A Harley-Davidson motorcycle once owned by football legend Kevin Keegan has been sold for just over £35,000 at auction, just days after his passing at the age of 75.
The 1990 Sportster, which sold for precisely £35,075, boasts a unique bespoke livery.
This design was personally commissioned by “King Kev” and draws inspiration from his iconic tenure at Newcastle United, having been originally purchased from a dealership in the city.
Its distinctive history includes a period on display at the Newcastle Breweries Museum before it was later installed on a custom-made plinth within Keegan’s own home office.
Based on an XLH 1200 Sportster, the motorcycle features several modifications, including custom drag bars, billet levers, and a shortened mudguard.
Recently recommissioned by specialists at Motor Restoration, the bike is reported to be in excellent condition with new tyres.
Keegan had asked H&H Classics to sell the motorcycle five months ago, and the winning bidder was an American-domiciled British businessman.
The firm said some proceeds from the sale would be donated to a cancer charity, believed to be Cancer Research UK.
Mike Davis, senior motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics, said: “You could feel the passion from the bidders who were keen to show their appreciation for one of this country’s greatest ever footballers.”
Keegan, who played for Liverpool in the 1970s before becoming a player and manager at Newcastle, had been undergoing treatment for stage four cancer.
Keegan’s death, which was announced on Monday, has prompted a tide of tributes to the former Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle frontman from across the football community.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe laid down flowers outside St James’ Park, surrounded by a number of supporters who had congregated at the ground to pay tribute to Keegan.
Newcastle and Liverpool are in discussions over how best to mark Keegan’s life when they meet for their opening fixture of the new Premier League season on Sunday, 23 August.
Both Tyneside and Merseyside have paid tribute to the former England striker and the two clubs will come together to do the same as the new campaign gets underway.
Newcastle will also consult Keegan’s family as they consider options for a permanent memorial.
