The one-off motorcycle was commissioned by the 7-time Formula One Driver’s Champion.
Broadly considered to be one of the best drivers to have competed at the pinnacle of motorsport, Michael Schumacher secured a record seven F1 Driver’s World Championship titles throughout his career, a number currently equalled by Lewis Hamilton.
Debuting with the Benetton team for the 1991 Formula One season, Schumacher won his first race in 1992 and his first Driver’s title in 1994. Remaining with Benetton as he followed up this title win the next season, the German’s subsequent switch to Ferrari resulted in 72 Grand Prix wins and five more driver’s titles by the end of 2006.
An accomplished motorcyclist, Schumacher would go on to finish on the podium of an IDM Superbike Championship race in 2008.
Commissioned as a means of honing his skills, German tuning specialists Holzhauer Racing Performance, via a bespoke ECU for the traction control, wheelie and spin control, a specialist airbox, oil cooler, handlebars, and an Akrapovič Titan exhaust system, converted a 2010 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade road bike into a track-day tool.
Sporting the number 77, and with 3,752 km on the odometer, Schumacher’s bespoke Honda superbike fetched €64 800 (R1.3million) at a recent auction, more than double what it was expected to sell for. Included in the sale was a racing helmet and a pair of motorcycling gloves signed by this legendary racer.
Ian McLaren has more than 25 years of experience as a motoring journalist. Here, he will be compiling a series of articles documenting his learning curve when it comes to all things auction. Find him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @IanMcLaren76.
These articles aim to offer insights only and in no way encourage reckless or hit-and-miss purchasing decisions.