13 Most Expensive Motorcycles Ever Sold at Auction

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.

1936 Crocker Small Tank

Image Editorial Credit: SunflowerMomma / Shutterstock.com

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

Image Editorial Credit: SF photo / Shutterstock.com

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’

Image Editorial Credit: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: Sergey Kohl / Shutterstock.com

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

Image Editorial Credit: Lothar Spurzem / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

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’

Image Editorial Credit: Tony Hisgett / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: Stephenrat / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: Craig Howell / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: Thomas’s Pics / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: Craig Howell / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: El Caganer (Craig Howell) / Wikimedia Commons

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

Image Editorial Credit: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons

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.

More from MyCarMakesNoise

Top 20 Rarest Chrysler Cars Ever Made

Image Editorial Credit: Mr. choppers / Wikimedia Commons

Chrysler has made its mark in the automotive world with models ranging from roaring ’60s engines to innovative 21st-century designs. Among them, a few rare ones stand out not just for their engineering and design but also for their scarcity. Read More

20 Motorcycles with Divisive Reactions

Image Editorial Credit: TinoFotografie / Shutterstock.com

Motorcycles, often seen as symbols of freedom, rebellion, and style, have captured the imaginations of enthusiasts for generations. Yet, not all bikes bask in the glow of universal admiration. Read More

20 Timeless American Muscle Cars Holding Their Value

Image Editorial Credit: Steve Lagreca / Shutterstock.com

Muscle cars, with their powerful engines and iconic designs, represent a classic era of American automobiles. This article looks at these legendary cars that have increased in value over time, highlighting their appeal as both investments and cherished collectibles for enthusiasts and collectors. Read More

Avatar photo

Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *