A new custom-built Honda race team motorbike has been stolen from a signwriter’s workshop in Rotorua, leaving some of the team riders unable to race this weekend.

The 2023 Honda CBR650R was at the workshop to have its race numbers, graphics and sponsor stickers fitted when it was taken.

Whakatāne’s Mitch Rees, from Team Rees Motorcycles, said the bike was built for the Honda race team and had never been ridden.

“Unfortunately, a couple of the riders won’t be able to race this weekend at Hampton Downs,” he said.

The team has five riders, each with their own bike, but one rider has been left without a bike.

The bike was taken between 7pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday.

Rees said the custom-built bike’s value was difficult to estimate, but it could be worth between $30,000 and $40,000.

The bike has been stripped down specifically for racing. It has fibreglass race fairings, aftermarket suspension and an Arrow high-mounted exhaust, which could help people identify it.

The bike is painted red, although Rees said the colour could easily be changed with black spray paint.

“It’s currently red, and it’s not like your typical road bike. It doesn’t have headlights or indicators.”

The team has asked anyone who sees the bike or any of its parts to contact Team Rees Motorcycles or police.

Rees said the team had no idea why the bike had been taken and hoped it could be recovered.

The team has shared photographs of the stolen bike to help people identify it and is asking members of the public to keep an eye out for it.