has a few different levels, and before he was a 7-time MotoGP world champ, or even the 250cc world champ, Rossi was a 17-year-old racing a 1996 Aprilia RS125R in the 125cc class.

Motorcycle racer in yellow gear leaning into a turn on a racetrack.
Rossi corners hard in the midst of his very first GP win at the 1996 Czech Republic Grand Prix.
RM Sotheby’s

Though his first season was up and down, he did claim his very first circuit win, on the Brno Circuit track at the 1996 Czech Republic Grand Prix, on this very bike.

In all, he raced 15 times on the bike that year.

Close-up of Aprilia motorcycle dashboard showing rpm gauge and handlebar components with cables.
Considering how high tech race bikes are these days, it’s fun to behold this rather rudimentary cockpit.
Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

After the season, the bike went into private ownership, where it has resided with various well-heeled folks for the past three decades.

Rossi went on to win the 125cc title the following year, the 250cc title two years later, and from there he was literally off to the races.

Close-up of a motorcycle handlebar grip and brake lever with blue, red, green, and white bodywork featuring the "polini" logo.
Just twisting this throttle and imagining how The Doctor must have felt winning his first race would be sweet.
Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

In the end he spent more than two decades competing at the highest level, on the back of various Hondas, Yamahas and Ducatis. 

But it all started with the bike that’s hitting the auction block via RM Sotheby’s, complete with its Scuderia AGV Aprilia 1996 season livery and Rossi’s signature number 46.

Close-up of a motorcycle's silver footpeg and gear shift lever mounted on a metallic frame with yellow and blue body panels and visible sponsor stickers.
Some day not far enough in the future, kids will be asking WTF a shifter peg was.
Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Additional signs of the bike’s authenticity include factory team sheets documenting its race entries and bills of sale confirming its long ownership history.

With a no-reserve listing and bidding opening today (May 13), the bike is estimated to bring in somewhere between €100,000 and €150,000 ($117,341 to $176,011 USD). 

Blue and yellow racing motorcycle with sponsor decals on a black stand against a dark background.
In case you forgot, Italian motorcycles are gorgeous from pretty much any angle.
Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Now, you could argue that’s way too much, considering that just a few years ago, a 1996 Aprilia RS250 (with a 249cc engine, twice as big as the Rossi bike’s), sold for less than 10 grand.

But those who appreciate the significance of this sweet little ride would argue it’s the exact opposite … a bargain for something so priceless.

Young motorcyclist in a yellow and blue racing suit waving with a backdrop showing "CESKE REPUBLIK" and "1996".
A 17-year-old Rossi waves from the top of the podium at the 1996 Czech Republic Grand Prix.
RM Sotheby’s

Availability and pricing

Well, there’s only one of them, but if you’ve got a couple hundred grand burning a hole in your leathers, it could be yours.

Blue and yellow racing motorcycle with number 46 and Polini branding on a stand.Paolo Carlini Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Valentino Rossi’s 1996 Aprilia RS125R

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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