JAKARTA - The 1996 Aprilia RS125R motorcycle ridden by Valentino Rossi when he won his first Grand Prix victory in Brno will be auctioned. The price is also estimated to reach 150 thousand euros or equivalent to Rp3 billion.
The auction will be held by RM Sotheby's auction house starting May 13, 2026. The legendary vehicle is predicted to have a high selling price due to its status as a silent witness to the early career of the MotoGP legend nicknamed The Doctor.
The motorcycle belonging to the Italian legend is still complete with factory documents, original racing livery, and the engine used in his historic victory in the Czech Republic. The offer will be made through the Sealed RM Sotheby's platform.
This small two-stroke Aprilia is expected to sell for between 100 thousand euros to 150 thousand euros although the list without a reserve price means it could sell for more or less, depending on how big Rossi's fans' pockets are when the bidding opens later.
However, for MotoGP fans, this is much more than just another old GP bike. The RS125R represents the beginning of Rossi's rise from an Italian teenager who promised to be, arguably, the biggest name ever produced in the world of motorcycle racing.
With this bike, Rossi scored his first Grand Prix victory, which later continued to be 115 victories in all classes. This bike is also the one that accompanied Rossi during his first Grand Prix season in 1996 with Scuderia AGV Aprilia.
Throughout the season, Rossi had used the iconic number 46 and the same pattern that was maintained until the end of the competition that year. The same number and the same color of highlighter then became an identity that was very attached to Rossi.
The most valuable items for collectors from this auction include the factory team data sheet verifying the motor's participation throughout the 1996 season along with proof of sale documenting its ownership history.
A note from Aprilia's legendary team manager, Mauro Noccioli, is also included. The documents confirm that the engine installed is the same unit used by Rossi in his historic victory.
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