£120k raised for Ukraine: Stunning MV leads the way in fundraising auction

This 1974 MV Agusta 750, which sold for £48,000 last week, was the star of a charity fund-raising event which has now raised a total of £120,000 for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

The classic Italian superbike was originally supplied new to factory MV rider Gianfranco Bonera who owned it until 1978. The MV was donated by RM Sotherby’s whose auction was the highlight of the exclusive Salon Privé London event which this year was in aid of the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal following the Russian invasion.

Along with the MV, other items were auctioned in aid of the charity during the event’s celebration dinner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The bike, which was originally built to ‘GT’ specification and later uprated to ‘Sport’, was bought by Ian Smart who said afterwards: “I am delighted to have been successful in winning this beautiful MV Agusta motorbike, and to support Salon Privé in this important fundraising campaign to provide aid to those in need during the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis.

“My sincere thanks goes to RM Sotheby’s for their generosity in donating this important part of MV Agusta’s history and ensuring the success of the auction.”

Director of Salon Privé, Andrew Bagley, added: “Special thanks must go to RM Sotheby’s for the incredibly generous donation of the 1974 MV Agusta motorbike, and to Ian for placing the winning bid, but there have been so many genuinely heartfelt pledges made. We want to thank everyone, as no donation is too small in this effort to help those in need.”

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Bikers help out Ukraine: Businesses large and small do their bit

First published on 9 March 2022 by Jordan Gibbons

Brands across the spectrum of biking have been banding together to help people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The support has come from far and wide, with help taking many forms. Larger companies such as Lexmoto have committed to donating a slice of their profits from the whole of March to the Red Cross appeal, while small businesses such as customisers Pier City Cycles are donating £1500 from webshop sales.

Elsewhere, club racing organisers Bemsee, the only club with their own medical team, have donated excess medical supplies.

There have also been moves from across the motorcycling spectrum to condemn Russia’s invasion of its neighbour. The FIM have suspended all Russian and Belrusian riders’ licences, with the ACU joining them in applying the same suspension for the UK. The FIM have also cancelled three MXGP rounds that were due to take place in Russia.

Multiple manufacturers have announced they will no longer sell bikes or supply parts to people in Russia, including Harley-Davidson, Suzuki and Honda.

Closer to home, Ural have publicly asked for an end to the invasion while Timur Sardarov, the Russian CEO of MV Agusta, described the “horrific atrocities… conducted by the Russian regime” as the “biggest tragedy in his 40 years of existence” in an open letter. Both incredibly brave moves by Russian owned businesses. 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian electric bike brand Delfast report their staff continue working, and are safe and well. MCN’s owners Bauer have also set up a scheme to support Ukraine.