Valentino Rossi’s first GP-winning bike up for grabs

Looking for a conversation starter in the shed or living room? Sotheby’s is auctioning the 1996 Aprilia RS125R that carried Valentino Rossi to his first GP victory

Motorcycle racing fans with deep pockets will soon have the chance to buy a genuine piece of Grand Prix history, with RM Sotheby’s listing Valentino Rossi’s 1996 Aprilia RS125R for sale via its Sealed platform.

The bike is no ordinary Rossi machine. It is described as both the first motorcycle Rossi raced in Grand Prix competition and the same machine on which he claimed his maiden GP win in the 125cc class at the 1996 Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno. That victory was the first of what would become 115 Grand Prix wins across Rossi’s career.

Presented in its preserved Scuderia AGV Aprilia 1996 season livery and carrying Rossi’s famous number 46, the bike remains closely tied to its racing past. According to Sotheby’s, it is offered with factory team sheets confirming each of its race entries during the 1996 season, along with bills of sale documenting its ownership history.

Rossi debuted on the machine with a sixth place finish, before continuing with a string of points scoring rides. Results on this bike across the 1996 campaign included 11th at Sentul, 11th at Suzuka, fourth at Jerez, fourth at Mugello, fifth at the Nürburgring and third in Austria, where Rossi celebrated his first Grand Prix podium.

The breakthrough came at Brno, where Rossi took his first Grand Prix victory, launching a career that would make him one of the most successful and recognisable riders in motorcycle racing history.

Sotheby’s says the sale also includes a note from team manager Mauro Noccioli reflecting on Rossi’s first win, while team records verify that the engine currently fitted to the bike is the same unit used in that breakthrough Brno triumph.

The Aprilia was sold by the factory racing team to a private owner in January 1997 and has been with its current owner since February 2013.

The bike carries an estimate of €100,000 to €150,000 (about A$165,000 to A$248,000) and will be offered without reserve. Bidding opens on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.