10 Priciest Custom Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever Sold

What drives the value of a motorcycle beyond that of a house? For enthusiasts of Harley-Davidson, it’s not merely about the ride — it’s the legacy, the history, and the craftsmanship involved. Established in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson has become an emblem of freedom, defiance, and adventure on the open road.

While all notable Harley-Davidsons hold a vital place in American motorcycling heritage, custom Harleys often signify a unique chapter in American cultural history. Contemplate a Harley adorned with diamonds, or one that rolled off the set of “Easy Rider,” captivating the hearts of many. Some have even belonged to icons like Elvis Presley and Pope Francis. These extraordinary machines either serve as living legends of motorcycling or transcend traditional expectations of what a motorcycle can embody.

In this piece, we will explore the fascinating realm of custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles that broke auction records, revealing what compels collectors and aficionados to invest staggering sums. Let’s discover what lends these motorcycles such immense worth and unveil the intriguing tales that justify their high prices.

Jack Armstrong’s Cosmic Starship

In 2010, artist Jack Armstrong revealed the Cosmic Starship, an impressive merging of art and engineering. Renowned for his Cosmic Extensionalism style, Armstrong elevated a 2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod with acrylic paints and 37 layers of clear coat, resulting in a motorcycle rich with vibrant colors and abstract designs. It is as at home in an art gallery as it is on the road.

The bike made its grand entrance at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson dealership in Marina Del Rey, where Lorenzo Lamas dramatically rode it down a red carpet after its dramatic reveal. This extravagant unveiling highlighted its dual personality as a high-performance vehicle and a piece of fine art. In 2012, the Cosmic Starship Harley was sold for $3 million, earning its rank as one of the priciest motorcycles ever.

Beneath its stunning exterior, this vintage Harley is driven by a Revolution V-twin engine with a liquid-cooled capacity of 1130cc, ensuring it performs as impressively as it appears. The Cosmic Starship is a remarkable blend of mechanical skill and artistic vision, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Harley-Davidson Bucherer Blue Edition

The Harley-Davidson Bucherer Blue Edition is an astonishing creation born from a partnership between Harley-Davidson and the Swiss luxury timepiece maker Bucherer Carl. Unlike any motorcycle produced before, the Bucherer Blue Edition’s handcrafted frame took over 2,500 hours to create, with each component plated in silver prior to its deep blue finish.

One of its notable engineering accomplishments is the transparent engine housing, granting enthusiasts a look into the inner workings of the engine—an exceedingly rare feature. Additionally, a bespoke Carl F. Bucherer watch is seamlessly integrated into the fuel tank, protected underneath an armored glass dome. The luxury continues with over 360 diamonds, gold-plated screws, and exquisite cowhide leather details that create an unequivocal statement of exclusivity and craftsmanship.

This remarkable motorcycle first appeared with a price tag of just shy of $2 million, solidifying its status as one of the most costly Harley-Davidsons ever constructed.

Peter Fonda’s Easy Rider Chopper

Few motorcycles hold the legendary prestige of Peter Fonda’s “Easy Rider” Chopper, also referred to as Captain America. This Harley-Davidson panhead transformed into an ageless icon of freedom and revolt, encapsulating the essence of 1960s counterculture like no other motorcycle.

Crafted by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, this custom chopper showcased an elongated front fork, a rigid frame, and an unmistakably bold red, white, and blue paint scheme symbolizing the American dream. The bike featured prominently in the film, with Fonda riding alongside Dennis Hopper’s character on their cross-country journey. Its iconic reputation ensured its place in motorcycle lore, establishing it as a significant cultural landmark.

The original Easy Rider chopper experienced a tumultuous fate, as most bikes used in the film were either stolen or destroyed. Yet, one surviving model restored by Dan Haggerty was auctioned in 2014 for an incredible $1.35 million, highlighting its lasting allure among both motorcycle lovers and film aficionados.

1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank

Not all motorcycles garner attention through ostentatious aesthetics or celebrity affiliations. Some derive their value from their rich history, and the 1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank exemplifies this. As one of the oldest existing Harley-Davidson models, this motorcycle is a vestige of the company’s formative years, showcasing the adventurous spirit that propelled the brand to international fame.

This specific model was unearthed in 1941 by David Uihlein in a barn near Milwaukee, serving as a time capsule of motorcycling’s past. Uihlein kept the motorcycle in Wisconsin for 66 years, maintaining it as a nearly unblemished reminder of Harley-Davidson’s early days. Its original tank, wheels, engine belt pulley, seat cover, and muffler sleeve render it one of the most genuine examples still in existence.

The 1908 Strap Tank gets its name from the nickel-plated steel straps that secure the fuel and oil tanks. It visually harkens back to an era when motorcycles were essentially motorized bicycles, and engineering innovations were on the cusp of transformation. In January 2023, this pristine specimen of Harley-Davidson’s early artistry fetched a groundbreaking $935,000 at a Mecum Auctions event.

Elvis Presley’s 1976 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide

What occurs when the King of Rock and Roll joins forces with the king of the road? You get Elvis Presley’s 1976 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide, a motorcycle as legendary as its owner. Acquired in August 1976, this special edition Electra Glide was created as a bicentennial model, celebrating 200 years of American independence with a distinctive blue-and-black color scheme that made it a sought-after collector’s item.

Elvis registered the motorcycle to his Palm Springs residence before transferring it to Graceland. However, it received minimal use and was sold at auction with merely 126 miles on the odometer, showcasing its near-pristine condition. In early 1977—just three months before his death—Elvis sold the motorcycle back to a local dealership, adding an intriguing layer to its history.

After leaving Elvis’ possession, the bike was displayed for decades, at first in a New Jersey hotel and later at the Pioneer Auto Museum in South Dakota, where it remained for over 36 years. In 2019, this remarkable 1976 Harley-Davidson was auctioned for an astonishing $800,000, solidifying its place as one of the priciest Harley-Davidsons ever sold. The sale also included the original title—complete with Elvis’ signature—and keys.

Jay Leno 2001 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide

It’s a rare occasion when a motorcycle ascends to the status of a celebrity icon, yet the 2001 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide did just that. Once owned by Jay Leno and adorned with signatures from numerous A-list celebrities, it transformed into a pop culture artifact. The bike was auctioned to benefit the Twin Towers Fund following the tragic 9/11 events, securing its place in history as more than just a standard Harley.

The motorcycle made an appearance on “The Tonight Show” for 30 consecutive days, during which Jay Leno gathered an impressive lineup of celebrities to sign it. This star-studded list includes Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicole Kidman, John Travolta, among others. With only 248 miles on the odometer, this Harley remains in near-mint condition, making it a dream for collectors. It was later sold at auction for a staggering $360,200.

Beneath its celebrity signatures and sleek black exterior, the Dyna Super Glide features a powerful 1449cc V-Twin engine combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. The low-profile suspension, extended front fork, and custom low-slung seat with a tapered passenger pillion enhance both its aesthetic and functionality. The user-friendly handlebars and foot controls contribute to a comfortable yet striking design.

Pope Francis’ 2013 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide

The 2013 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide gifted to Pope Francis stands out as anything but ordinary. Presented to the pontiff during Harley-Davidson’s 110th anniversary, this motorcycle represents an unexpected blend of faith, generosity, and skilled craftsmanship.

What elevates this Harley to remarkable status is its unique provenance. Bearing the signature of Pope Francis, written as Francesco on the fuel tank, this motorcycle quickly became a coveted collector’s item. Despite its pristine condition, this motorcycle was not meant for the open road. Instead, it became a symbol of goodwill that embodied its owner’s charitable mission.

In February 2014, this unique Harley was auctioned by Bonhams in Paris, reaching an impressive $327,000. Proceeds from the sale were generously donated to Caritas Roma, a charity dedicated to renovating a soup kitchen and hostel in Rome—aligning perfectly with Pope Francis’ dedication to aiding those in need.

Jerry Lee Lewis’s 1959 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo-Glide

When discussing rock ‘n’ roll legends, few names shine as brightly as Jerry Lee Lewis, and his 1959 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo-Glide is as iconic as the man himself. Known for his electrifying performances and rebellious spirit, Lewis truly embodied the Harley-Davidson ethos.

The 1959 FLH Duo-Glide marked a significant development for Harley-Davidson, being the first model to feature rear hydraulic suspension. This innovation lent the bike its “Duo-Glide” moniker, delivering an unprecedented level of comfort and stability compared to the rigid-frame motorcycles of its time. Powered by the 74 cubic-inch Panhead engine, it offered a combination of power and reliability synonymous with Harley-Davidson’s legacy.

What made this motorcycle noteworthy was not only its technical enhancements but also its personal touches. Jerry Lee Lewis was famous for customizing his possessions, and his Harley-Davidson FLH was no exception. In 2015, this 1959 Harley-Davidson was auctioned at a Mecum event where it achieved an impressive $385,000, marking it as one of the most expensive Harleys ever sold.

Harley-Davidson 8-Valve Racer

The Harley-Davidson 8-Valve Racer is renowned for its speed, power, and innovation, representing a pinnacle of Harley-Davidson’s early racing endeavors. Originally crafted in the 1910s and 1920s for board track racing, this motorcycle was designed for high performance rather than casual riding.

Its standout feature was its revolutionary engine, boasting eight overhead valves for enhanced airflow and combustion efficiency. This advancement allowed the bike to achieve speeds of over 100 mph—a staggering accomplishment for its era. Designed for maximum performance, the racer comprised a lightweight frame, minimal bodywork, and notably lacked brakes, highlighting Harley-Davidson’s singular focus on capability and speed.

Due to its limited production, surviving examples of these bikes are incredibly rare and hold significant value. In 2015, a pristine 1927 FHA 8-Valve Racer sold for $600,000 at auction, underscoring its desirability as a collector’s item. Its extraordinary engineering and historical relevance solidify its status as a treasured gem among collectors.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator 1991 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

Few motorcycles in film history are as recognizable as the 1991 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy, immortalized by Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” After making its memorable debut in the film, this bike rapidly gained legendary status when a leather-clad Schwarzenegger rode it away from a bar fight as the relentless Terminator. The motorcycle’s powerful design combined with Schwarzenegger’s imposing presence amplified the gripping chase scenes in the film, making it truly unforgettable.

This specific bike was not merely a prop; it was meticulously customized to withstand the demands of Hollywood action sequences. Modified exhaust and valve adjustments allowed it to execute jumps and sharp turns effortlessly. Its low, robust design, wide tires, and solid disc wheels—enhanced by red trim and a shotgun holster—rendered it perfectly suitable for a character as unwavering as the machine he piloted. Today, this motorcycle is revered by both Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and cinema lovers.

Ultimately, the original “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” Fat Boy sold at auction in 2018 for an incredible $480,000.