Expensive motorcycles represent the intersection of speed, design, rarity and provenance. For collectors and luxury enthusiasts, these machines are as much investment and artwork as transportation. Below you’ll find a curated list of ten of the priciest motorcycles known on the market, with estimated values, histories and clear pros and cons to help understand why each commands such high prices.
How this list was compiled
This ranking blends documented auction results, manufacturer limited editions and famous one-offs. Prices are approximate and reported values vary by provenance, condition and market demand. For auction references, consult major houses such as RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams and specialist coverage from Hagerty. Always verify current figures before making a purchase decision.
1. Neiman Marcus Limited Edition “Fighter” — Approx. $11,000,000
Price (reported): ~USD 11,000,000 (special charity/retail edition)
History & Exclusivity
Marketed as an ultra-luxury, one-off collector’s piece, the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition “Fighter” garnered media attention for an extravagant price tag and bespoke features. Built as a showpiece rather than a commuter bike, it stands as an icon of how luxury retail and custom builders can push valuations into seven figures.
Performance
- Engine and performance are usually secondary to craftsmanship for pieces in this category.
- Often based on a high-capacity V-twin or bespoke powerplant tuned more for presentation than track use.
Pros
- Extreme exclusivity — often one-off or extremely limited run.
- Collector appeal and publicity value.
Cons
- Very high purchase price with uncertain liquidity.
- Maintenance and insurance costs can be prohibitive.
2. 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer — Approx. $1,500,000
History & Exclusivity
The Cyclone board track racers dominated early American motorcycle racing before World War I. Few survived the era, making surviving machines highly sought-after by museums and collectors.
Performance
- Powerful for their day, with advanced (for the time) multi-cylinder designs.
- Not rideable on modern roads without sympathetic restoration.
Pros
- Historical significance in American motorsport.
- Highly rare — scarcity drives price.
Cons
- Parts are almost impossible to source; restoration is specialized and costly.
- Limited practicality and road legality concerns.
3. Brough Superior SS100 (pre-war examples) — Approx. $1,200,000
History & Exclusivity
Synonymous with luxury and performance in the 1920s and 1930s, the Brough Superior attracted high-profile owners — most famously T.E. Lawrence. Original pre-war SS100s are rare museum pieces.
Performance
- At its launch, the SS100 was among the fastest production motorcycles available.
- Classic twin-cylinder character prized by collectors.
Pros
- Provenance can significantly raise value.
- Exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design.
Cons
- High restoration and upkeep costs.
- Modern reliability and safety are limited compared with contemporary machines.
4. 1951 Vincent Black Lightning — Approx. $1,000,000
History & Exclusivity
The Vincent Black Lightning is a racer-born legend: stripped-down performance and limited production made it a star at auctions. Multiple sales have pushed prices into the high six and low seven-figure range.
Performance
- One of the fastest and most technologically advanced bikes of its era.
- Iconic V-twin performance and lightweight chassis.
Pros
- Strong provenance and desirability among collectors.
- Historic racing pedigree.
Cons
- Parts availability is limited and expensive.
- Rideability on modern roads is compromised; best as a show or collection piece.
5. Ecosse FE Ti XX (Titanium Series) — Approx. $300,000+
History & Exclusivity
Ecosse Motorcycles produced ultra-rare, titanium-bodied superbikes with premium components and extremely limited production runs. These modern exotica appeal to buyers seeking cutting-edge materials and exclusivity.
Performance
- High-performance sportbike specs, often exceeding 200 hp depending on tuning.
- Lightweight titanium construction for superb power-to-weight ratios.
Pros
- State-of-the-art engineering and materials.
- Track-capable performance with collector appeal.
Cons
- Very limited dealer and support networks.
- Repair costs can be high due to exotic materials.
6. Dodge Tomahawk V10 — Approx. $555,000 (concept/limited series)
History & Exclusivity
The Dodge Tomahawk is a concept vehicle from Dodge featuring a V10 car engine (from the Viper). While not a conventional production motorcycle, the Tomahawk’s extreme design and limited builds have made it a high-priced collector curiosity.
Performance
- Theoretical performance figures are extreme, but practical usability is limited.
- More a showpiece and engineering statement than a road-going machine.
Pros
- Unmatched wow factor and novelty value.
- Strong appeal for modern-technology collectors.
Cons
- Not practical as a daily rider; insurance and transport are complex.
- Questionable legal status on public roads in many jurisdictions.
7. Honda RC213V-S — Approx. $200,000+
History & Exclusivity
Derived from Honda’s MotoGP racebike, the RC213V-S is a rare, road-legal homologation machine built for riders who want race-level hardware in a street package. Limited production and high development costs make it one of the priciest modern Hondas.
Performance
- Race-derived chassis and electronics, exceptional power-to-weight and handling.
- Designed to deliver MotoGP-style performance to a small number of owners.
Pros
- Direct link to MotoGP technology and engineering excellence.
- Thrilling on-track potential for experienced riders.
Cons
- Not a practical everyday commuter.
- High running costs and specialized maintenance.
8. MV Agusta F4 CC / F4 Claudio Castiglioni Editions — Approx. $120,000+
History & Exclusivity
MV Agusta’s top-tier limited editions combine hand-built details, carbon fiber and bespoke components. The F4 CC and special Claudio Castiglioni editions are especially prized by collectors and riders who value Italian design and limited numbers.
Performance
- High-revving inline-four engines with superbike chassis dynamics.
- Exceptional braking and cornering for road and track use.
Pros
- Beautiful design and strong brand heritage.
- Relatively usable as a high-performance road bike.
Cons
- Maintenance and parts can be costly.
- Values can be volatile; provenance matters.
9. Britten V1000 — Approx. $250,000+
History & Exclusivity
Designed by John Britten in New Zealand, the Britten V1000 is an engineering masterpiece and a small-number production racebike that revolutionized thinking about materials and structure in motorcycle design. Original examples are museum-worthy and command high prices.
Performance
- Race-proven performance with innovative frame and aerodynamic design.
- Built for speed and track dominance in its era.
Pros
- Outstanding engineering pedigree and limited availability.
- Strong cultural and collector appeal.
Cons
- Parts and expertise are rare outside devoted specialist circles.
- High transport and storage standards required to maintain value.
10. Ducati Desmosedici RR — Approx. $72,500 (early sales), collector values higher
History & Exclusivity
The Desmosedici RR is Ducati’s street-legal MotoGP-derived bike, produced in limited numbers. Early buyers paid about the MSRP, but well-maintained or low-mileage examples command premiums among collectors.
Performance
- MotoGP-derived V4 engine and race-caliber electronics.
- Designed for riders who want genuine racebike dynamics in a road-legal package.
Pros
- Strong performance and authentic MotoGP lineage.
- Collectible with increasing interest in homologation specials.
Cons
- High maintenance demands and specialized servicing.
- Parts scarcity can drive up ownership costs over time.
Buying and Collecting: Practical Tips
- Provenance matters: documented history, race results or celebrity ownership can dramatically increase value.
- Condition trumps rarity: a restored or well-preserved machine will typically fetch more than a non-running example.
- Certification and documentation: get auction records, service history and expert appraisals (use auction houses like Bonhams or RM Sotheby’s for verification).
- Insurance and storage: specialist insurance and climate-controlled storage are necessary for high-value bikes.
Where to research and buy
Good starting points include major auction houses (RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams), classic vehicle insurers and enthusiast marketplaces. For modern limited editions, contact manufacturer special operations departments (e.g., Honda, Ducati, MV Agusta) or authorized collectors’ dealers.
Final thoughts
The market for expensive motorcycles blends emotion, history and investment considerations. Whether you’re a collector, investor or enthusiast, understanding provenance, rarity and the true costs of ownership is essential. Prices fluctuate, but the bikes above represent the types of machines that capture the imagination and bank accounts of collectors worldwide.
For the most accurate, up-to-date sale figures, check recent auction results and specialist publications such as Hagerty; remember that a bike’s story is often as valuable as its metal.