Rare 1908 Harley-Davidson bike sells for Ksh.117 million at auction

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

The Strap Tank Harley-Davidson sold for Ksh.117 million ($935,000) after last month at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas, United States, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday.

According to data by Vintagent.com, which tracks vintage motorcycle sales, this is a new record for a motorbike.

The bike was named Strap Tank because its oil and fuel tanks are attached to the frame with nickel straps.

It is believed to be one of only 12 such models in the world.

The record-breaking motorcycle is considered the earliest model that collectors can get their hands on. Earlier ones are either destroyed or in collections.

According Mecum Auctions, the bike had many of its original parts, making it even rarer.

“We marketed the bike well and Harley is by far the most famous American motorcycle brand so we had a feeling it would do well in auction, but obviously you are surprised anytime you sell the most expensive bike ever,” Greg Arnold, Motorcycle Division Manager at Mecum said.

Strap Tank Harley-Davidson bikes are known to fetch high prices at auction.

Previously, in 2015, a 1907 Strap Tank sold for Ksh.89 million ($715,000) after suction fees but didn’t go for as much as the 1908 Strap Tank because it was never restored.