Many classic motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors are driven by a passion for vintage machines — riding them in rallies, touring with them, or displaying them as prized possessions. Beyond their emotional appeal, vintage motorcycles have also become strong investments.
Since 2000, sales of vintage motorcycles have roughly doubled, and prices have risen steadily. Machines with well-documented histories — especially those connected to famous owners or race victories — can fetch low- to mid-six-figure sums. Pre-1970 motorcycles appear to have roughly doubled in value every decade, reflecting increased collector demand and the shrinking supply of original examples.
Certain marques regularly achieve the highest prices: Brough Superior, Crocker, Vincent and a few others dominate headline auction results. Many of these manufacturers produced small runs of hand-built motorcycles during the pre- and post-World War II eras. Engines and frames were often custom-fitted for individual customers, who frequently were racers or wealthy enthusiasts, making each bike distinct.
Because production numbers were low and survival rates even lower, these motorcycles are exceptionally collectible and valuable. Surviving examples may be fully restored using original parts or modern replacements; restorations do not necessarily diminish value when the bike remains authentic to its provenance and specification.
An Inside Look at Vintage Motorcycle Projects
Before listing specific models, it’s worth clarifying what “project” means in the vintage motorcycle market. Project bikes require repair, replacement parts or full restorations. Some projects are still rideable; others are not. Even so, when a project bears a highly prized name — Brough Superior, Vincent or Crocker, for example — it can still command very high prices.
These premium marques produced so few motorcycles that collectors prize them regardless of condition. With that in mind, the following list presents 30 of the most expensive vintage motorcycles, ranked by current estimated value adjusted for inflation. Each entry notes when the machine last sold at auction or private sale and highlights the most notable historical or technical facts that contribute to its value.
30. 1938 Brough Superior SS100
Last sold in 2021: $306,571. Current estimated value: $320,992.
George Brough created powerful, hand-built motorcycles for Britain’s affluent riders before World War II. The SS100, launched in 1924, was billed as the world’s fastest production motorcycle, and each new SS100 left the factory having been tested to 100 mph. Only a small number of SS100s remain — about 71 documented survivors — and the 1938 example retains its original frame, engine and gearbox.
29. 1939 Vincent HRD 998CC Rapide Series A Project
Last sold in 2016: $330,700. Current estimated value: $390,926.
Philip Vincent rescued the failing HRD company in 1928 and built high-performance V-twin racing motorcycles. Vincent Rapide models reached about 110 mph in their day. Even project Rapides command strong interest because Vincent’s production volumes were low — roughly 1,100 bikes per year at peak — and survivors remain scarce.
28. 1946 AJS ‘Porcupine’ Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Last sold in 2021: $406,200. Current estimated value: $425,307.
A.J. Stevens & Company (AJS) developed the supercharged multicylinder “Porcupine,” a powerful but challenging-to-handle Grand Prix machine nicknamed for its spiky finned head. Les Graham rode an AJS Porcupine to win the 1949 Grand Championship — the marque’s only top-level victory. The example noted here was restored in the 2000s and offered as a museum-grade historic racer.
27. 1939 Vincent HRD 998CC Rapide Series A
Last sold in 2015: $380,888. Current estimated value: $455,934.
One of roughly 50 surviving Series A Rapides, this restored pre-war Vincent represents the marque just before World War II halted production. Its rarity and racing pedigree underpin strong collector demand.
26. 1932 Brough Superior ‘BS4’ 3-Wheel with Austin Engine
Last sold in 2013: $377,950. Current estimated value: $460,302.
While Brough was best known for powerful V-twins, George Brough experimented with a four-cylinder Austin light-car engine paired to a three-speed gearbox for touring models. This unusual BS4 example sold at premium prices and is now part of a museum collection.
25. 1942 Crocker V-Twin Big Tank
Last sold in 2015: $385,000. Current estimated value: $460,856.
Al Crocker produced exceptionally powerful, hand-built American racing bikes. Crockers offered a performance guarantee and were the fastest U.S.-built bikes of their era. The Big Tank models, introduced in 1939 with larger fuel capacity, are particularly prized; restored Crockers routinely command strong auction results.
24. 1926 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project
Last sold in 2012: $400,000. Current estimated value: $478,811.
The Alpine Grand Sport, introduced in 1926 and named after the Austrian trials, featured improved frames and handling for long-distance competition. This SS100, sold as a project, demonstrates that condition is often secondary to provenance and rarity for top-tier marques.
23. 1934 Brough Superior 996cc SS100
Last sold in 2012: $394,108. Current estimated value: $487,011.
This rare “Two of Everything” SS100 was specially ordered with twin carburetors, twin oil pumps and twin magnetos, one of the most unusual and scarce variants produced by Brough Superior — only eight made in 1934 — which significantly increases its collectible value.
22. 1911 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer
Last sold in 2015: $423,500. Current estimated value: $506,941.
The 1911 Flying Merkel is a rare surviving board-track racer, largely unrestored with original paint. Its racing history, early-era technology and extraordinary rarity make it a museum-caliber collectible.
21. 1927 Harley‑Davidson FHA 8‑Valve Racer
Last sold in 2015: $423,700. Current estimated value: $507,181.
Built for track competition, the 1927 FHA 8-valve racers were high-strung machines with skinny tires, no brakes and 100 mph capabilities. Very few survived because of the brutal wear racing imposed; this long-stored example attracted international bidders when it appeared at auction.
20. George Brough’s 1939 Brough Superior SS100
Last sold in 2014: $426,100. Current estimated value: $510,659.
George Brough’s personal SS100 is especially desirable. Brough crafted bespoke motorcycles for wealthy clients and racers; his own machines carry enhanced provenance, making them particularly valuable.
19. 1951 Vincent Series C “Red” White Shadow
Last sold in 2016: $434,000. Current estimated value: $513,083.
Vincent’s Series C Black Shadow was among the fastest factory motorcycles of its era. Of the small run, 15 were built as White Shadows with polished crankcases; the single example finished in Chinese Red is unique and highly collectible after a careful restoration.
18. 1958 Ariel Cyclone 650
Last sold in 2014: $450,000. Current estimated value: $539,302.
This limited-edition 1958 Ariel Cyclone was once owned by musician Buddy Holly. One of only 172 made, the bike’s celebrity provenance and scarcity contributed to its high auction price when it appeared as part of a famous estate sale.
17. 1926 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport
Last sold in 2012: $453,000. Current estimated value: $541,226.
Manufactured in late 1925, this Alpine Grand Sport underwent an extensive restoration, including a correctly rebuilt engine, and was shown at marque events before its sale. Its documented restoration and event history support strong market value.
16. 1912 Henderson Four
Last sold in 2017: $490,000. Current estimated value: $567,154.
Henderson built four-cylinder machines with a distinctive long chassis and folding hand crank. This unrestored 1912 Henderson Four is notable as the only known survivor in original condition and carries considerable historical significance.
15. 1932 Brough Superior 800cc Model BS4 Project
Last sold in 2016: $481,624. Current estimated value: $569,335.
Only 10 BS4s were ever made and seven survive. Even incomplete projects from this rare lineage attract strong prices when they come to market.
14. 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor
Last sold in 2013: $480,000. Current estimated value: $584,587.
A postwar recreation by Walter Zeller combined a 1951 Rennsport frame with a genuine 1939 RS255 engine and original BMW components to approximate the prewar racing specification. As with other historic BMW racing machines, precise factory records are scarce, but such hybrids built to period specification remain highly prized.
13. 1929 Brough Superior Alpine Grand Sports SS100
Last sold in 2014: $494,580. Current estimated value: $592,729.
This 1929 Alpine Grand Sport exhibits the classic SS100 profile and a high-performance engine exceeding 100 mph. It has a documented restoration and provenance, enhancing its desirability among collectors.
12. 1929 Brough Superior SS100
Last sold in 2010: $465,350. Current estimated value: $605,474.
An iconic SS100 with celebrated provenance — it was once owned by T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) — this bike’s historical associations and rarity make it a top-tier collectible.
11. 1940 Crocker Big Tank
Last sold in 2019: $550,000. Current estimated value: $610,364.
Crocker’s V-twin designs, developed with partner Paul Bigsby, were the most powerful American motorcycles of their day. The Big Tank variants, fitted with larger fuel capacity, are limited in number and highly sought after; only 64 V-twin Crockers were produced prior to World War II interruptions.
10. 1922 Brough Superior SS80
Last sold in 2012: $469,800. Current estimated value: $617,617.
Known as “Old Bill,” this SS80 was George Brough’s own racing bike and carried a strong competition history. Its long absence from the market and rich provenance drew global interest when it surfaced at auction.
9. 1930 Brough Superior SS100 Project
Last sold in 2019: $561,556. Current estimated value: $623,188.
Partially assembled SS100 projects still sell for top prices. This example, once owned by racer F.P. Dickson and associated with George Brough, highlights how provenance and rarity drive value even when a bike is incomplete.
8. 1910 Winchester 6HP
Last sold in 2013: $580,000. Current estimated value: $706,376.
Winchester — better known for firearms — commissioned a short run of low-powered motorcycles around 1909–1911. Of the roughly 200 made, only two are known to survive, making any extant Winchester extremely collectible and valuable.
7. 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer
Last sold in 2008: $551,200. Current estimated value: $726,345.
Cyclone board-track racers represent an early era of high-speed competition: V-twin engines, no brakes and thin tires. Only six Cyclone racers are known to exist, and their pioneering technology and rarity sustain strong collector interest.
6. 1939 Crocker Big Tank
Last sold in 2019: $704,000. Current estimated value: $781,266.
Crocker Big Tanks rarely appear on the market. When this fully restored example was offered, its limited production, expert restoration and exceptional performance pedigree produced a headline result.
5. 1937 Crocker Small Tank
Last sold in 2019: $715,000. Current estimated value: $793,473.
Small Tank Crockers built between 1936 and 1938 were shorter in fuel capacity and represented Al Crocker’s earlier, hand-built efforts. The 1937 Small Tank was the world’s fastest motorcycle before World War II and remains one of the most sought-after American prewar machines.
4. 1907 Harley‑Davidson Strap Tank
Last sold in 2015: $715,000. Current estimated value: $855,875.
One of the best unrestored examples of the 1907 “strap tank” Harley‑Davidson Model Two, this bike retains original paint and hardware. Early strap-tank Harleys are extraordinarily rare — only about 207 were produced — and impeccable original condition commands a premium.
3. 1936 Crocker Small Tank
Last sold in 2019: $825,000. Current estimated value: $915,546.
One of just 14 hand-built Crocker Small Tanks, this 1936 machine was crafted with meticulous, hands-on engineering by Al Crocker and Paul Bigsby. Its limited production, bespoke engineering and restored condition place it among the most expensive motorcycles sold.
2. 1915 Cyclone Board Track
Last sold in 2015: $852,500. Current estimated value: $1.02 million.
Produced for only a few years, the Cyclone was advanced for its time and is one of only six surviving racers. Famous ownership — including a period in Steve McQueen’s collection — and exceptional rarity combine to justify seven-figure valuations for top examples.
1. 1951 Vincent Black Lightning
Last sold in 2018: $929,000. Current estimated value: $1.05 million.
The Vincent Black Lightning is one of the rarest and most legendary British motorcycles. With only 33 built and 19 known survivors, the Black Lightning is a lightweight, hand-tuned race variant of the Vincent line. This unrestored, running example set a world-record result at auction; its race-winning history and exceptional scarcity make it the most valuable motorcycle on this list.
Collecting vintage motorcycles blends historical interest, mechanical appreciation and investment potential. Provenance, rarity, condition and documented competition history remain the key factors that determine which machines rise to the top in today’s market.