A collection of historic racing motorcycles ridden by some of MotoGP and the Isle of Man TT’s best-known names will be offered by Iconic Auctioneers at its Iconic Motorcycle Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show on Sunday 15 November. Leading the selection is the Honda SP-1 raced by Joey Dunlop to victory in the 2000 Formula 1 TT, and the Aprilia RS-GP 20 campaigned by Aleix Espargaró in the 2020 MotoGP season and offered directly from the three-time race-winner.

The 2000 Honda SP-1 was one of two factory kit examples purchased by Paul Bird for the British Superbike Championship and was originally raced by James Toseland. Following Toseland’s testing accident at Cadwell Park, Dunlop rode the motorcycle in preparation for the TT. Honda subsequently supplied an Aaron Slight World Superbike engine and Showa suspension for the Isle of Man, helping Dunlop win the Formula 1 race and finish third in the Senior TT. The motorcycle later returned to BSB specification and has not raced since 2002. It is offered with a history file and related memorabilia and has never previously been publicly offered for sale (estimate: £80,000 - £100,000).

Its sister 2000 Honda SP-1 was ridden by John McGuinness at the North West 200 and the Formula 1 TT. McGuinness finished third in the latter, securing the first of his many TT podiums. Presented in very original condition and retaining its factory kit engine specification, this is also the first time it comes to market publicly (estimate: £50,000 - £60,000).

Another Dunlop-associated Honda is a 1991 VFR750R RC30. Built in Louth using factory NLOB race parts, the motorcycle was raced by Steve Hislop in UK competition before being used by Nick Jefferies at the 1992 Isle of Man TT, where he finished fourth in both the Formula 1 and Senior races. Dunlop took ownership in 1993 and raced it in Northern Ireland, finishing second in the Ulster Grand Prix. Mostly unrestored, the RC30 has recently undergone engine recommissioning and is presented in running order, although further brake work and safety checks are advised before track use (estimate: £35,000 - £45,000).

A second RC30 brings a Phillip McCallen connection to the sale. The 1992 Honda VFR750R was initially raced by Simon Crafar in the UK Championship before transferring to McCallen for selected short-circuit events in 1993. Fitted with a Tony Scott-tuned NLOB engine, kit radiators, flat-sided carburettors and Öhlins front forks, it remains mostly unrestored in its factory Castrol colours (estimate: £30,000 - £35,000).

The collection also includes the Honda CBR1000RR8 FireBlade ridden by Guy Martin for Sean Muir Racing in Superstock during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Martin rode the motorcycle to third place in the 2008 Superstock TT and second in 2009, his highest TT podium finishes. Still presented in its original Hydrex, Red Torpedo and SMR livery, it is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by SMR Hydrex Honda Chief Engineer Mick Shanley (estimate: £15,000 - £20,000).

Away from the Isle of Man TT, a 2020 Aprilia RS-GP 20 MotoGP machine raced by Aleix Espargaró during the 2020 season will be offered directly from his private collection. The factory 1,000cc Aprilia was part of a comprehensively revised package for 2020, featuring a new double-rail alloy frame, V90 engine, revised aerodynamics and seamless transmission. In his ownership since 2022, the motorcycle remains in original condition with its factory Marelli ignition system, Akrapovic exhaust, bespoke Öhlins suspension, Brembo calipers, carbon front discs and full carbon fibre bodywork. It is also offered with Espargaro’s leathers, helmet, boots and gloves from the season, together with Aprilia paperwork and delivery notes. (estimate: £200,000 - £300,000)

At the more accessible end of Iconic Auctioneers competition bikes offering are two machines run and maintained by renowned Harris Performance technician, Alf Mossell. The first is a Suzuki XR11 TR750 replica built by Mossell from a 1975 Suzuki GT750 ‘kettle’ and well known within classic racing circles. It features a fabricated seat/oil tank, fuel tank and radiator, and is offered with paperwork and photos from Mossell (estimate: £6,000 - £8,000). It is joined by a 1993 Honda RS250RF, an ‘off the shelf’ production racer often used by privateer teams, which comes with a spare crank, wheels and exhaust parts (estimate: £6,000 -£8,000).

Mark Bryan, Motorcycle Manager at Iconic Auctioneers, said: “These motorcycles represent several different chapters of racing history, but what connects them is the calibre of the riders and the strength of their provenance. To have machines associated with Joey Dunlop, John McGuinness, Phillip McCallen, Aleix Espargaró and Guy Martin in one sale is very special.

“From Guy Martin’s FireBlade through to the SP-1 that carried Joey Dunlop to one of his most famous victories, and an authentic MotoGP racer offered directly from its rider, there are opportunities here for collectors at all levels of the competition bike market.”

This selection of competition motorcycles follows the announcement that Iconic Auctioneers will also offer Mike Hailwood’s 1966 350cc World Championship-winning Honda RC173 at its NEC Classic Motor Show sale.

The Iconic Motorcycle Sale takes place at the NEC Classic Motor Show on Sunday 15 November 2026. Bidders are encouraged to register in advance through the Iconic Auctioneers website. Further details on each motorcycle and registration to bid can be found at www.iconicauctioneers.com.