A custom Harley-Davidson commissioned and owned from new by football legend Kevin Keegan is set to be auctioned later this month, with part of the proceeds supporting Cancer Research UK. The one-off 1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster features a bespoke Newcastle United F.C. livery created to celebrate Keegan’s time as both a player and manager at the club. It will be offered with no reserve by H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on 22 July.
Recent collector vehicle sales have continued to attract attention across the market, with several landmark results highlighted during Broad Arrow’s latest global icons auction. The enduring connection between football and public culture can also be seen in London’s new lion sculpture trail, which is bringing football-themed artwork to Westminster this summer.
The sale has added significance after Keegan recently announced his stage four cancer diagnosis. H&H Classics has confirmed that a percentage of the proceeds from the motorcycle’s sale will be donated to Cancer Research UK. Ian Cunningham, Senior Motorcycle Specialist at H&H Classics, described the bike as “a fantastic collector’s item” and said the auction house was honoured to bring it to market.
Purchased new by Keegan from a Harley-Davidson dealership in Newcastle, the motorcycle has remained closely associated with him throughout its history. During its early years it was displayed at the Newcastle Breweries Museum before later being mounted on a purpose-built plinth in his home office.
Keegan remains one of the most influential figures in English football. He helped Newcastle United return to the top flight as a player before retiring in 1984 and later repeated that success as manager. Away from Tyneside, he won consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979, represented England and enjoyed major success with Liverpool and Hamburger SV.
Cunningham said the motorcycle brings together “motorcycling heritage, football history and celebrity ownership”, a combination that is expected to attract strong interest from collectors and supporters alike.
Viewing for all auction lots will take place at the National Motorcycle Museum from 1pm on 21 July and from 9am on 22 July before the sale begins at 10am. Bidders will be able to take part in person, online, by telephone or through commission bids.
Would a motorcycle with this level of football history appeal to collectors today? Let us know what you think. Read more motoring, sport and culture stories from EyeOnLondon.
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