Motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors alike are always on the lookout for rare and valuable bikes. The auction world has seen some truly extraordinary sales, where historic and iconic motorcycles have fetched jaw-dropping prices. In this article, we explore the 13 most expensive motorcycles ever sold at auction, showcasing the allure and prestige that make these two-wheeled treasures so highly prized.
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1936 Crocker Small Tank
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1936-Crocker-Small-Tank.jpg)
Price: $825,000 – Auction House: Mecum Auctions – Year Sold: 2019 – The Crocker Small Tank is one of the most legendary American motorcycles, known for its powerful V-twin engine and custom craftsmanship.
1951 Vincent Black Lightning
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1951-Vincent-Black-Lightning.jpg)
Price: $929,000 – Auction House: Bonhams- Year Sold: 2018 – This iconic British motorcycle set a record as the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction, thanks to its racing pedigree and historical significance.
1929 Brough Superior SS100 ‘Alpine Grand Sports’
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Brough_Superior_SS_100_Alpine_Grand_Sports.jpg)
Price: $452,234- Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2014 – Known for its luxury and performance, the Brough Superior SS100 was the pinnacle of pre-war motorcycle design.
1952 Vincent Black Lightning
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1952-Vincent-Black-Lightning.jpg)
Price: $383,400 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2014 – Another example of the Black Lightning, this model is celebrated for its speed and rarity.
1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BMW_RS_255_Kompressor.jpg)
Price: $480,000 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2013 – This supercharged BMW is a racing legend, known for its engineering excellence and racing success.
1955 Vincent Black Shadow
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vincent-Black-Shadow-1948-1955.jpg)
Price: $364,800 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2018 – The Black Shadow is one of the most famous Vincent motorcycles, renowned for its speed and engineering.
1927 Zenith ‘Super 8’
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Zenith_1927_6-80_Sport-1024x637.jpg)
Price: $259,250 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2010 – This rare Zenith model is celebrated for its innovative design and racing history.
1934 Brough Superior 11-50HP
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1934_Brough_Superior_11-50.jpg)
Price: $388,000 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2014 – Known for its luxury and performance, this Brough Superior model is highly sought after by collectors.
1926 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1926_Brough_Superior_SS100_Alpine_Grand_Sport.jpg)
Price: $431,000 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2012 – This rare and historic motorcycle is known for its performance and association with Alpine racing.
1951 Vincent Series C Black Shadow
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1951_Vincent_Series_C-1024x683.jpg)
Price: $165,000 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2019 – The Series C Black Shadow is one of the most famous Vincent motorcycles, known for its speed and engineering.
1954 AJS E95 Porcupine
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1954_AJS_E95__Porcupine.jpg)
Price: $675,000 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2011 – This rare racing motorcycle is known for its innovative design and engineering excellence.
1948 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1948-Vincent-HRD-Series-B-Rapid-1024x546.jpg)
Price: $148,000 – Auction House: Bonhams – Year Sold: 2018 -The Series B Rapide is a classic Vincent motorcycle, celebrated for its performance and engineering.
1937 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
![](https://mycarmakesnoise.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1937-Harley-Davidson-1024x683.jpg)
Price: $159,000 – Auction House: Mecum Auctions – Year Sold: 2019 -The EL Knucklehead is a classic Harley-Davidson model, celebrated for its iconic design and performance.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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