Description
This motorcycle is Lot 325 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 325
Sold in aid of the Luca Guintoli Foundation 'Dark Rider - Year of Shadow'
2000 Bourget 1, 750cc Custom
Registration no. V472 OVX
Frame no. 1B9BLY8A5YA393390
Engine no. * W0735 * (see text)
The Dark Rider is a visually striking custom motorcycle inspired by Shadow the Hedgehog from ****'s iconic Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Created for the 2024 Fearless: Year of Shadow campaign, it embodies the themes of fearlessness, confidence, and determination that defined ****'s year-long celebration of Shadow.
A Bourget's Bike Works product, 'Dark Rider' is a unique one-off created and designed by **** in conjunction with Oil Sweat & Gears and Atmospherics SFX. In 2023, **** launched the 'Fast Friends Forever' programme, which highlighted the special bond that Sonic and friends Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose share with their fans. For 2024, the focus shifted to the brooding hedgehog, Shadow, star of the video game Sonic X Shadow Generations, as well as the highly anticipated movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. As part of the celebrations, 'Dark Rider' was displayed at a variety of action-packed events including the British MotoGP round at Silverstone; Gamescom Germany on the **** stand; EGX/ MCM Comic *** London; a Goodwood charity event; and Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog 3 promotion in UK cinema foyers.
'Dark Rider' was gifted to the Luca Guintoli Foundation, founded by Sylvain Guintoli, 2014 World Superbike Champion, 2021 Endurance World Champion, and Le Mans 24 Hours winner in 2021 and 2022. He currently co-presents TNT Sports' MotoGP television coverage alongside Suzi Perry, while continuing to compete in the EWC.
The foundation was set up in honour of Sylvain's six-year-old son, Luca, who tragically passed away last year from cancer. Proceeds raised by the sale of this motorcycle will go to the Luca Guintoli Foundation, which promotes and protects the physical and mental health of children who have autism or cancer, alongside their families in England and Wales, through the provision of financial assistance, support, education, and practical advice. In April 2026, Sylvain ran the London Marathon in honour of his son and raised over £150, 000 for PASIC (an organisation that helps and supports families whose children have cancer).
It is believed this is the first time a piece of **** memorabilia, coming directly from the company, has been offered for sale at auction. As such, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning collector to own a unique piece of **** history while at the same time helping a most worthy cause.
Registered as a Bourget, the machine has a 1, 750cc S&S Super Stock engine equipped with Edelbrock cylinder heads, which is mated to an Ultimate six-speed gearbox. Weighing 280kg, it is approximately 2. 6m long, 1. 1m high, and measures 900mm across the handlebars. It should be noted that this motorcycle is currently configured for static display and cannot be used on the road in its present form. Commissioning it for road use would have to include replacing the fuel tank (currently a foam dummy) alongside various other recommissioning tasks.
Offered with the Lot is a custom RST V4. 2 Kangaroo Leather non-airbag race suit, evoking the spirit of Shadow and Dark Rider which has been kindly donated by RST together with matching gloves. In 2024, HJC helmets created a special run of Shadow helmets to coincide with the Year of Shadow and HJC have kindly donated one as well.
The machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate; a photocopied US Title; an HMRC NOVA declaration; and a copy of the agreement from **** donating it to the Luca Guintoli Foundation. It should also be noted that the V5C incorrectly records the engine number as 'YA393390'.
Please note, no Buyer's Premium will be charged on the hammer price of this lot due to its charitable nature.
© ****. All rights reserved. **** is registered in the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office. ****, the **** logo and SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS are registered trademarks or trademarks of **** CORPORATION.
£10, 000 - 15, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
