The iconic Nikki Hayden motorcycle is up for auction and could be yours—if you’re willing to spend a significant amount. The 2008 Ducati Desmosedici GP8, painted with U.S. flag colors, is estimated to fetch between $225,000 and $325,000 at Sotheby’s Monterey auction this weekend.
Currently preserved in show-bike condition, the motorcycle can be fully restored to racing specifications with the proper parts. This bike stands as a magnificent tribute to the “Kentucky Kid,” who tragically passed away in 2017.
The motorcycle comes from a collection of GP7 and GP8 models, with parts obtained directly from Ducati’s factory team back in 2010. Nikki Hayden, a factory rider, raced this U.S.-themed bike during the latter part of the 2008 MotoGP season.
He then teamed up with Casey Stoner in 2009 to form Ducati’s formidable two-rider lineup. It has long been rumored that Hayden declined to sign with Ducati in 2007 because he wanted to remain with Honda, a decision that saw Stoner go on to win the MotoGP championship.
Nonetheless, Hayden ended his long tenure with Honda shortly after the 2008 season and moved to Ducati, where this particular bike was used during postseason tests. During Hayden’s transition, the GP8 auctioned here is shown without sponsor decals, a feature that adds to its unique racing heritage.
The bike’s frame was manufactured in July 2008 and includes a brand-new, unused engine crankcase as well as a race-specific fuel tank.
Fan Take: This auction highlights a legendary chapter in MotoGP history, connecting fans with the legacy of a beloved rider and the evolution of Ducati racing. Owning a piece like this captures the spirit of competition and reminds us how pivotal rider decisions shape the sport’s future.
