Motorcycles have come a long way. While I’m someone who once built race cars to run against motorbikes, there are some pretty impressive machines out there. From custom builds to luxury brands, high-end motorcycles can get pretty pricey. So, I decided to dive into how expensive motorcycles can get. Here are the 10 that tipped the scales.
10. MTT Turbine Superbike – $185,000
This motorcycle was priced at $185,000 in 2004, making it the most expensive bike in production at the time. Today, it can be found on the market selling for upwards of $300K. Given that it is powered by a Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C18 gas turbine engine capable of churning out 320 horsepower, there’s no wonder. Thanks to its lightweight design and exceptional power, the bike can reach top speeds of more than 200 mph.
9. NCR M16 – $235,000
The Ducati Desmosedici D16RR NCR M16 is a high-performance racing bike. NCR M16s come equipped with a 998cc V4 engine and a lightweight carbon fiber and titanium body, making it possible to pump out 200 horsepower. The bike is incredibly agile and handles really well. What makes the NCR M16 stand out from other bikes is that it pays tribute to the legendary MotoGP motorcycles, which have dominated the world of motorcycle racing for years.
8. Ecosse Titanium Series FE Ti XX – $300,000
You might think that $300,000 seems like a lot for a motorcycle, but as we progress on this list, you’ll see it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Ecosse Titanium Series FE Ti XX comes with a 2.4-liter billet aluminum engine which produces 225 horsepower. Its frame is titanium and the wheels are made out of carbon fiber, making it extremely lightweight. The FE Ti XX also has a handcrafted leather seat, adding to the bike’s overall premium feel. Only 13 of these motorcycles were produced, making it one of the more rare and exclusive motorcycles on the list.
7. Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike – $555,000
The Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike has a crazy amount of power to justify its price tag of more than half a million dollars. It is powered by an 8.3-liter V10 engine, which was initially used to power the Dodge Viper. As a result, it can reach speeds of up to 350 mph. Unlike some of the other motorcycles on this list, the Tomahawk has four wheels, giving it more stability. However, it was never intended to be used on the road. Between 2003 and 2006, Dodge produced 10 of these superbikes. It continues to stand as a testament to human engineering.
6. Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship – $3 Million
In 2012, the Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship sold for $3 million. Now, the bike is valued between $15 and $30 million. It is a highly sought-after motorcycle for collectors, due to its exclusive hand-painted design by Jack Armstrong. Many people consider it to be a masterpiece on two wheels. There are conflicting reports about how many of the Cosmic Starships were made, but it is fewer than 100. Jack Armstrong vowed to never do more than that. After all, he was hand-painting all of those rides. Due to its price tag and design, it has become a true symbol of wealth and artistic expression.
5. BMS Nehmesis – $3 Million
The BMS Nehmesis also comes in at $3 million and when you hear about what goes into making this bike, you’ll understand why. Like the Harley, it is considered to be a work of art. The BMS Nehmesis aims to showcase bespoke craftmanship with its fully customized look. Some of its main features include a 24-karat gold encrustation, yellow finish, 1700cc engine, custom-built frame, and intricate detailing. Another thing that makes the Nehmesis really stand out is its air ride system, which allows the motorcycle to be parked upright without a kickstand. Given its unique design and the lavish materials used to make it, there is no wonder it landed itself on the list of most expensive motorcycles.
4. Hildebrand & Wolfmuller – $3.5 Million
Owning a Hildebrand & Wolfmuller is quite a treat. It is the world’s first production motorcycle, produced in 1894. The entire bike was revolutionary at the time. It introduced the concept of two-wheel motorized transportation. While it only reached top speeds of 28 mph, it was a key part of motorbike history. When it first hit the market, the Hildebrand & Wolfmuller was only a few dollars, but if you want a piece of history today, you’ll have to pay for it. They aren’t easy to locate and will cost you around $3.5 million.
3. Ecosse ES1 Spirit – $3.6 Million
Now that we are in the top three, the prices are going to start climbing significantly to reach the most expensive motorcycle in the world. At number three, we have the Ecosse ES1 Spirit. Formula 1 engineers had a hand in engineering this bike. It has a 1000cc V4 engine that propels it from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, which is wicked fast. What makes the Ecosse ES1 Spirit different is that it doesn’t sport a traditional chassis. It has a carbon fiber monocoque design. Contributing to its price, there were only 10 ever made. This combination of speed, rarity, and innovation makes the ES1 Spirit a truly extraordinary bike.
2. 1949 E90 AJS Porcupine – $7 Million
The price jump from number three to number two is a bit startline. Like the Hildebrand & Wolfmuller, the E90 AJS Porcupine has a special place in motorcycle history, making it worth a pretty penny. Les Graham rode the E90 AJS Porcupine to victory in the 1949 World Championship. On top of that, there were only four of these bikes ever made. Although it was primarily designed for racing, its exclusivity and historical significance have pushed its value into the millions. Owning one of these is a dream for any motorcycle enthusiast.
1. Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter – $11 Million
You might be thinking to yourself, “Isn’t Neiman Marcus a store in the mall?” However, they are known for producing the most expensive production motorcycle in the world. Although the Fighter was originally priced at a little more than $100,000, it sold at auction for $11 million. As its name suggests, a limited number of units were made (45, to be exact), making it a rare find for collectors. It also produces incredible power on the road with its 120ci V-Twin engine.
The World’s Most Expensive Motorcycles
If you have one of these motorcycles in your collection, it is a symbol of status and wealth. It also serves to show your appreciation for engineering and design. Each of these bikes has cemented its place in motorcycle history for one reason or another. Whether you are a collector or a rider, these 10 motorcycles are something that very few people in the world will get to enjoy.