This might not exactly be breaking news, but Harley-Davidson has been in the game for well over 120 years. And in that time, they've been through it all: incredible highs, worrying lows, with a good mix of some experimental years and path-breaking ones thrown in, too. But through it all, the one thing that Harley hasn't stopped doing is producing motorcycles.

UPDATE: 2024/01/06 18:06 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

It's hardly a surprise that certain old, iconic Harley-Davidsons would command a pretty penny at auctions and private sales, but even within that subset, a few stand out. Given that, we have updated this list with a few more entries of Harley-Davidsons that have gone on to fetch some eye-watering sums.

And through this persistence, the American juggernaut has developed some truly iconic motorcycles that will forever be hailed as legendary. So much so that quite a few of them would fetch frankly absurd amounts if put on sale today, and that's precisely what this piece is all about. Despite knowing that it's natural for certain models to appreciate over the years, some of the values that the motorcycles on this list command are astonishing. Without further delay, here's a list of the most expensive Harley-Davidsons ever.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars thoroughly scanned to see how much Harley-Davidsons (old and current) command at auction houses, private sales, and the like. It should be noted that most of the motorcycles on this list are no longer in production. Additionally, all the entries have been organized in increasing order of value.

12 1912 Harley-Davidson 8A Twin

Value: $236,500

Even auction veterans are often surprised by how much a classic bike can go for. In 2014, this 1912 8A Twin was expected to be in the 100K range but instead sold for an impressive $236,500.

It’s easy to see why some might be interested, as it was one of the first twin-cylinder bikes with a belt drive and idler wheel. Unlike the earlier models, this was sold to customers, but only a few copies exist, with this restored version going for an excellent price.

Harley-Davidson 8A Twin Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcyclepedia Museum

11 1911 Harley-Davidson 7D Twin

Value: $284,000

The 5D was Harley’s first twin-valve bike but had some design flaws. The 7D was crafted in 1911, with just over two dozen made, mostly for promotion purposes. The frame was notable for its downward curves and the first mechanically operated intake valves.

In fact, no models were ever sold publicly, with only four complete versions known to exist. One sold in 2014 for a new record price to show how some early Harleys can be more expensive than modern beasts.

Harley-Davidson 7D Twin Specs

Specs sourced from Gooding&Company

10 Pope Francis 2013 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide

Value: $331,000

This may seem a pretty steep price for an FXD Dyna Super Glide. Sure, it’s a great touring bike with top performance thanks to the 1,584cc engine. But the reason this bike is so expensive is its owner.

As part of its 110th anniversary, Harley bequeathed this gold-plated Super Glide to Pope Francis himself. The ever-humble Pope thanked them for the gift, autographed both the bike and a jacket, and sold them for charity. A collector would enjoy a Holy Harley (literally).

Harley-Davidson FXDC Dyna Super Glide Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

9 1959 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo Glide

Value: $358,000

The 1959 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo Glide would already be an excellent bike for auction. It’s known for its terrific power thanks to the 74 CI motor and its great additions. But what makes this bike so expensive is who owns it.

As a promotional gift, it was bequeathed to legendary rocker and Harley buff Jerry Lee Lewis. This started a friendly rivalry between Lewis and Elvis Presley, who thought the bike should have been his. It was sold in 2015 for a whopping $358,000, thanks to how the two music icons wanted it so badly.

Harley-Davidson FLH Duo Glide Specs

Specs sourced from Bikez

8 1909 Harley-Davidson Model 5D Twin

Value: $550,000

There are a few replicas around, but an original 1909 Model 5-D Twin is a rare beast. The company’s first twin-engine bike may seem weak by today’s standards, but it was amazing in its time.

The 1909 version is more limited due to issues with the belt breaking that required it to be removed and remodeled for 1911. One of only 27 models made is in a museum in Milwaukee, and its cost could be hefty if ever sold.

Harley-Davidson Model 5-D Twin Specs

Specs sourced from National Motorcycle Museum

7 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank

Value: $715,000

One of the early Harley bikes, the Strap Tank, was one of just 150 motorcycles the company built in 1907. The rarity alone makes it a collector’s item, with the Strap Tank still having good performance.

It belonged to the same family for nearly eighty years before being sold to collector E.J. Cole and displayed at the Sturgis Museum. It sold for a fantastic price in 2015 for a piece of Harley history.

Harley-Davidson Strap Tank Specs

Specs sourced from Gooding&Company

6 1903 Harley-Davidson Single

Value: $775,000

The story behind the first-ever Harley-Davidson is short, albeit quite interesting. The motorcycle you see in the picture above is the Single, the first few models built between 1903 and 1905. They were all fitted with a 405.4cc engine designed by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson.

The Single, according to a Hagerty estimate, would be worth about $775,000. That said, Serial Number One was a development platform before the Single. That, in essence, was the first Harley ever built and is on display at the company's headquarters. The value for Serial Number One? A whopping $15 million, according to Harley-Davidson themselves.

Harley-Davidson Single Specs

Specs sourced from First Versions

5 1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank

Value: $935,000

In early 2023, a 1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank was sold at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas for an incredible $935,000. This was, unsurprisingly, extremely rare. It's said that only 450 motorcycles were produced by Harley-Davidson in 1908, with the one sold at the Mecum Auction being one of them.

It reportedly sported the original tank, wheels, engine belt pulley, seat cover, and muffler sleeve, too. This was an important model for Harley, setting a foundation for future models.

Harley-Davidson Strap Tank Specs

Specs sourced from National Motorcycle Museum

4 Harley-Davidson 8-Valve Racer

Value: $1 Million

There are a few variations of the 8-Valve Racer found over the years. One notable model was discovered lost for thirty years in the Australian Outback. Another was a 1916 version that pulled off a win at the grueling Dodge City race.

Lean and mean, the 8-Valve had no major additions and was as stripped down as possible. That meant some terrific speeds for its time as the 1,000cc V-twin pushed it up. A pristine model has been known to go for a million to make this a fantastic ride.

1924 Harley-Davidson 8-Valve Racer Specs

Specs sourced from Bikez

3 Harley-Davidson Easy Rider "Captain America"

Value: $1.35 Million

Yes, this is the Easy Rider bike from the classic movie. It’s also known as the Captain America for the shield at the front and was the model used by Peter Fonda. Its history is unique as it’s believed to use a 1952 HD Hydra-Glide with 1962 panheads installed.

It’s also been claimed the true original was either stolen or destroyed, and this is a replica. But it still works as an amazing ride that fetched a high price at auction, as many wanted a piece of motorcycle history.

Harley-Davidson Easy Rider Specs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

2 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim Bucherer Blue Edition

Value: $1.9 Million

One must admire the audacity to make what was already the most expensive Harley even pricier. Swiss watchmaker Bucherer worked with Bündnerbike to produce this stunning work.

The title is evident from the solid blue materials and paintwork to the gold-plated throttle valves that were welded by hand. The head-resistant LED lamps are a modern touch with a 5.4-carat diamond glass dome. The result is a bike that may be too expensive to ride but amazing to look at.

Harley-Davidson Softail Slim Bucherer Blue Edition Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

1 Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship

Value: $3 Million

Its cost has shifted a bit (at one point, the owner wanted a whopping $15 million), but the Cosmic Starship remains a unique Harley. Artist Jack Armstrong (nephew of astronaut Neil) coated the beloved 2002 V-Rod into a magnificent work of art with its beautiful paintwork and mix of materials with 37 coats of paint to stand out.

Once going for three million, the Starship may be tricky to ride, but it sure stands out as art.

Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship Specs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

---

Sources: Hemmings, Mecum, Forbes, Autoevolution

Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Autoevolution, Bikez, National Motorcycle Museum, Gooding&Company