Sega is officially taking its promotional campaign for the antihero’s silver screen debut to the auction block, putting a real-life, custom-built Dark Rider motorcycle themed after Shadow the Hedgehog up for sale to benefit charity. The unique piece of video game history, which was crafted to promote the character’s arrival, is slated to be auctioned off on October 10-11, 2026, as part of Bonhams’ upcoming Autumn Stafford Sale.
The distinctive vehicle was originally commissioned by Sega as part of the “2024 Fearless: Year of Shadow” marketing push. During its time on the promotional circuit, the custom machine appeared at major industry gatherings such as Gamescom to drum up excitement for the character’s explosive cinematic face-off against Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails in the box-office-dominating film.
Manufactured by Bourget’s Bike Works in partnership with Sega, Oil Sweat & Gears, and Atmospherics SFX, the custom bike features Shadow’s signature black-and-red color palette alongside his iconic emblem. According to vehicle auction service Bonhams, the machine packs serious mechanical hardware under its stylized exterior, including a 1,750cc S&S Super Stock engine, Edelbrock cylinder heads, and an Ultimate six-speed gearbox. Despite its heavy-duty components, the motorcycle is currently non-operational; its fuel tank serves as a foam dummy, and getting the vehicle into running condition would require significant engineering work.
Even without an engine roar, the vehicle stands as a premier piece of modern gaming memorabilia. Bonhams notes that this event marks the first time an authentic piece of physical history straight from Sega’s vaults has been brought to a public auction, presenting collectors with a rare chance to own a bespoke artifact while supporting a major philanthropic cause.
Charity Support and The Luca Guintoli Foundation
All proceeds generated from the sale of the Dark Rider motorcycle will go directly to the Luca Guintoli Foundation. The nonprofit organization was established by French World Superbike Champion and back-to-back Le Mans 24 Hours winner Sylvain Guintoli in memory of his late son, Luca, who passed away from cancer at six years old.
The foundation operates across England and Wales, focusing on the physical and mental health of children diagnosed with autism or cancer. By providing financial assistance, educational tools, and practical day-to-day support, the charity aims to ease the burdens faced by affected families.
“We’re trying to stay positive,” Sylvain Guintoli said in an official interview released by Sega. “We wanted to start the foundation in his name, to try and help people and do something positive, and Sega was super helpful.”
Following the conclusion of the promotional tour, Sega transferred ownership of the motorcycle directly to the foundation. Aaron Kirby, Sega’s Senior Partnerships Manager, noted that discovering the idle vehicle in storage sparked an immediate conversation about how to put it to good use. “We were aware that we had this bike in storage, so it was just really a bit of a mad idea,” Kirby stated. “The fact that it can raise money for such a good cause is fantastic to us.”
Prior Fundraising Efforts and Public Exhibition
This auction is not the first time the high-profile gaming franchise has crossed paths with Sylvain Guintoli’s charitable endeavors. In April 2026, the champion motorcycle racer completed the London Marathon wearing professional racing leathers emblazoned with Sonic the Hedgehog, setting a world record time for running a marathon in full motorcycle gear to raise funds for the foundation.
For collectors and fans hoping to inspect the Dark Rider up close ahead of the autumn sale, the motorcycle is scheduled for public exhibition at the British MotoGP event at Silverstone. Bidders interested in participating in the October 10-11 auction can register through the official Bonhams platform.
Related reading