Ridden by South African Brad Binder, this KTM MotoGP motorcycle holds the fastest recorded top speed in the sport’s history
While the 2025 MotoGP season is proving frustrating for both South African star Brad Binder and his KTM Factory Racing team, Binder’s reputation for extracting the most out of his motorcycle continues to win him the respect of the paddock, as well as thousands of fans around the world. A perfect example of this never-say-die attitude and supreme race craft was when Binder chose to stay out on the track despite the onset of rain at the 2021 Grand Prix of Austria, in Spielberg. With the rest of the field electing to come into the pits to swap onto machinery fitted with wet-weather tyres, Binder’s gamble to stay out paid off as he managed to manoeuvre his motorcycle to the finish line ahead of the chasing pack, despite being on the wrong tyres for the inclement conditions.
Binder’s most successful season to date would come in 2023 when he secured two Sprint victories and seven Sprint podiums aboard his KTM RC16. Together with five Grand Prix podiums, the South African went on to finish in fourth place in the overall MotoGP rider’s championship that year.
In his pursuit of silverware at the 2023 Grand Premio d’Italia Oakley race, held at Mugello in Italy, Binder recorded what remains the fastest top speed of a MotoGP motorcycle in the history of the sport. Ahead of the braking markers at the end of this famous track’s 1.14 km long main straight, the South African flag painted onto Binder’s helmet was travelling at 366.1 km/h.
Offered at a static display only, meaning the new owner is obliged to sign documentation stating they are not allowed to modify or, indeed, ride the motorcycle in either road or unsanctioned racing conditions, Brad Binder’s record-setting 2023 KTM RC16 is being auctioned by the factory with no reserve. The motorcycle will, however, be started in the presence of its new owner at a handover ceremony hosted at the team’s factory in Munderfing, Austria.
“The opportunity to purchase a modern era racing machine (on two-wheels or four) just two years after being constructed and raced is truly unrepeatable. This bike’s history as being used by KTM across the 2023 season while being piloted to MotoGP’s all-time top speed record, cements its place in history as one of the most desirable motorcycles built in the 21st century,” says auctioneers RM Sotheby’s.
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.