7 Most Expensive Harleys Ever Sold at Recent Auctions
Vintage Harley-Davidson's are increasing in value by the day, but these 7 examples from recent auctions set the bar for what constitutes an expensive motorcycle.
7. 1907 Harley-Davidson "Strap Tank" Single - $352,000/$165,000
The "Strap Tank" was Harley-Davidson's very first production model, made from 1904-1918, earning it's name from the nickel plated steel straps that attach the gas and oil tanks to the frame. This particular "Strap Tank" is an interesting case. It was originally sold back in 2006 as part of the Otis Chandler Collection by Gooding & Co. for $352,000,which would make it our third most expensive Harley ever sold at auction. But, then in 2015, the bike came up for auction again at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, in exactly the same museum ready condition, and sold for less than half that price - $165,000. Talk about a bargain!
6. 1908 Harley-Davidson "Strap Tank" Single - $198,000
This 1908 "Strap Tank" single example was found in a Wisconsin barn in rather poor shape, but has undergone an extensive restoration since. Harley produced 450 "Strap Tanks" in 1908, but only around a dozen are thought to still exist. Those factors undoubtedly helped it sell for $198,000 at the 2007 RM Sotheby's auction in Pebble Beach, California.
5. 1912 Harley-Davidson 8A Twin - $236,500
The rare Model 8A was the second Harley V-twin motorcycle, and featuring belt drive and an idler wheel instead of a clutch. Those additions allowed the bike to stop while the engine was still running, but there was still only one gear and no transmission. This particular example was fully restored from a complete and original example. Despite initial estimates of only $100,000-$150,000, the 8A sold for an impressive $236,500 at a 2015 Mecum auction in Las Vegas.
4. 1911 Harley-Davidson 7D Twin - $283,400
This 1911 7D Twin is one of only four complete first year examples of this very early V-twin in existence. None of the 7D were ever recorded by the motor company as having been sold, as these V-twins were created solely for racing and promotional purposes. This was the first Harley with mechanically operated intake valves, as opposed to the old atmospheric style. This example of the very first Harley-Davidson production V-twin sold for $283,400 at Mecum's 2014 Las Vegas auction.
3. Pope Francis' 2013 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide - $330,938
Who wouldn't want to own the Pope's motorcycle? Even though we don't think he ever actually rode it, this 2013 Dyna Super Glide was given to the head of the Catholic Church by Harley-Davidson as part of its 110th anniversary. In typical Pope Francis fashion he used this as a tool for charity, signing the bike and a leather jacket, and then proceeding to auction it off to raise money for Rome's homeless population. At the auction the bike hammered home for $330,938 at Bonhams in Paris back in 2014.
2. Jerry Lee Lewis' 1959 Harley-Davidson FLH Panhead - $385,000
Jerry Lee Lewis isn't just a legendary musician who racked up a dozen gold records in his time, he is also a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, and the pride of his collection was this 1959 FLH that he received as a gift from H-D. The 81 year old decided to let it go when he realized that he was getting too old to be taking it out cruising any more, and it wound up selling for for $385,000 at the Kissimmee, Florida Mecum auction, becoming the second most expensive Harley ever sold at auction.
1. 1907 Harley-Davidson "Strap Tank" Single - $715,000
If you disqualify the controversial sale/non-sale of Easy Rider's Captain America bike (and we are), this 1907 "Strap Tank" single is the most expensive Harley ever sold at auction. This particular "Strap Tank" is in remarkable original condition, and amazingly had only three owners when it was auctioned by Mecum in Las Vegas back in 2015. It's also one of the first 100 Harley's ever produced, making it worth every penny of the $715,000 hammer price.
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