A year after his death at age 48, the motorcycle mercurial Australian racer Anthony Gobert rode to a rain-soaked World Superbike Race 1 win at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 2000, is going up for auction in London.
Gobert’s 2000 race win was the last of his eight World Superbike victories, and his third at Phillip Island. Sadly, Gobert only finished two more races in his WSBK career—a P9 the following day and a P22 at Monza three rounds later. Gobert also competed in the FIM Grand Prix 500cc class for three seasons. His 13 starts earned him 51 points. Though Gobert was never on the podium, he scored five top-10 finishes in his rookie 1997 season aboard a Lucky Strike Suzuki RGV500.
The privately owned 2000 Bimota SB8K ridden to the top podium step by Gobert has been on display in recent years. Although unrestored, it is not in track-ready condition. It features some patina of competition in the rain, including a rusting foot-brake return spring and oxidizing on the aluminum swingarm.
The 2000 Bimota SB8K looks complete and comes with a collection of spares and a Bimota Letter of Authenticity that guarantees the motorcycle’s providence. Additionally, period publications covering the SB8K are included in the sale.
The race bike is powered by a Suzuki TL1000R motor with a Termignoni exhaust system. Unlike many Bimota production bikes, which featured unorthodox front suspension, the Bimota SB8K has an inverted Öhlins fork. Braking is by Brembo. The extensive use of carbon fiber composites to bolster the twin-spar aluminum frame was innovative in 2000. Michelin Pilot slicks are mounted on Marchesini wheels.
The Bimota SB8K is being auctioned at the MCN London Motorcycle Show 2025 at Excel London, Royal Victoria Dock on the River Thames on February 16 at 11:15 a.m. local time. Coventry-based Iconic Auctioneers are handling the auction of Anthony Gobert’s 2000 Bimota SB8K.
