Motorcycles have been around since the days of the Second Industrial Revolution. The world's first motorcycle was made by Hildebrand & Wolfmuller in Germany in 1894. Since then, motorbikes have been loved by millions.
It's no secret that motorcycles are among the most affordable forms of transportation available. But just because they're cheap doesn't mean they can't also be expensive – VERY expensive, in fact. In this article, we take a look at some of the most expensive motorcycles ever made, and you may be surprised to learn that some of them cost significantly more than regular four-wheelers.
What is the world's most expensive motorcycle?
The Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter holds the record for the most expensive motorcycle ever sold, with a staggering price tag of $11 million. This motorcycle is a highly exclusive and rare collector's item, with only 45 models ever produced. Despite its high price, it is completely street-legal and boasts impressive performance capabilities, including a top speed of 190 mph.
Whether vintage bikes or high-tech motorcycles created by well-known designers, these 15 most Expensive Motorcycles In The World are unlike anything you've seen before.
1. Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter – $11 Million
The Leggera 1200 Titanium Special is a limited edition bike, with only 25 units produced. Each unit is hand-built and customized to the owner's specifications, making it a truly unique motorcycle. The bike's sleek design and high-performance capabilities make it a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The bike is powered by a 1,200cc Ducati engine, which has been tuned to produce an impressive 132 horsepower. The frame is made of titanium, which is known for its strength and lightweight, helping to reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle. In addition, the bike also comes with a state-of-the-art suspension system and high-performance brakes, making it a true racing machine.
The Leggera 1200 Titanium Special is priced at $148,000, making it one of the most expensive motorcycles in the world.
14Icon Sheene
$172,000 | only 52 units
The Icon Sheene is a high-performance motorcycle that was built to honor British motorcycle racer Barry Sheene. This bike is a true masterpiece of engineering, with a turbocharged engine that produces over 250 horsepower and a top speed of 200 mph.
At a price tag of $172,000, the Icon Sheene is one of the most expensive motorcycles in the world. The bike is hand-built and customized to the owner's specifications, ensuring that each unit is unique and tailored to the rider's needs. The Icon Sheene's stunning design and incredible performance capabilities make it a favorite among collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
13MTT Turbine Streetfighter
$175,000
The MTT Turbine Streetfighter is a high-performance motorcycle produced by Marine Turbine Technologies. It is equipped with a Rolls Royce-Allison gas turbine engine that has an output of 320 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque at 52000 rpm and a two-speed automatic transmission.
The MTT Turbine Streetfighter is known for its incredible speed and power, having set several world records for the fastest turbine motorcycle, including the world's fastest flying quarter mile for a turbine motorcycle at 3.91 seconds and the world's fastest streetfighter at 231.6 mph in a one-way mile.
The MTT Turbine Streetfighter is priced at $175,000, which makes it an exclusive and expensive motorcycle that is only available to a select group of enthusiasts.
12Honda RC213 V-S
$185,000 | only 213 units
The Honda RC213V-S is a street-legal version of Honda's MotoGP racing motorcycle, the RC213V. It is powered by a 999cc V4 engine that produces over 159 horsepower and has a top speed of around 190 mph.
With only 213 units produced, the RC213V-S is a rare and exclusive motorcycle that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. It has a price tag of $184,000, which makes it one of the most expensive motorcycles on the market.
Despite its high price, the RC213V-S is known for its exceptional performance and handling, and it has received rave reviews from critics and riders alike. It is a true masterpiece of engineering and design and a dream machine for many motorcycle enthusiasts.
11Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa
$200,000 | only 10 units
The Suzuki AEM Carbon Fiber Hayabusa is a limited-edition sports bike that has gained a lot of attention in the motorcycle industry. It was created as a collaboration between Suzuki and aftermarket parts manufacturer AEM, with the aim of producing a high-performance motorcycle that blends speed, power, and style.
Its limited production run of just 10 units worldwide makes it an incredibly rare and exclusive motorcycle that is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. With a price tag of $200,000, it is one of the most expensive motorcycles on the market, but it offers unparalleled performance, style, and exclusivity.
It is equipped with a 1340cc four-cylinder engine that produces over 200 horsepower and has a top speed of over 186 mph; this motorcycle is also equipped with advanced electronics, such as traction control and a quick shifter, that help to ensure optimal performance and control on the road.
10Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera
$225,000 | only 10 units
The Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera is a rare and exclusive motorcycle, with only 10 units produced worldwide. Its price tag of $225,000 reflects its limited production run and high-end components.
One of the most notable features of the Ducati Testa Stretta NCR Macchia Nera is its lightweight carbon fiber bodywork, which not only looks sleek but also helps to reduce weight and increase performance. The motorcycle is powered by a 998cc L-twin engine that produces 185 horsepower, and it is equipped with high-end components such as Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and Marchesini wheels.
9Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16
$235,000
The Ducati Desmosedici D16RR is a rare and exclusive motorcycle that represents the pinnacle of Ducati's engineering and design capabilities. Its high-performance engine, lightweight bodywork, and advanced electronics make it a highly coveted motorcycle among collectors and enthusiasts.
The NCR M16 features extensive modifications to the engine, frame, and suspension. The engine has been upgraded to produce over 200 horsepower, and the frame has been replaced with a lightweight carbon fiber unit that reduces the bike's weight by 40 pounds. The suspension has also been upgraded with high-end components to provide better handling and performance.
8Ecosse Founder's Edition Ti XX
$300,000
The Ecosse Founder's Edition Ti XX is a limited-edition motorcycle that is hand-built by Ecosse Moto Works, a Colorado-based custom motorcycle manufacturer. This motorcycle is a high-performance machine with various bespoke components, including a titanium frame, carbon fiber wheels, and a custom-built V-twin engine.
The engine of the Ecosse Founder's Edition Ti XX is a 2.4-liter billet aluminum V-twin that produces a massive 225 horsepower. This power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a custom-built six-speed gearbox. In addition, the bike's lightweight and rigid titanium frame and carbon fiber wheels allow for exceptional handling and performance.
Due to the exclusive nature of this motorcycle, its limited production numbers, and the high-end components used in its construction, the Ecosse Founder's Edition Ti XX commands a premium price tag of $300,000.
7Legendary British Vintage Black
$400,000 | only 33 units
It's interesting to know that the motorcycle was originally known as "Vincent-HRD" and that it was faster than the Jaguar Sports Car when it was first released in 1948. The fact that only 33 of these bikes were built makes it an incredibly rare and valuable piece for collectors and enthusiasts.
It's also fascinating to learn that Richard Thompson, a musician, was inspired by the motorcycle and wrote a song about it called "1952 Vincent Black Lightning," which he recorded for his 1991 album Rumor and Sigh.
Overall, the Legendary British Vintage Black has a rich history and cultural significance that makes it a truly remarkable motorcycle.
6Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike
$550,000 | only 10 units
The Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike is a highly unique and ultra-rare motorcycle that was produced in limited numbers. It was first introduced in 2003 as a concept vehicle, and only ten were ever produced. The bike features a V10 engine that is capable of producing up to 500 horsepower, which is an incredible amount of power for a motorcycle. The top speed of the Tomahawk is estimated to be around 420 miles per hour, although it has never been officially tested. The design of the Tomahawk is also highly distinctive, with four wheels and a body that resembles a cross between a motorcycle and a sports car.
The price tag of $550,000 is reflective of the bike's rarity and exclusivity. There are very few of these motorcycles in existence, and they are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. While the price may seem steep to some, it is important to remember that the Tomahawk is not just a motorcycle but a work of art and engineering. It represents the pinnacle of automotive design and innovation, and for those who can afford it, owning a Tomahawk is the ultimate symbol of wealth and status.
5Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship
$1.5 million
The Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship is a truly unique and exceptional motorcycle designed and painted by artist Jack Armstrong. It is based on a Harley-Davidson V-Rod and features a stunning orange and yellow paint job with intricate designs, as well as a powder-coated frame that perfectly complements the paintwork. The bike is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, and it is widely regarded as one of the most valuable motorcycles in the world.
The bike was sold in 2010 for $1 million, making it the most expensive Harley-Davidson ever sold. The buyer is unknown, and the bike has been kept in a climate-controlled vault ever since. The value of the bike has only increased over time, and it is estimated to be worth even more today. The Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship is a true work of art and a testament to the skill and creativity of its designer, Jack Armstrong.
The Yamaha BMS Chopper is a custom-built motorcycle designed by the world-renowned custom bike builder Jeff Nicklus. It was unveiled to the public at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2007 and quickly gained attention for its unique design and impressive specifications.
The Yamaha BMS Chopper features a 1700cc engine, a six-speed transmission, and a custom-built frame. It has a distinctive chopper-style look, with a long and low profile, a raked front end, and a minimalist design. The bike is also adorned with custom paint and graphics, adding to its unique look and style.
While the exact price of the Yamaha BMS Chopper is not publicly known, it is believed to be one of the most expensive motorcycles ever built. The cost of the bike is said to have exceeded $500,000, making it a true masterpiece of custom motorcycle design.
3Ecosse ES1 Spirit
$3.6 Million | only 10 units
The Ecosse Spirit is a truly remarkable motorcycle known for its stunning design, impressive performance, and high price tag. The bike is made from lightweight titanium and features a powerful 2,409cc V-twin engine, which can reach speeds of up to 370 kilometers per hour.
However, owning an Ecosse Spirit is not for the faint of heart. Before a buyer is allowed to take the bike for a spin, they must first complete a two-week training program at the Ecosse headquarters. This training program is designed to ensure that the rider is fully prepared to handle the power and speed of the bike, as well as to ensure that they understand how to properly maintain and care for it.
Despite the rigorous training program, owning an Ecosse Spirit is a dream for many motorcycle enthusiasts, as it is a true masterpiece of engineering and design. The bike is also extremely rare, with only a limited number of units produced. As a result, the Ecosse Spirit is one of the most coveted motorcycles in the world, and its high price tag only adds to its exclusivity and allure.
21949 E90 AJS Porcupine
$7 Million | only 4 units
The 1949 E90 AJS Porcupine is a legendary motorcycle that is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. With a price tag of $7 million, it is one of the most expensive motorcycles in the world. Only four Porcupines were ever made, adding to its exclusivity and rarity.
The AJS Porcupine was designed and built specifically for racing and features a unique dual overhead camshaft engine. In 1949, Les Graham won the world championship riding one of these bikes, cementing its place in motorcycle racing history.
The bike's design is also distinctive, with its distinctive porcupine-like quills on the cooling fins of the engine head, which gave it its name.
1Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter
$11 Million | only 45 units
The Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter is a one-of-a-kind motorcycle that holds the record for the most expensive motorcycle ever sold, with a price tag of $11 million. This exclusive and rare collector's item was produced by Confederate Motor Company in collaboration with luxury retailer Neiman Marcus.
The bike's powerful V-twin engine boasts 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to reach a top speed of 190 mph. Its frame is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and carbon fiber and features high-end components such as Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension.
Despite its high price tag, it is completely street-legal and can be ridden on public roads.
The Bottom Line
Motorcycles are often marketed as rugged, daring adventure machines. They're meant to let the rider feel like they're free from society and cruising down their own highway in life. However, these expensive bikes are less about the freedom and danger of the open road than about putting their rider in a position to show off to onlookers and acquaintances alike.