Since the first-ever motorcycle was unveiled in 1885, the motorcycle industry has drastically evolved, giving rise to a vast array of two-wheeled genres, makes, and models. Only a select few stand above the rest of the millions of motorcycles that have rolled out of different manufacturing facilities over the years. Some because they are extremely rare, others because of their ownership history, or due to their competition history. Some of these motorcycles stand out because they are too fast that they can challenge any supercar, any day.
As a result, these bikes fetch astronomical price tags in auctions, leaving most people wondering whether the buyers are in their right minds when raising their auction paddles. This list delves into ten motorcycles whose auction prices were so high that only an elite and affluent few could afford.
10 1911 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer – $423,500
It was widely believed that Flying Merkel motorcycles were extinct until one was discovered in storage in 1980. The model in question – a Board Track Racer belonged to the Suttle family and was regularly raced before World War I.
After the onset of the war, the Suttle family put the bike in storage, where it stayed for 70 years. Eventually, someone unearthed it, and to their surprise, it still ran perfectly. The motorcycle was auctioned off at Mecum Auctions in Las Vegas in 2015 for a staggering $423,500, making it one of the most expensive bikes the world has ever seen.
9 The 1951 Vincent White Shadow – $434,000
The Vincent Black Lightning is a holy grail motorcycle with rich competition history. For the Series C of the Black Lightning, Vincent made only 1,507 bikes between 1949 and 1952, 15 of which were in the extremely rare "White Shadow" variant.
The White Shadow came with polished bare metal crankcases instead of the blacked-out cases in the regular Series C bike, making it instantly recognizable. What makes this bike even more impressive and worth every bit of its $434,000 price tag is that it is the only one finished in Chinese Red - the color usually only used on the Vincent Rapide.
8 1926 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports – $453,000
In the early 1920s, Brough Superior shocked the motorcycling world when it unveiled the SS100 with a guarantee that it could reach 100 mph on quarter-mile runs. A year later, the company released a revised version of the SS100 dubbed the Alpine Grand Sport, which instantly became one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time.
The Alpine Grand Sport is extremely rare to find these days, especially one in as good condition as the one featured on this list. This particular example was found in pristine condition with a record card from the factory, the correct engine and frame numbers, and a well-documented ownership history. Specialist restorers reversed a few modifications back to the original state before the bike sold for $453,000.
7 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor – $480,000
Though this custom BMW RS255 Kompressor was technically assembled in the 80s, it still qualifies for the vintage motorcycle category. The bike is the brainchild of former BMW rider Walter Zeller who combined a 1951 Rennsport plunger style frame with a 1939 BMW RS255 engine to create the perfect vintage bike. Other notable modifications include a recreated front fork and a twin-leading shoe front brake.
Though this RS255 Kompressor custom is not precisely stunning in design, it's a stunning example of what motorcycles were like before World War II. When Bonhams put the RS255 Kompressor for auction in 2013, it exceeded everyone's expectations by selling for an astounding $480,000.
6 1930 Brough Superior SS100 – $542,500
As mentioned earlier, the Brough Superior SS100 was a historic bike when it launched as it was among the few models that could reach 100 mph on a quarter-mile run. This particular SS100 has all that going for it, and it's also the bike that F. P. Dickson, the original owner, used to dominate at the six-day 1930 ISDT championship in Switzerland.
Despite going for a whopping $542,000 in 2019, this SS100 was auctioned in pieces. However, it does come with the original frame, gearbox, and JAP engine. The engine boasts a reconditioned crankshaft assembly and new valves, valve springs, and pistons.
5 1939 Crocker "Big Tank" – $704,000
Before Crocker discontinued its motorcycle line after World War II, the company was known for two main model variations: the "Small Tank" and the "Big Tank" - named such for the fuel tank's different size and shape. Because less than 70 examples of Crocker motorcycles have survived until today, each one commands a huge price tag in auctions.
Germany's Michael Weigert beautifully restored this particular "Big Tank" under Crocker expert Chuck Vernon's guidance. The World War II-era steed has a small V-Twin engine and a double-sprung bobber seat.
4 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank – $715,000
Other than its $715,000 price tag, this motorcycle is unique for many reasons. For starters, it was the 94th motorcycle ever made by Harley-Davidson and the 37th model built by the company in 1907 alone – a true testament to the company's humble beginnings.
But what really stood out was the bike's untampered nature. Unlike most vintage bikes seen at auctions, the Strap Tank had not been restored at all. It had an elegant patina, the kind that takes a century to perfect, and had all original parts in fantastic condition. Although this Strap Tank is the most expensive Harley ever sold, it still did not fetch the expected $800,000 - $1,000,000.
3 1936 Crocker "Small Tank" – $825,000
Of the two variations of Crocker motorcycles, the 1936 "Small Tank" is the rarest, which explains why it sold for $825,000 while the aforementioned "Big Tank" sold for more than $100,000 less. The 1346Venice workshop restored this particular motorcycle in Sydney, Australia, under the supervision of the owner, who had one of the world's largest Crocker collections at the time.
With a power output of 60 horsepower and a top speed of 110 mph, this Crocker Small Tank knocked the Brough Superior SS100 off its perch to become the world's fastest motorcycle before World War II.
2 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer – $852,500
Before the 1951 Vincent Black Lightning set a new record, the 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer was the most expensive bike sold at an auction, and it's easy to see why. At the time of its launch in 1915, motorbikes were typically pedal-powered bikes equipped with small primitive engines. The Cyclone Board Track Racer was revolutionary as it came with an incredibly modern 999cc V-Twin engine cranking out 45 horsepower, enough to propel it to triple-digit speeds.
What makes this bike worth every penny is that it's one of only 12 models thought to exist and was still in fantastic condition. Legendary actor Steve McQueen also owned it at some point.
1 Ex-Jack Ehret 1951 Vincent Black Lightning – $929,000
This 1951 Vincent Black Lightning is the most expensive bike ever sold at an auction, having fetched $929,000 at a Bonhams auction in 2018. This bike is special in many ways: it is one of the 33 race-spec units ever made and one of the 19 that still exists today. It is also the same bike that Jack Ehret famously rode to a top speed of 141 mph in 1953, achieving a new world land speed record.
Ehret also used the bike to win a slew of races and set lap records across various classes and disciplines, including sidecar events. What's more, this bike was commissioned by Patrick Godet, considered the world's best restorer of Vincents until he died in 2018.