There aren’t many motorcycle journalists who can be rightfully called legendary. However, Alan Cathcart unarguably meets that standard. For those not in the know, Cathcart is a respected British motorcycle journalist. After earning a law degree from Cambridge University, he worked in the travel industry before becoming a freelance motorcycle writer in 1981. Passionate about motorcycles since age 14, he began racing in 1973 and competed for 25 years, earning championships in Japan, the USA, and Europe, along with two Australian TTs and five Isle of Man TT awards. His racing experience and insightful writing make him a highly respected figure in the international motorcycle community.
Cathcart is renowned for testing high-performance bikes, including MotoGP and World Superbike machines, with Eddie Lawson’s 1989 Honda NSR500 being a notable example. So, it’s no surprise that he owned a 2000 MV Agusta F4S. Bonhams will be auctioning Cathcart’s F4S at the Autumn Stafford Sale at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, 11 to 12 October, in Stafford, UK.
Cathcart was a valued contributor to Robb Report MotorCycling, and we consider him a friend of Ultimate Motorcycling. While we can’t vouch for this specific motorcycle, which has 2432 miles on the odometer, we would buy a bike owned by him without any reservation.
The tank of the F4S is signed by then Cagiva Group President Claudio Castiglioni and Massimo Tamburini, who Cathcart dubbed the Michaelangelo of motorbike design.
The 2000 MV Agusta F4S is a cornerstone of the brand’s modern revival, blending Tamburini’s iconic design with track-ready performance that balances raw power and refined handling. Powered by a 749cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-cylinder engine with radial valves, the F4S pumps out 126 horsepower at 12,500 rpm and 53 ft-lbs of torque at 10,510 rpm. Top speed is north of 160 mph. Bonhams projects a selling price of no more than £12,000, so this is not unobtanium, though the bike is in England.
There will be a broad range of motorcycles available at the Autumn Stafford Sale, including a 1937 Vincent-HRD Series-A Rapide, 1929 Brough Superior SS100, and notable motorcycles from the Neil Redley and Richard Johns collections. Bids can be made in person, online, or via telephone.
