A prized Harley-Davidson motorcycle previously owned by Elvis Presley is up for auction. The bike in question is a 1976 Bicentennial model and was the very last motorcycle Elvis bought. The vehicle’s value is $800,000.
At various outlets, this same Harley-Davidson model has sold or been listed for several thousands of dollars, anything from $4,000 to $9,050 and more. Some Harley-Davidson bikes have gone for $30,000. But this bike, thanks to its history, may break some records at Mecum Auctions.
The last motorcycle Elvis Presley bought is up for auction and expected to break records
What a great way to spend my Saturday – thanks @mecum Auctions for the up-close excitement!
And for those of you in Indianapolis, you can enjoy the experience with the opportunity to take home Elvis’ last motorcycle. #MecumHouston #MecumAuctions #Mecum #WhereTheCarsAre pic.twitter.com/UEnePAvkgK
— Susannah Koontz, PharmD, BCOP 🎗 (@KoontzOncology) April 15, 2023
Elvis is known not just for his enduring movie appearances and revolutionary, gyrating hips, but also for his collection of vehicles, especially motorcycles. But this particular one is the last he bought before his death in 1977 at the age of just 42. According to Visor Down, Elvis rode the motorcycle for just 126 miles. Then, he donated it to Murdo, SD Pioneer Auto Museum, the outlet reports. It changed hands just three months before Presley died.
RELATED: Deserted Childhood Home Of Elvis Presley Up For Auction
The bike sat there for three decades. It changed hands a few more times and went up for auction in 2019. Originally, it was expected that the former and final motorcycle of Elvis Presley himself would rake in $2,000,000, but the final bid was $800,000.
Ride along through history
The last bidding war this Elvis motorcycle was in didn’t quite breach the millions, but it did cement its place in history as the third most expensive motorcycle ever sold. It is beaten by an Ex-Jack Ehret 1951 Vincent Black Lightning worth $929,000, currently the most valuable bike sold at auction. Elvis has also had a mobile home and plane that were bought and repurposed, changing their value in profound ways.
Will this motorcycle and its history with Elvis break historic records? The last time this question was asked last year, Visor Down did not anticipate it shattering records, given the starting bid of $100,000. Jump ahead to today, and the Harley-Davidson certainly has some factors on its side such as limited availability; it was one of 750 Bicentennial models made in celebration of America’s 200th birthday.
Do you own any pieces of Elvis memorabilia?