It’s not very often that motorcycles are looked at as luxury items. To most people, motorbikes represent a sense of rebellion, freedom, and speed. But many overlook the luxurious details and personal identity found in each and every one of these lifestyle accessories. In 1894, the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the world’s first production motorcycle. The bike featured a 1,489 cc two-cylinder, four-stroke engine, a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour, and design details carried over from the original steam-powered prototype built by the Hildebrand brothers in 1889. Since then, motorcycles have become a vehicle used mostly for recreation, long-distance travel, commuting, cruising, and sports such as racing and off-road riding. Not only are many motorcycles luxurious, but even more are simply efficient and utilitarian, with relatively low prices and great fuel economy. However, the motorcycles listed below are all class, style, and pure craftsmanship. Read on to discover the five most expensive motorbikes ever sold.
5. Yamaha Road Star BMS Chopper – $500,000
At half a million dollars, the Yamaha Road Star BMS Chopper isn’t just a motorcycle, it’s a work of art. Created by Sam Nehme of BMS Choppers in 2006 and nicknamed the Nehmesis, the motorbike’s frame and parts are completely plated in 24-karat gold and accented by a red velvet seat. The bike became the first ever metric chopper to win the Biketoberfest Rats Hole show.
4. Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike – $555,000
The Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike was a non-street legal Art-Deco concept bike introduced by Dodge at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The “rolling sculpture” features an 8.3 liter, V10 SRT10 engine lifted straight from a Dodge Viper, four independent wheels, and a supposed, yet unbelievable, top speed of 420 miles per hour.
3. 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine – $750,000
The 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine is considered by many antique motorbike enthusiasts to be one of the rarest bikes in the world. Introduced in 1945, the AJS Porcupine was a model used mainly for motorbike racing in Britain, and in 1954, a new and improved Porcupine was produced. The bike included a re-engineered engine and a loop type frame. Only four were built.
2. Harley-Davidson Cosmic Starship – $1.1 million
Unveiled at the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina Del Rey, California in 2010, the Cosmic Starship is the world’s first and only million dollar Harley. Painted by artist Jack Armstrong, the Cosmic Starship features a 1250 cc V-rod engine and Armstrong’s famous painting style known as “Cosmic Extensionalism,” a unique combination of extreme colors and textures.
1. Ecosse Spirit ES1 – $3.6 million
With a composite construction and electronic control system, the Ecosse Spirit ES1 is built for absolute speed. Designed by two Formula 1 engineers, the ES1 is the fastest and lightest bike on the market and features a modified IL4 engine. With a top speed of around 230 miles per hour, the Ecosse Spirit ES1 is the ultimate superbike. Only 10 have been produced and sold.
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