When the trio of presenters from Top Gear and The Grand Tour traded jabs about each other’s speed habits, James May quietly assembled one of the most impressive fast-car and bike line-ups among them. While his Ferraris tended to steal the spotlight, it was his affection for Honda’s Fireblade range that set him apart from his co-hosts. After seven years of ownership, the former “Captain Slow” has decided to part with a specific gem: a 2013 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade that still bears a modest 5,844 miles on the odometer.
The bike’s pedigree and specifications
The 2013 model belongs to the fourth generation of Honda’s flagship sportbike, a superbike renowned for its blend of razor-sharp handling and raw power. Under the sleek fairings sits a naturally aspirated 998 cc inline-four that pushes the rear wheel through a six-speed manual gearbox. The machine is dressed in the celebrated Repsol racing livery – a nod to Honda’s MotoGP heritage – which gives it a visual pedigree that rivals its mechanical one. May’s dedication to maintenance is evident: the bike arrives with a full service history, all paperwork intact, and a condition that rivals a showroom model despite the kilometres logged.
A look at the auction details
The Fireblade is being offered through Collecting Cars, the online auction platform co-founded by fellow motoring journalist Chris Harris. The listing specifies that the sale is no-reserve, meaning the highest bid will win regardless of amount. At the time of writing, the leading offer sits at £8,755 (approximately $10,000), with just four days remaining before the hammer falls. Because the vehicle is tied to a high-profile personality, interest is expected to rise sharply as the deadline approaches, potentially pushing the final price well beyond the current figure.
Why the Fireblade matters to collectors
Owning a motorcycle that once belonged to a television icon adds a layer of provenance that most enthusiasts can only dream of. The combination of low mileage, factory-fresh Repsol livery, and May’s meticulous care creates a rarity that appeals to both hardcore Honda fans and collectors of celebrity memorabilia. Historically, items that have passed through the hands of the Top Gear trio have appreciated in value, as the association with the presenters adds a narrative premium. For anyone looking to combine performance, aesthetics, and a slice of motoring history, this Fireblade represents a convergence of all three.
Potential bidders should note that the bike arrives ready to ride, with its most recent service completed shortly before it left May’s garage. All original accessories – including the owners manual, spare key, and a set of aftermarket exhausts that May once fitted – are included in the sale. The auction’s transparent bidding system allows participants worldwide to place their offers, making it a truly global opportunity to acquire a piece of British motoring culture.
