A lot of motorcycles that once sat forgotten in garages or barns are now selling for insane prices. We’re talking bikes that were once cheap, beat-up, and ignored… now turning into serious collector gold. If you grew up around motorcycles, some of these might look very familiar.
What’s driving the surge? Nostalgia, limited production runs, and collectors willing to pay big money for clean vintage bikes. Models that were once daily riders are now treated like investments. And the crazy part? Some of these motorcycles were never considered “special” back in the day.
In this article, we’ll look at old motorcycles that are now worth a small fortune. If you’ve ever owned one, ridden one, or seen one collecting dust somewhere, you might want to keep reading. One of these bikes could be worth way more than you think.
Old-School Motorbikes That Are Worth a Pretty Penny
Classic motorcycles aren’t just cool anymore. They’re turning into serious collector investments. Style, performance, history — these old bikes have it all. And yeah, a lot of them are now worth a small fortune.
This list covers 35 vintage motorcycles that keep climbing in value. Some earned fame through racing history or rare engineering. Others just nailed the look and never aged badly. If you’re hunting for a classic motorbike investment, these are worth watching.
Original bikes. Clean restorations. Even well-kept barn finds. Prices keep going up. Use this guide to spot the real gems before they get priced out.
Vincent Black Shadow
There’s no better way to start than the Vincent Black Shadow. It hit the road in 1948 and quickly became the fastest motorcycle in the world. That alone made history.
It still looks amazing today. And the price proves it. Most start at $100,000 or more.
These were hand-built in small numbers. A big 998cc V-twin. Crazy speed with real elegance. Collectors want matching numbers, solid paperwork, and original parts. A little wear? That’s fine. Honest patina adds value.
Brough Superior
“Superior” doesn’t even cover it. Often called the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles, these bikes were built by hand to insane standards. Even Lawrence of Arabia owned one.
Today, prices usually start around $300,000.
Early SS100 models were tested at 100 mph before delivery. Every bike was built to order. Survivors with original JAP or Matchless engines bring big money. Provenance matters a lot here. Papers, accessories, certificates — all of it boosts value fast.
These are true blue-chip motorcycle collectibles.
Indian Chief
The Indian Chief ruled American roads in the ’40s and early ’50s. Long before the brand shut down, it was already an icon. The later revival didn’t change that legacy.
Original Chiefs now usually sell for $30,000 and up.
Collectors love the massive valanced fenders, relaxed touring stance, and torque-heavy V-twin. Built for long rides. Hand-shift models with correct colors and accessories bring serious premiums. Prewar and early postwar bikes often shock people at auction.
Harley-Davidson EL “Knucklehead”
“Knucklehead” wasn’t an official name. Fans gave it that nickname because of the rocker boxes. And it stuck forever. Built from 1936 to 1947, this bike changed everything for Harley.
It introduced the overhead-valve V-twin and made real highway cruising possible. Today, prices usually land between $50,000 and $150,000. Early ’36 models, original paint, and matching numbers are gold. Add paperwork and correct accessories, and you’re in six-figure collector bike territory.
Honda CB750 Sandcast
Before “superbike” was a buzzword, the CB750 rewrote the rules. The Sandcast version is the one everyone wants. Early 1969 K0 models used sand-mold engine cases, making them rare.
Value usually starts around $50,000 and climbs fast. The inline-four engine, front disc brake, and electric start shocked the world. Unrestored bikes with early VINs and HM300 pipes bring serious auction premiums.
Ducati 750 SS
This is pure Ducati legend. Only about 100 were built, which already makes it rare. It became famous after winning the Imola 200, and that racing history still drives value.
Most sell for $100,000 or more. The 748cc L-twin with desmodromic valves is pure race tech. Early green-frame bikes with factory docs and original parts are the holy grail. These are investment-grade motorcycles.
Norton Manx
Norton lived and breathed racing. They showed up to the Isle of Man TT for decades. The Manx became iconic thanks to its featherbed frame and laser-sharp handling.
Most examples sell for $50,000 and up. Hand-built single-cylinder racers with real TT history bring more. Original magnesium parts and proper documentation matter a lot here. Serious vintage race bike money.
BMW R32
This is where BMW motorcycles began. The R32 was their first bike, released in 1923. It introduced the flat-twin boxer engine and shaft drive layout BMW still uses today.
Auction prices usually hit $100,000 or more. Collectors want originality. Correct carbs, factory finish, and even the toolkit add value. Clean, untouched examples are true blue-chip classics.
Triumph Bonneville T120
The Bonneville wasn’t the fastest bike around, but it became a cultural icon. Loved by café racers and custom builders, it aged beautifully.
Prices range wide. Some sell near $20,000, others pass $50,000. Early pre-unit models, TT Specials, and original two-tone paint matter most. That 650cc parallel-twin sound? Still magic. Perfect mix of style and classic bike value.
Harley-Davidson XR750
Seeing more Harleys here shouldn’t surprise anyone. The XR750 owned flat track racing in the ’70s. Total domination. It was also Evel Knievel’s stunt bike, which only adds to the legend.
Most sell for $60,000 and up. Early alloy-head racers are the big money bikes. Matching cases, AMA history, original parts — that’s what collectors chase. Unrestored examples with factory paperwork can jump way higher.
Matchless G50
Small bike, big attitude. The Matchless G50 was a weapon on club and GP circuits in the ’50s and ’60s. Light, fast, and tough as nails.
Values usually start around $50,000. Original race trim matters. Period rearsets, alloy tanks, clean maintenance records — all big pluses. Bikes with real race history or factory links can blow past price guides.
MV Agusta 750 S
This one’s pure Italian art. The MV Agusta 750 S was hand-built and insanely rare. Only about 500 were made, which explains the price.
Expect at least $80,000, often more. The inline-four engine, red-and-silver paint, and hand-assembled quality make it a serious collector motorcycle. Matching numbers, factory papers, and original exhausts push values way up.
Ariel Square Four
The name says it all. Designed by Edward Turner, the Square Four used a wild four-cylinder layout that was way ahead of its time. And it worked beautifully.
Auction prices now hit $70,000 or more. Later Mk II bikes with alloy heads and better cooling are favorites. Collectors look for original silencers, correct panels, and paperwork. Surprisingly smooth for a pre-war machine.
BSA Gold Star
The Gold Star earned its name the hard way. Each bike came with a factory dyno sheet proving its horsepower. That alone tells you how serious BSA was.
Most sell for $50,000 and up. DB34 Clubman models are the real prize. Original alloy barrels, Amal GP carbs, clip-ons — that’s the dream setup. Add race history and factory records, and prices climb fast.
Velocette Thruxton
The Thruxton is pure British café racer soul. Sometimes called the Venom Thruxton. Either way, it’s iconic. Production ended early when the company shut down, which only made it hotter.
Prices usually start around $70,000. Based on the Venom, it ran a tuned 499cc single with a big-fin head and Amal GP carb. Quick, loud, and built for clubman racing. Matching numbers, original fiberglass tanks, and paperwork push values up fast.
Harley-Davidson JD
This is where modern Harley really began. The JD introduced the teardrop engine shape everyone knows today. Built in the late 1920s, it set the brand’s look for decades.
They’re rare. And expensive. Expect $100,000 or more. Collectors want matching numbers, original paint, and complete accessories. Clean history and careful mechanical work can send concours bikes deep into six figures.
Zundapp KS 601
This one flies under the radar. But don’t sleep on it. The KS 601, nicknamed the Green Elephant, is a tough German tourer with real character.
Auction prices usually hit $50,000 and up. Sidecar rigs are especially desirable. It used a 597cc flat-twin with shaft drive, built for long hauls. Matching numbers, original paint, and military or rally history add serious value.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 750
The Interceptor name came back in 2018, but the original is where the magic is. Built in the late ’60s and early ’70s, the 750 was one of the fastest production bikes around.
Today, values start near $30,000. It’s rarer than many Triumphs or Nortons. Collectors want Series II bikes with twin Amal carbs and strengthened cases. U.S.-market survivors with paperwork bring premiums.
Excelsior Super X
The Super X doesn’t get enough love. Back in the 1920s, it was one of the first V-twins to seriously challenge Harley and Indian.
Today, they often sell for $100,000 or more. The 45ci twin was fast and tough. Production ended early when the brand shut down, which makes survivors rare. Matching numbers, original paint, and correct carbs mean big money.
Crocker Big Twin
This one’s on another level. The Crocker Big Twin was probably the fastest motorcycle of the pre-war era. Hand-built in Los Angeles. Basically a custom hot rod on two wheels.
Prices start around $300,000 and climb hard. Production numbers were tiny, and many were ridden hard and lost. Matching numbers, original parts, and documented history can send values way beyond guide prices. True holy grail motorcycle stuff.
Sunbeam Model 9
This one’s a sleeper. The Sunbeam Model 9 doesn’t get loud hype, but collectors know. Back in the ’20s and ’30s, it proved itself as a smooth and reliable sports touring motorcycle.
Most sell between $30,000 and $50,000. The 493cc OHV single is torquey and easy to live with. Girder forks, black-and-gold tanks, classic British vibes. Matching numbers, original paint, and clean paperwork bump the value. Model 90-style upgrades help too.
Indian Four
This bike is pure art deco on wheels. Built starting in 1928, the Indian Four disappeared before WWII and never came back. That scarcity drives the price.
Expect $100,000 or more. The inline-four engine was silky smooth and made it a luxury tourer of its time. Ace Four roots matter a lot here. Collectors want correct trim, matching numbers, and careful restorations. The right bike sails deep into six figures.
Yamaha TZ750
This thing was insane. The Yamaha TZ750 is one of the wildest race bikes ever built. A 747cc two-stroke four that made scary power and wheelspin everywhere.
Prices usually start around $75,000. Kenny Roberts riding it at Daytona locked in its legend. Factory race bikes and documented privateers bring serious money. Original exhausts, spares, and untouched examples are gold in the vintage race bike market.
Moto Guzzi V8 “Otto Cilindri”
This wasn’t just a bike. It was a moonshot. The Moto Guzzi V8 packed a tiny-piston, 500cc eight-cylinder engine. Absolute madness for its time.
Discovery Channel ranked it among the greatest motorcycles ever. Prices hover around $300,000. It was fast but insanely complex. Originals and factory replicas are rare. Race history, spares, and documentation push values even higher. Museum-level stuff.
Laverda SFC 750
That orange paint says it all. The Laverda SFC 750 is a full-on endurance racer turned collectible icon. Hand-built and dripping with Italian style.
Auction prices easily hit $100,000. Early drum-brake bikes and later twin-disc versions are both in demand. Matching numbers, factory paperwork, and original bodywork matter most. Still thrilling to ride. Still a top-tier classic motorcycle investment.
Suzuki RG500 Gamma
The RG500 Gamma was pure madness. Built for just two years, but it left a mark fast. This was basically a street-legal GP race bike.
Prices now start around $50,000. That 498cc square-four two-stroke with twin cranks was loud, light, and brutally peaky. Collectors want untouched bikes. Original bodywork, factory exhausts, low miles. Limited imports and clean paperwork push values way higher.
Kawasaki Z1 900
This is where Japanese superbikes really took off. The Z1 debuted in 1972 and went straight after the CB750. And yeah, it delivered.
Values sit around $40,000 and up. The 903cc inline-four was fast, reliable, and good for real 130-mph speed. Early ’73 bikes are the ones to get. Original four-into-four pipes and candy paint matter big time. Matching numbers and toolkits seal the deal.
Harley-Davidson WLA
This one’s straight WWII history. The WLA was Harley’s military workhorse. Built tough and simple, and sent all over the world.
Most sell for $40,000 or more. The 45ci flathead V-twin wasn’t fast, but it was reliable. Collectors love original olive-drab paint, blackout lights, and military gear. Rifle scabbards, leg shields, paperwork — untouched bikes bring strong money.
Triumph TR6 Trophy
The TR6 Trophy has serious cool factor. Steve McQueen rode one, and that alone keeps demand high. It also crushed it in off-road racing.
Prices hover around $50,000. The 650cc parallel-twin had loads of torque and handled great in the dirt. High pipes, scrambler trim, and race history matter most. ISDT or desert-racing provenance adds big value.
Rudge Ulster
This one’s old school racing royalty. The Rudge Ulster was advanced for its time and built to win. Production ended before WWII, which keeps numbers low.
Expect $50,000 and up. Collectors want 500cc singles with four-valve heads and correct period details. Matching numbers and race history drive prices. Properly restored bikes are still fun to ride today.
Ducati 900 SS
The 900 SS took everything great about the 750 and turned it up. More power. More presence. Same raw Ducati soul.
Auction prices usually land around $40,000, but the right bikes go higher. The 864cc bevel-drive L-twin delivers sharp handling and serious character. Early round-case engines, green-frame looks, original Conti pipes — that’s what collectors want. Clean survivors beat price guides all the time.
Montesa Cota
This one flies under the radar. Montesa, later tied to Honda, built the Cota as a proper trials motorcycle, not a showpiece. And that’s why people love it.
Prices sit around $20,000. Early Cota 247 and 348 two-strokes are the sweet spot. Collectors want original tank-seat units, alloy rims, and clean controls. Light weight, smooth power, super usable at vintage events. Matching numbers and uncracked fiberglass help value a lot.
Bimota DB1
The DB1 literally saved Bimota. No joke. It’s exotic, rare, and built around Ducati power, which makes it a collector favorite.
Most sell for around $50,000. Hand-built in Rimini with a Ducati desmo 750 L-twin, wild bodywork, and razor-sharp handling. DB1S and DB1SR versions go even higher. Original fairings, factory paperwork, and low miles are everything here.
Honda NR750
This bike feels like the future… even now. The Honda NR750 is already legend status. Oval pistons. V4 engine. 32 valves. Honda went all-in.
Values start around $100,000 and climb fast. Built in tiny numbers in the early ’90s, most were treated like art, not bikes. Single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm, insane fit and finish. Low-mileage, untouched examples with factory parts and paperwork bring top dollar.
