These Motorcycles Are Even More Valuable Than Supercars
Most of the time, it costs more to buy a new car than it does to buy a new motorcycle. A car can hold more passengers, it has a more powerful engine than a motorcycle, it takes more raw materials to build, and it takes more expertise to build. However, that doesn't mean that all cars are more expensive than all motorcycles. The bikes on this list are coveted, rare and out of reach for most. But we can dream, can't we?
Some of these motorcycles are one of a kind. Others are legendary and have paved the way for the motorcycles we know and appreciate today. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most expensive motorcycles in the world.
Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship
The Harley Davidson brand is one of the most recognizable brand names in the world, never mind in the automotive industry. While there are a lot of affordable Harley's on the market, a Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship will cost you $1,500,000. Sorry, that's what the bike would have cost you if you bought it in 2010. In 2012, it sold at an auction for $3,000,000.
The motorcycle is hand-painted by world-renowned artist Jack Armstrong. Armstrong is a rider and motorcycle enthusiast whose paintings alone sell for millions of dollars.
Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter
Though most of us know Neiman Marcus for his contribution to the clothing and luxury industry, his talents have stretched over to one lucky motorcycle as well, the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter.
Carved from a single piece of metal, every grove and gear for the Fighter was meticulously thought out. When they were first introduced they cost just over $100,000 but thanks to popular demand they now go for over $11,000,000.
Icon Sheene
This looks like the kind of motorcycle that Batman would drive. The Icon Sheene was built and designed for the famed racer Barry Sheene. It's one of the fastest production bikes in the world. It has a 1400cc Suzuki four-cylinder engine and gets over 250 horsepower.
Only 52 of these bikes were ever created, and if you wanted to buy yourself an Icon Sheene, it would cost you close to $172,000. That's a lot of cash!
1929 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports
A bike that was designed to be able to handle one of the toughest motorcycle trails in the world was the 1929 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports.
Named after the Alpine trail that stretches across Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Stelvio Pass, the Alpine came after a series of Brough bikes before it that were also record-holders. The 1929 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports had a price of $492,973.
1911 Harley-Davidson 7D Twin
From a bike that is a piece of history to a bike that looks like a piece of history. This Harley Davidson model was first introduced to the market in 1911, which was more than a hundred years ago! This bike was one of the first V-Twin models to have ever been made.
There were only 4 of these ever created, and if you find one out in the wild, it will probably be on sale for around $283,400.
MTT Turbine Streetfighter
The MTT Turbine Streetfighter is known as one of the loudest street bikes in the world. You can hear this thing coming from more than a mile away. All of that noise comes from the added turbines from MTT. Marine Turbine Technologies the first company that has been able to build a bike with turbines instead of a traditional engine.
The MTT Turbine Streetfighter costs $175,000. That's a small price to pay for such a novel invention.
Hildebrand & Wolfmuller
Let's take a look at one of the oldest motorcycles on this list. The Hildebrand & Wolfmuller was built in 1894, which makes this bike over 125 years old.
It was crafted by two steam engine engineers who transferred their love of trains to the two-wheeled traveling sensation that would go on to take over the world. Back in the day, this bike sold for pennies. Now, if you found a bike like this, you'd have to pay $3,500,000 to own it.
1955 Vincent Black Prince
We are going to start this list off with a motorcycle that didn't get the love and appreciation it deserved until over 50 years after its release.
The 1955 Vincent Black Prince was originally a luxury motorcycle sold between 1954 and 1955 before the Vincent factory closed down for poor sales. The 1955 Vincent Black Prince is now one of their most beloved and sought after models and it sells to the tune of $162,800.
BMS Nehmesis
Equipped with an air suspension system that allows the driver to move the bike up and down as needed is the BMS Nehmesis. It is wrapped in 24 karat gold which gives off the shiny coat that you see and it is hand crafted with a custom paint job.
The BMS Nehmesis costs $3,000,000, was designed and built in 2006 by BMS and is a one of a kind bike that you won't find anywhere else.
1910 Winchester 6HP
The same company widely known for their classic firearms also made the 1910 Winchester 6HP. Over the span a few years, Winchester managed to produce just over 200 motorcycles which have remained mostly in good condition since the early 1910's when they were sold.
Not a fast motorcycle, the 6HP in the name is because of its 6-hp Marsh-Metz engine, but the bike wasn’t built for speed. The price for one of the 1910 Winchester 6HP’s is $580,000.
Ecosse ES1 Superbike
Dick Glover, the technical director behind the iconic McLaren supercars, designed the Ecosse ES1 Superbike. Only one was been made and it was built to revolutionize how motorcycles were built and how they ran. It didn't disappoint.
Glover used F1 technology to improve the bike’s performance and speed. The Ecosse ES1 Superbike is way ahead of its time and priced out of the reach of most bike enthusiasts at $3,600,000.
1927 Zenith-JAP 8/45hp
The 1927 Zenith-JAP 8/45hp is one of the earliest Zenith models that helped set the precedent of what we come to expect from Zenith now.
The 1927 model came with 45 horsepower but racers also had the option to buy the bike with 50 horsepower. With only 3 models available across the world, chances of seeing one of these on the road are slim to none but if you have deep pockets and want one of your own you can expect to pay around $319,600.
Legendary British Vintage Black
Built in 1948 is this bike that has 'legend' in the name; the Legendary British Vintage Black. Classically styled, only 33 of these models were made during the late 1940s when it was initially available.
Nowadays it would be pretty hard to find and even if you found one, the cost alone would keep the majority of buyers out of reach at $400,000. Not built entirely for speed with its 250cc engine, the Vintage Black was more about the look and having a quality build.
Honda RC213 V-S
The Honda RC213 V-S was originally designed and developed by the Honda Racing Development team to race in the 2012 MotoGP in the early 2010s.
This nimble vehicle boasts a 6-speed transmission and a liquid-cooled 1000cc V4 engine. If you want one, it's going to cost you at least $184,000. After Honda realized how popular this bike would be with non-racers, they modified the design to make it a better fit for the road. Look at this beauty!
NCR Leggera 1200 Titanium Special
The NCR Leggera 1200 Titanium Special is a lightweight titanium bike made with carbon fiber wheels, Brembo brakes, and Öhlins suspension.
Weighing 347 pounds, the NCR Leggera 1200 Titanium Special gets its name from the size of its engine which is a 1200cc that produces 132 horsepower. NCR is a company that originally got its start building Ducati's and eventually branched off to make their own models. The NCR Leggera 1200 Titanium Special is priced at $148,000.
1942 Crocker V-Twin "Big Tank"
A pre-war motorcycle made by a brand that hasn't had its day in the spotlight in years is the 1942 Crocker V-Twin "Big Tank". The “Big Tank” found its way to fame by beating out some of the more popular models from Harley-Davidson and Indian before becoming a popular household name in the 1940s.
It eventually saw its demise once the war started because of shortages and lack of interest. The 1942 Crocker V-Twin “Big Tank” cost $385,000.
1949 Vincent Black Lightning Supercharged
The 1949 Vincent Black Lightning Supercharged was one of the fastest bikes in the late 1940s and 1950s. One of the things that made it faster was its supercharger that was specially made to fit a motorcycle engine.
The 1949 Vincent Black Lightning Supercharged also had upgrades done to the frame including adding 6 inches to make the bike more aerodynamic and stylish. This speedy motorcycle will cost you $317,000.
1937 Crocker "Hemi-Head"
An award-winning motorcycle, the 1937 Crocker "Hemi-Head" was all about show and not much about speed or power. Only 5 models were built in the 1930s stretch when it was introduced and now they are worth $276,500 each.
The motorcycle gets its name from the 90-degree incline of the valves which were in a hemispherical combustion chamber. Some of the awards the 1937 Crocker “Hemi-Head” won was the Best in Show and Judges Choice.
Yamaha BMS Chopper
Now, this is one impressive-looking bike. Look at all of that gold detailing! It's no wonder that this bike known as the Yamaha BMS Chopper now goes for around $3,000,000 per model. This vehicle was built for collectors. It's not meant to be driven regularly. The chopper is covered from front to end in 24 karat gold, and the seat of the bike is upholstered in red velvet.
It has a 1,700cc engine, but the engine is mostly for show.
1932 Brough Superior "BS4" (Austin 7-Powered 3-Wheeler)
Some 3-wheelers get criticism for not being a real motorcycle but since they don't also fit into any other category they find themselves on this list.
Designed with a motor from an Austin 7, only 10 motorcycles like this model exist in the world. If you want one of the only ten models available you can expect to pay around $432,000 or possibly even more if you are trying to buy it at an auction.
2004 NCR Macchia Nera
The 2004 NCR Macchia Nera was a small bike that cost $180,000. It weighed 297 pounds and measured 55.5 inches. Even with such a small frame, the Macchia Nera had a 180-horsepower Ducati Testa Stretta 998R motor that blew away a lot of the other competition.
One of its most impressive stats is its power-to-weight ratio which is close to a perfect 1:1. Other than that, the 2004 NCR Macchia Nera is built with add ons of titanium and carbon fiber.
1939 BMW RS255 Kompresso
With a price of $480,000, the 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor was a racing bike like no other. Riden by some of the top racers and designed by some of the best engineers in the company, BMW wanted to make a motorcycle that was faster and lighter than others on the market.
Though the bike was light, BMW still added a supercharger to it to give it a little more power. One of the 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor's only downfalls was its reliability as it was known to sometimes stall and have engine issues.
1915 Cyclone
Though it came across a few problems in long distance races, the 1915 Cyclone was built specifically for racing and to be driven on the track. It had a custom OHC 996cc V-Twin engine that could easily get the driver up to speeds in the triple digits.
Unfortunately the years following its 1915 release came with stalled motorcycles and those that floundered when lined up against competition. Buyers or collectors who want to buy the 1915 Cyclone can get one starting at $551,200.
1907 Harley-Davidson Single "Strap Tank"
One of the earliest bikes made by the iconic company, the 1907 Harley-Davidson Single "Strap Tank" is worth $715,000. It got its name because Harley-Davidson used to attach the gas tank to the frame of the bike with a leather strap before other methods were discovered.
Easily regarded as one of the most coveted of the Harley-Davidson's models, the 1907 Harley-Davidson Single “Strap Tank” can even go for a million dollars in private sales and auctions.
2013 Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera
A motorcycle that originally only existed for years as a concept idea, the 2013 Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera is the only motorcycle of its kind.
Having one other similar model that was released by Ducati in 2004, there is only one person who can claim to own the Macchia Nera at any given time. To get a chance to own this rarity, you will need at least $225,000.
MV Agusta F4CC
The MV Augusta F4CC is one of the newer motorcycles on this list. When it was first introduced to the market, it had an asking price of $120,000. This bike is built like a bullet. It has a 1078cc engine that gets over 190 horsepower.
Only 100 models of the MV Agusta F4CC were made mostly due in part to the amount of time it takes to handcraft and fashion customized parts for each one.
2016 Ludovic Lazareth LM 847
A very futuristic looking bike, the 2016 Ludovic Lazareth LM 847 is an Italian design modeled after the Dodge Tomahawk.
Unlike the Tomahawk which is illegal in the US, the LM 847 has a Maserati 4.7-liter V8 engine which gets roughly 470 horsepower and is completely street legal in France thanks to recently lifted restrictions. Starting at $215,000, the 2016 Ludovic Lazareth LM 847 is one of the least expensive bikes on this list.
1954 AJS E95 Porcupine
An older racing motorcycle that would still beat out some new models today, the 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine's 500cc engine is small but mighty.
The 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine is also one of the most expensive vehicles to ever be sold at auction and goes for $695,000 if you have the cash. Only 4 were made and all of them were raced and won medals across the world and they are also still around today.
2008 Ecosse Heretic Titanium Series RR
The 2008 Ecosse Heretic Titanium Series RR costs $273,000 and is a mean machine of a motorcycle. With an all-titanium chassis and a handcrafted body made out of carbon fiber, it is no wonder that the motorcycle costs as much as it does.
It weighs 440 pounds and with its 2,150cc V-Twin motor engine that produces over 200 horsepower can easily propel in any race. Another limited edition bike, you can check the handlebar clamp for the bike's VIN and production number.
Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16
Ducati makes motorcycles of all different types at all different price points. It's safe to say that not all Ducatis are created equal. The Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16 is a luxury motorcycle reserved for drivers who want a little more power and a lot more class.
The motorcycle weighs only 319 pounds and is built from titanium, avionic and aluminum and has carbon fiber fenders. The standard model of the NCR M16 costs $72,000 but with the additional add-ons, the cost of the motorcycle goes to $235,000.
NCR MH TT (Mike Hailwood)
This motorcycle looks like a quintessential racing bike. It was designed for Mike Hailwood, a racer in the 1970s, and is called the NCR MH TT (Mike Hailwood). Hallwood was involved in a crazy motorcycle accident, but eventually, he recovered from his injuries and lived to race again.
That makes this bike a piece of history. Only 12 of these were ever made, and a new NCR MH TT (Mike Hailwood) costs $130,000. That's not so bad compared to some of the other bikes on this list.
2008 Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR Millona 16
Easily one of the motorcycles on the list with one of the longest and most complex names is the 2008 Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR Millona 16 which starts at $232,500.
Though the bike is very beautiful on the outside, its what is on the inside that counts and the Ducati 998RR GP, liquid-cooled, 989cc engine is what powers this bike. Built out of carbon fiber, magnesium and aircraft-grade aluminum the Millona is made with the best materials available.
2008 Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa
Carbon fiber is one of the most expensive materials on the market but has been taking off in popularity over the last few years.
Not only is the 2008 Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa completely made with carbon fiber but was also considered one of the most expensive and fastest bikes in the world at one point in time. If you want a bike that can impress your coworkers, for $200,000 the 2008 Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa is all yours.
2003 Dodge Tomahawk
Named after a weapon of war, the 2003 Dodge Tomahawk is a monster to look at and even more impressive to drive. Illegal on the street, Dodge built all of the Tomahawk models custom for the buyer.
One of the reasons it wasn't street legal was its engine alone which was the same V10 used in the Dodge Viper. The 2003 Dodge Tomahawk has a starting price of just over $550,000 though it has yet to be mass produced.
2011 Ecosse Founders Edition Ti XX
A bike that starts off expensive and wasn't resold and auctioned off to the highest bidder, the 2011 Ecosse Founders Edition Ti XX has a starting price of $300,000.
With that price tag, the buyer gets some impressive stats starting with the motorcycle’s engine which is a 2,409cc billet engine that gets over 200 horsepower-- more than some cars. If speed isn’t as important to you as luxury then the bike also has Berluti Italian leather trim and every purchase of the motorcycle grants the buyer a watch.
1928 Indian Altoona
One of the fastest bikes of its time, the 1928 Indian Altoona got its name from a Pennsylvania township after a historic race in the 1920s.
Indian, which has recently made a comeback in the past few years had a history of making motorcycles that were fast and able to tackle almost any terrain. Another limited edition bike where only a few were made, the 1928 Indian Altoona was sold by Mecum in Las Vegas for $247,000.
1929 Scott Flying Squirrel
A bike that was well ahead of its time, the 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel was a British motorcycle built by Alfred Angas Scott. The company ended up giving the 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel to Steve McQueen who ended up loving the bike.
Eventually being sold off for $276,000 in an auction, the motorcycle is in the hands of a private owner. Von Dutch, the owner of Scott, recently made a comeback to the scene though we may never see a brand new Scott Flying Squirrel anytime soon.
1915 Iver Johnston Twin
Coming out of a company that also produced guns, you can say that the 1915 Iver Johnston Twin was a speeding bullet of a motorcycle.
Over the course of its production cycle, the Twin would go through numerous changes including an upgraded V-twin motor that pushed the bike to 65 mph which wasn't slow in 1915. A model was recently sold in Las Vegas for $300,000 which gives you an idea of the demand.
1911 Flying Merkel
Though it doesn't really fly, the 1911 Flying Merkel was a board track racer built by inventor Joseph Merkel. Some of the other motorcycles invented under the same name include the Merkel and the Merkel Light.
Both of these models came before the Flying Merkel in 1911 even though across the board there was only a very limited amount that ever saw the road. The 1911 Flying Merkel comes in at $423,500.
1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle
Possibly one of the first motorcycles to have ever been invented, the 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle comes in at $425,000. Made in 1894, it was sold 27 years after the first Roper was invented.
There were only a few models of this bike ever made and out of the ones that are left today, their owners rarely allow them out of the vault they keep them in so most of us will never see one in person.
