Top 10 Most Expensive Motorcycles in the World

To the surprise of many, some motorcycles have an equivalent or higher price tag than luxurious sports cars such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Bugatti. What dictates the price of an expensive motorcycle is the speed, technology, balance, brand, design, and uniqueness. Some of the most expensive motorcycles are rare to spot on the roads since very few of their kind were produced to rationalize the expense. In regards some of the most expensive motorcycles in the world include;

Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike

Glancing at the Dodge Tomahawk will make you realize it is worth the $550,000 price tag. The manufacturers revealed that they sold two units at an additional price of $700,000. Quite the unconventional bike; the Dodge Tomahawk has four wheels, all of which have independent suspension to handle the monstrous engine. It is one of the fastest motorcycles in the world, with a top speed of 300mph and the capability to reach 60mph in just 2.5 seconds. Nevertheless, the exterior is matched with custom-designed stainless steel that gives it a weight of almost 1.5 tons.

1910 Winchester Motorcycle

Although the 1910 Winchester is not supersonic compared to the Dodge Tomahawk, it is one of the rarest motorcycle vintages in the world. The classic Winchester motorcycles date back to a century ago when Edwin F. Merry Company manufactured 200 similar motorcycles between 1909 and 1911 in San Francisco. Less than 5 of the original commissioned motorcycles are still in existence today, but the latest model was owned by the legendary gun maker Winchester. It features a solo-cylinder 6HP engine, and it was auctioned at $580,000 in Auburn in August 2013.

1954 AJS E95 Porcupine

The AJS porcupine motorcycle is a pre-war racing motorcycle that was commissioned immediately after World War II. The original blueprint of the AJS Porcupine line included a supercharged engine, but after it was banned, the motor company shifted to the standard engine. Although the 1949 AJS E90 Porcupine won the first-ever 500cc world championship, most motorcycle enthusiasts agree that the later design models were disappointing. Regardless, the 1954 AJS Porcupine is a classic mid-twentieth-century motorcycle with an aluminum alloy exterior and 500cc DOHC double engine. It was auctioned for $695,000 at Bonhams in 2011.

1907 Harley Davidson Strap Tank

Manufactured in 1907, it is regarded as one of the earliest Harley-Davidson motorcycles. To be precise, it is the 94th Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the world, making it the rarest of its kind. In fact, the Strap Tank concept was crafted by the Davidson brothers in 1901 when it featured a 116cc engine. Popularly known as the Mona Lisa of Harley-Davidson, the 1907 Harley-Davidson was auctioned on 21 March 2015 at a whopping price of $715,000.

1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer

Even in 1915, the Cyclone board track racer was a coveted rare motorcycle. It delivers a 986cc V-Twin engine that boosts 45 horsepower and can speed up to 115pmh, which is impressive considering that was a hundred years ago. It is not a surprise that it is considered the most accurate board track racer. Before the auction, it was owned by Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, perhaps another reason why the price appreciated to $852,500 when it was sold in Las Vegas.

Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship

Wealthy art fanatics who love riding on traditional American motorcycles will probably want to get themselves a Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship that the famous Jack Armstrong painted. Those familiar with the art world will tell you Jack Armstrong’s paintings are expensive, selling between $300,000 and $3 million per piece. Now, put such an artistic approach on a Harley Davidson, and you develop a million-dollar motorcycle. Apart from the bright orange and red paintings, it is an improved replica of the Harley-Davidson FXTSB Softail Nighttrain with a 6-cylinder engine built for speed and power. The motorcycle was unveiled in Marina Del Rey, California, in October 2010, selling for not less than $1 million.

Captain America Harley Davidson

Before becoming the most recognized movie vintage motorcycle, Captain America Harley Davidson was just a police motorcycle sold for $500 to a film studio. It was later customized to include a teardrop-like gas tank painted with the American flag, fishtail exhaust, long L-shaped comfort chair, and far front wheels and handlebars. An impressive performance in the 1969 Easy Rider movie prompted it to appreciate immensely in value until it was sold for $1.62 million in Los Angeles.

Hilderbrand & Wolfmuller Motorcycle

It is probably the slowest motorcycle on earth, with a top speed of 28mph. Still, if you get a Hilderbrand & Wolfmuller motorcycle, you will own the world’s first production-line motorcycle. The type of motorcycle that you are likely to find in a museum rather than on the road, Hilderbrand & Wolfmuller, is at least 120 years old and weighs 110 pounds. Since it is an historical artifact, Hilderbrand & Wolfmuller is valued at not less $3.5 million.

Ecosse Spirit ES1 Superbike

Inspired by the Formula 1 blueprint, the Ecosse Spirit superbike was designed by an American and two British engineers. It comes with a V4 200hp engine that supports up to 230 mph. Of course, the ultra-aerodynamic design and 265-pound lightweight play a major role. The Ecosse Spirit ES1 Superbike is so special that buyers are obligated to attend a two-week training course at Ecosse headquarters to familiarize themselves with the motorcycle. The starting price for the limited edition is not less than $3.6 million.

1949 E90 AJS Porcupine

Closely related to the 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine, the 1949 E90 Porcupine takes the legendary status for winning the first ever Grand Prix motorcycle 500 cc racing tournament when Les Graham drove it. Critically acclaimed for its innovative design and performance, only four models of the 1949 E90 AJS Porcupine were produced. Unsurprisingly, the E90 AJS Porcupine will cost you seven million dollars in fortune.