By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
BEN Reid says he faces bankruptcy after thieves stole two unique Aprilia superbikes from his BRP Racing Team workshop in Dandenong last Monday night.
Mr Reid offered a $20,000 reward out of his own pocket – “no questions asked” – for the return of the hand-built Italian RSV4s.
Both were ridden and raced by Max Biaggi in 2009 – the year before he was crowned world superbike champion.
They are valued at more than $150,000 – but worth much more than the money, Mr Reid said.
He believes they’re the only privately-owned Aprilia factory bikes in the world, “entrusted” to him borne of a 20-year relationship with the factory.
They were part of his now-scuttled plans to relaunch his European-based racing team back home.
“The idea was to do something here, to live a normal life and not live out of a suitcase anymore.”
The former professional 250cc rider has raced the bikes once “for fun” since buying them in May.
They were being prepared for up-and-comer Glenn Scott to race as a wildcard at an international at Phillip Island in February.
Each of the bikes’ parts is unique and impossible to source within Australia and so it is easy to spot these aren’t “normal” bikes, Mr Reid said.
For that reason, he fears the thieves intended to ship the bikes overseas.
“It’s like stealing a Formula One car.
“You can’t take parts off and sell them anywhere in the world. You can’t buy parts for them.
“You can’t race it on the track anywhere in Australia. You can’t do anything with them.”
Mr Reid hadn’t realised till two mornings later that a friend’s Ducati Monster 750 custom bike was also stolen in the heist.
Burglars also stole six racing helmets and a trailer registration R82239.
A further sour note is that the stolen superbikes lack VIN plates and can’t be claimed on insurance, Mr Reid said.
Mr Reid has suspicions about two men asking “strange questions” when the superbikes were displayed at the Troy Bayliss Moto Expo at Melbounre Showgrounds on 28-30 November.
One of the men returned to the bikes several times, once trying to start one of the bikes on the stand. “I want to make sure it’s a going concern,” he told Mr Reid at the time.
The burglars were “well-prepared” – obviously targeting the 170-kilogram bikes, Mr Reid said.
“It would take two or three strong men to turn it around and lift it off (the workshop stand).”
He was clearly in shock that his bikes – and his dreams – have just vanished.
Half-jokingly, he said: “Aside from the fact that I’ll kill (them), I just want the bikes back.”
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
