Harley-Davidson from 1908 becomes priciest bike at auction

By Associated Press
Credit: Harley-Davidson

MILWAUKEE – A rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle built in 1908 has become the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Strap Tank Harley-Davidson sold for $935,000 after auction fees last month at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas based on data compiled by vintagent.com, a website that tracks the most expensive vintage motorcycles ever sold.

The bike was named Strap Tank because its oil and fuel tanks are attached to the frame with nickel straps. The bike is believed to be one of only 12 such models in the world.

A 1907 Strap Tank sold for $715,000 after fees but that one was never restored, explaining why it didn’t go for as much as the record-setting 1908 Strap Tank.