Motorcycles, like cars, are often valuable collectables that people will hunt and power-bid on. Despite their desire, motorcycles are traded at a lower average value than cars, but that is not the case for these ten you are about to see. These are ten of the world’s most collectable motorcycles and they are all iconic rides that people have personal connections with…
1968-73 Honda CB 350, CL, and SL 350
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $4900
The 350 Hondas were an improvement on the CA/CB/CL77 models and created what would become one of the most beloved Honda models. The CB350 was the most popular motorcycle in the world in 1968, the year it was first introduced. With a 12-volt battery, electrics proved more reliable, while the styling was modernized, and the five-speed gearbox made it possible to reach 90 mph.
1959-69 Honda CA77 Dream Touring
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $6000
The touring version of CB/CL77 was the CA77. It featured a unique styling that was not found on other motorcycles. Honda’s reputation for reliability and affordability was cemented with their Dream. It was a popular youth motorcycle in the 1960s. It was built with pressed steel forks and frames, and features such as an enclosed chain made it a bike that could be used in all weather conditions. Many Dreams were also heavily used in the elements. It is difficult to find original, beautiful ones today.
1965-68 Honda CL77
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $6700
The Honda CL77 was an off-road version of the CB77 Superhawk, CA77 Dream, and CB77 Superhawk models. It was a line of bikes that enjoyed great success. The CL77 was a high-scrambler bike with tall bars and 19-inch wheels. It could easily travel from one place to another, making it a popular choice for desert racers.
1969-78 Honda CB 750
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $9100
Honda, more Honda! Honda CB750 was America’s first motorcycle. The CB750 gave buyers the ability to have all three: reliability, speed, and affordability. Honda was so uncertain of its success that it decided to forgo die-cast moulds and instead chose sand casting. The first 7414 bikes made in 1969 had sandcast engines. Honda had produced nearly 450,000 bikes by the end of the 750’s production run, and the CB750 was established as the first superbike that the commoner could own.
1979-82 Honda CBX
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $15,150
Although the CBX was not the first motorcycle to have six cylinders, it is perhaps the most notable. Honda produced the bike for just four years. It has been more tour-oriented over the past two years. It proved that Honda was willing to invest in motorcycles even though it was a short-lived production model.
1972-75 Kawasaki Z1
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $15,900
Do you say it’s not a Honda? Kawasaki’s response after being outclassed by Honda’s CB750 was the Kawasaki Z1. This response was the world’s fastest motorcycle production and Cycle World’s new Motorcycle of the Year for the entire production run. The Z1 took the CB750’s formula of reliability and speed and added 15 horsepower. This was a massive leap in the ’70s. This set the stage for future horsepower wars.
1961-1969 BMW R60/2 & R69S
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $16,300
The BMW R60/2 (the more powerful version) was built to be a rugged and reliable workhorse. However, they quickly became the most popular touring motorcycles in the 1960s. The R60/2 and R69S are instantly identifiable by their Earles fork suspension, which reduces front-end dive when braking. They were also known for their reliability and exceptional quality. These motorcycles are among the few models of that era with more than 35,000 miles.
1946-53 Indian Chief
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $32,900
Due to the merger with DuPont Motors, the Chief is the only American motorcycle that isn’t a Harley-Davidson. The Chief was designed to compete with Harley’s big twins. It was in production from 1922 to 1953. A buyer looking for something modern can purchase a new Chief from the Indian Motorcycle company, complete with fenders.
1936-47 Harley-Davidson EL/FL Knucklehead
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $70,800
The Harley-Davidson Knucklehead is one of America’s most beloved and recognizable motorcycles. The motorcycle was first introduced in 1942 and was discontinued shortly after. The iconic design has been a hallmark of Harley’s since then. The Knucklehead was a pleasure motorcycle for soldiers returning from war and a workhorse for government workers. It is still one of the most sought-after Harley models.
If you own a vintage Knucklehead, you might be surprised by the current value of a used motorcycle. Over the years, its worth has steadily increased, making it a highly collectible and valuable asset for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Consider getting it appraised to discover its potential value and selling it if you’re looking to cash in on its appreciating value.
1948-55 Vincent Black Shadow
Average #2-condition (Excellent) value: $94,500
The Black Shadow was considered one of the first superbikes in the world. It held a top-speed record until the 1973 Kawasaki Z1. The Black Shadow, with its distinctive black paint, gold pinstriping, and brushed aluminium pieces, is a staple in any car collection, no matter how serious you are about bikes.
Sources Used…
- www.bike-urious.com/first-year-knucklehead-1936-harley-davidson-el/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CBX
- www.petersen.org/blog/10-bikes
