Alternative Investing

Ten Collectible Bikes For The Easy-Rider Generation

Hot Wheels

Take it easy, rider. Motorcycles don’t command eye-boggling prices like other alternative investments or collectibles—such as classic cars—but a rare model can reach into the six-figures. Experts say that bikes over 25 years old make a solid investment since they appeal to Baby Boomers who seek them out to relive their youth. Click ahead to take a look at motorcycles that have retained their value.
Photo credit: Jim Jordan Photography | Photographer's Choice | Getty Images

Take it easy, rider. Motorcycles don’t command eye-boggling prices like other alternative investments or collectibles—such as classic cars—but a rare model can reach into the six-figures.

Experts say that bikes over 25 years old make a solid investment since they appeal to Baby Boomers who seek them out to relive their youth.

Click ahead to take a look at motorcycles that have retained their value.

Posted Oct. 15, 2010

Indian Big Chief

Considered one of the classic American motorcycle brands, a bike made by Indian, especial from the 1920s, can fetch anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000. One from 1953 sold at auction by Bonhams auction house for $60,000.
Photo credit: wikipedia.com

Considered one of the classic American motorcycle brands, a bike made by Indian, especial from the 1920s, can fetch anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000. One from 1953 sold at auction by Bonhams auction house for $60,000.

Vincent Black Shadow

Rare models of these hand-made British motorcycles can fetch a fine price. In the mid 1980s, motorcycle broker Somer Hooker bought one for $7,000 and sold it a year later for $27,000.
Photo credit: wikipedia.com

Rare models of these hand-made British motorcycles can fetch a fine price. In the mid 1980s, motorcycle broker Somer Hooker bought one for $7,000 and sold it a year later for $27,000.

Triumph Bonneville

Bikes from this British brand can be worth about $7,000-$8,000, according to auctioneer Jerry Wood.
Photo credit: Bruce Sinclair | sinclairindustries.com

Bikes from this British brand can be worth about $7,000-$8,000, according to auctioneer Jerry Wood.

Brough Superior SS100

Bikes made from the British company can be worth over $80,000. In 2008, a Brough Superior SS100 sold for £166,500 ($261,516), the most ever for a British motorcycle at auction.
Photo credit: BSMK1SV

Bikes made from the British company can be worth over $80,000. In 2008, a Brough Superior SS100 sold for £166,500 ($261,516), the most ever for a British motorcycle at auction.

Harley Davidson Racer

Only about 20 of these bikes are thought to still be around. Built between 1916 and 1923, one could be valued at close to a million dollars. One of the racers is housed at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.
Photo credit: pilot_micha

Only about 20 of these bikes are thought to still be around. Built between 1916 and 1923, one could be valued at close to a million dollars. One of the racers is housed at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

1976 Honda CR125

Baby Boomer nostalgia is what drives the market for bikes from the mid 1970s. A 1976 Honda CR125 can sell for $2,500 to $3,500. (2009 model CRF230L pictured.)
Photo credit: Ian Chappel

Baby Boomer nostalgia is what drives the market for bikes from the mid 1970s. A 1976 Honda CR125 can sell for $2,500 to $3,500.

1975 Ducati Formula 750 SS

This model sold at auction by Bonhams for $117,000 in 2008—a world record for a Ducati, and much higher than the $60,000-$80,000 estimate.
Photo credit: Bonhams

This model sold at auction by Bonhams for $117,000 in 2008—a world record for a Ducati, and much higher than the $60,000-$80,000 estimate.

Triumph Hurricane

Auctioneer Jerry Wood says that examples of the harder-to-find Hurricane model are worth about $15,000 - $20,000.
Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Auctioneer Jerry Wood says that examples of the harder-to-find Hurricane model are worth about $15,000 - $20,000.

Harley Davidson Knucklehead

The nickname Knucklehead refers to the round engine cover that looks like two hand knuckles. Knuckelheads made from the mid-1930s to 1940s range in value from $10,000 to $100,000.
Photo credit: Pete Provencial

The nickname Knucklehead refers to the round engine cover that looks like two hand knuckles. Knuckelheads made from the mid-1930s to 1940s range in value from $10,000 to $100,000.

1998 Ducati SuperSport

Only 400 of the Italian bike were made—200 hundred each in read and yellow—and they are worth about $3,500.
Photo credit: Dan Crouch|raresportbikesforsale.com

Only 400 of the Italian bike were made—200 hundred each in red and yellow—and they are worth about $3,500. (1993 Ducati pictured.)