Welcome to the top 10 most expensive motorcycles purchased at auction in America
in 2021. We've compiled a list by looking at the auction market across the year in America
to pull together what were the top bikes for the year. Now, if you know of any auction houses or
bikes you think should be on this list do let us know in the comments below. But we think we've
got the lot. It's a list that contains seven American motorcycles and three british bikes
ranging from the years 1903 through to 1953. First on the list, number 10. A 1903 Indian. Now this
bike was sold by Mecum at their Vegas sale and it's a fabulous looking machine. Very, very rare.
Originally ordered new by racer Gus Cheleini, it retains its, or features a quart and a half
fuel tank which is mounted forward and strapped below the top tube of the frame.
This allows you to adopt a racing position and lie flat on the bike when you're riding it.
It's one of the first 350 motorcycles ever produced by the Indian Motorcycle Company.
Very, very early example. Fully documented from new. And it achieved $143,000 including premium.
Number 9. The first of two Vincent Black Shadows to feature on the list. It's a 1953
Series C. Restored to the very highest standards. It's a beautiful example of what is probably the
finest post-war British motorcycle ever produced. A genuine 125 mile an hour machine. The fastest
standard production motorcycle in the world for a full 20 years after it ceased being made in 1955.
This particular bike is 100 point restoration. It's a two times winner at Quail. You're not going
to find a finer example in the open market and it achieved $148,500. Bikes 8 and 7 on the list are
examples of the same type of machine. They're both Harley-Davidson ELs. The first one a 1938 model
achieved a $154,000 at Mecum auction. Number 7 on our list is the 1936 year example.
What's interesting about this one is it's one of the first 100
of the bikes to feature what was their new overhead valve engine, known as the Knucklehead.
This particular machine was restored to very, very high standard. Particular attention paid
to use in as many new old stock original parts as possible including tyres, cables,
handlebar grips etc. So it really is a fine example of one exactly how it would have
left the factory all those years ago in 1936. And that was reflected in the price $159,500.
Bike number 6. The second of our Vincent Black Shadows. Again, another 1953 year model Series C.
Correct numbers, nicely restored, exactly how it should be when it left the factory.
Nothing exciting about the provenance of this bike, just a really good example. Price achieved
for this bike was an incredible $165,000. Now, I'm pretty certain and correct me in the comments if
you disagree, that is probably a record price for one of these at auction. Normally you'd expect
$80,000 to $100,000 for one of these machines. But this one, $165,000. Bikes 5 and 4 are another
pair of Harley-Davidsons. This time FLs. The first one is a 1947 example and achieved $192,500. The
second bike is a 1946 model, and this is the first of the big post-war production Harley-Davidsons,
and can be distinguished by the lack of chrome and stainless fittings due to shortages after the war.
To overcome this they utilised a bright red paint scheme to give it that added extra shine.
Costing what, $465 when new, this particular machine achieved $220,000
when sold at the Mecum Vegas sale. Bike number 3. A 1943 Harley-Davidson E Model.
This is a very, very, very rare model indeed. And due to the war effort at the time only 158
examples were actually produced. And again, because of the shortage of supplies of certain
materials they can be distinguished by various elements such as tank badges being painted,
stainless trims all removed, air cleaners simply painted black, the brake levers and brackets were
painted silver and black instead of chrome, and black wheel rims. It creates quite a distinctive
look to this model and in fact a model that nowadays, 80 odd years on, looks very modern
and quite contemporary. But this bike at auction achieved the fantastic price of $220,000. Bike
number 2. A 1949 Triumph Trophy. It's not a bike you'd normally expect to see on a list like this.
However, when it's the bike that was ridden by Fonzie on the cult TV program Happy Days,
and it was originally customised for the show by the legend that is Bud Ekins, then it comes
with some serious provenance. And provenance costs. A bike like this would normally be what,
$10,000 - $15,000 for a nice example. This one achieved the amazing sum of $231,562
when sold by Bonhams. So here it is, number 1 on our list. The most expensive motorcycle
purchased in 2021 in American auctions. It is a Harley-Davidson 1907 Strap Tank Model. Now, an
original condition one of these totally unrestored fetched an incredible sum in 2015 at Mecum of
over $700,000 including premium. This particular machine sold in 2021.
Again represents one of the rarest motorcycles in American motorcycle history. Originally launched
in 1906, a single cylinder machine, around 440ccs. This particular bike was put together using a
collection of original parts which included its original factory engine, the original carburetor,
the original and correct type petrol tank and oil tank. Front forks are original,
and finally hubs and seat were also original parts that left the factory in 1907. The rest of the
machine was put together using accurately produced replica components. Now, given the fact that it
is a bitsa if you like, it's still very rare and very valuable, and that was reflected in what it
achieved this year of $297,000 including premium. So that concludes our list of top 10 motorcycles.
Let us know if you know of any other bikes that should be on the list in the comments below,
and we look forward to producing more of these auction review videos throughout 2022.