There are dozens of motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors across the globe willing to spend millions of dollars on their collection. We are not just talking about a vintage motorcycle but the classics that have been around for so many years and are considered to be at the top of the echelon.
Now, if you are thinking of collecting some classic motorcycles of your own, you need to know about the most expensive motorcycles ever sold.
1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor – $690,000 AUD
This beast is not the original model of the 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor. It is a lot better because it is a customized version wherein different range of models were combined. It has an original 1939 BMW RS255 engine despite being assembled during the 1980s.
This motorcycle was modelled to be a lighter racing motorcycle, has a better tune, and was better honed. When talking about the history of motorcycling, it is important to mention this bike. This bike was sold for USD 480,000 or AUD 690,000 back in 2013 when it was auctioned by Bonhams.
1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank – AUD 1 million
If you expected a Harley-Davidson bike will be included here, then you have great knowledge about motorcycles. This is the 94th motorcycle the company assembled back in 1907.
Like the other three motorcycles in this list, this Strap Tank was never restored, and its owner kept it in its original form. Believe it or not, this motorcycle still has all of its original parts and all are in great condition.
This motorcycle is by far Harley-Davidson’s most expensive item ever sold for USD 715,000. In Australia, that is more than $1 million. What makes this motorcycle iconic is the fact that the time when it was being assembled, Harley-Davidson was on its way to becoming a top player in the global motorcycle market.
The 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank will forever remain one of the biggest milestones of the company.
1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer – AUD 1.2 million
There are only 12 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer motorcycles ever built according to history. Just from that, you’ll know just how rare this motorcycle is.
This V-Twin motorcycle was sold at the Mecum Auctions for a whopping USD 852,500 or more than $1.2 million here in Australia. Steve McQueen, a legend in the film industry was the owner. That’s right, Steve McQueen owned this bike.
This is just one of McQueen’s collections by the way. McQueen also owned a 1914 Pope Model L Twin, which was also sold for a lot of money.
1951 Vincent Black Lighting – AUD 1.3 million
The most expensive classic motorcycle ever sold. According to motorcycle history, this motorcycle was used to race against Vincent HRD motorcycles better known as Gunga Din. This motorcycle was bought by an individual from Australia through a telephone bid.
It is believed that this motorcycle was imported to Australia by Tony McAlpine resulting in many people owning it in the land down under. However, there is a way to confirm the story. Still awesome.
So, these are the top 4 most expensive motorcycles ever sold. This does not mean all other classic motorcycles are going to be this expensive.