This 1908 Harley-Davidson sold for nearly $1 million. Photo: Alexander Walter / Flickr
This 1908 Harley-Davidson sold for nearly $1 million. Photo: Alexander Walter / Flickr
This 1908 Harley-Davidson sold for nearly $1 million. Photo: Alexander Walter / Flickr
This 1908 Harley-Davidson sold for nearly $1 million. Photo: Alexander Walter / Flickr

Lifestyle

Motoring

Harley-Davidson from 1908 sells at nearly $1m, becoming priciest motorcycle at auction

The bike is believed to be one of only 12 such models in the world

Associated Press

February 12, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

A rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle built in 1908 has become the most expensive one ever sold at auction, according to data compiled by a website that tracks vintage bike sales.

The Harley-Davidson Strap Tank was recorded on vintagent.com as being sold for $935,000 after auction fees last month at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

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

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

A 1907 Strap Tank sold for $715,000 after fees but didn’t go for as much as the record-setting 1908 Strap Tank because it was never restored.

The record-breaking bike had many of its original parts, making it even more rare, said Greg Arnold, motorcycle division manager at Mecum Auctions.

“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,” he said.

The UAE's growing community of MiniGP motorbike riders — in pictures

A biker after a session at a Mini GP event at Sahara Amusement in Sharjah. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
A biker after a session at a Mini GP event at Sahara Amusement in Sharjah. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mini bikes are smaller, don't go as fast, but are more affordable than professional racing bikes. The experience, however, is as real as it gets, say fans and promoters.
Mini bikes are smaller, don't go as fast, but are more affordable than professional racing bikes. The experience, however, is as real as it gets, say fans and promoters.
Mini bikes, also called pit bikes, are already hugely popular in Europe and the US. The UAE's growing mini bike community is trying to raise the sport's profile.
Mini bikes, also called pit bikes, are already hugely popular in Europe and the US. The UAE's growing mini bike community is trying to raise the sport's profile.
Many professional motorcycle riders use the mini bikes to train for championships.
Many professional motorcycle riders use the mini bikes to train for championships.
MiniGp.ae, a community for mini-bike enthusiasts, organises regular meet-ups around the UAE.
MiniGp.ae, a community for mini-bike enthusiasts, organises regular meet-ups around the UAE.
Mini bikes can cost anywhere between Dh18,000 and Dh38,000, depending on specifications.
Mini bikes can cost anywhere between Dh18,000 and Dh38,000, depending on specifications.
Those wishing to try out th sport can rent a bike before investing in one. At Sahara Amusement in Sharjah, riders can rent bikes for Dh250, which includes safety gear and equipment, for a 15-minute track session.
Those wishing to try out th sport can rent a bike before investing in one. At Sahara Amusement in Sharjah, riders can rent bikes for Dh250, which includes safety gear and equipment, for a 15-minute track session.
A young rider puts on his safety gear before a ride.
A young rider puts on his safety gear before a ride.
Mini bikes are suitable for children as young as six.
Mini bikes are suitable for children as young as six.
A biker prepares for his ride.
A biker prepares for his ride.
The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, the global governing body for motorcycle racing, has launched a MiniGP global competition.
The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, the global governing body for motorcycle racing, has launched a MiniGP global competition.
The MiniGP World Series is open to riders between 10 and 14 years old.
The MiniGP World Series is open to riders between 10 and 14 years old.
The winner of the MiniGP World Series will secure a spot in one of FIM's Road to MotoGP racing programmes.
The winner of the MiniGP World Series will secure a spot in one of FIM's Road to MotoGP racing programmes.
A rider on the track in Sharjah.
A rider on the track in Sharjah.
A rider prepares for a track session.
A rider prepares for a track session.
Mini bikes have exactly the same geometry and controls as the full-size professional machines.
Mini bikes have exactly the same geometry and controls as the full-size professional machines.
The track at Sahara Amusement in Sharjah.
The track at Sahara Amusement in Sharjah.
What all bike racers want to be first to see, the checkered flag.
What all bike racers want to be first to see, the checkered flag.
In 2021, members of MiniGP.ae organised the first MiniGP championship in the UAE, which included racers from Qatar.
In 2021, members of MiniGP.ae organised the first MiniGP championship in the UAE, which included racers from Qatar.
Anas Al Mutawa, the founder of MiniGP.ae, says he's looking for partners to help organise racing events in the UAE.
Anas Al Mutawa, the founder of MiniGP.ae, says he's looking for partners to help organise racing events in the UAE.
MiniGP fans watch a rider in action.
MiniGP fans watch a rider in action.
The Sharjah Kart Track at Sahara Amusement is one of the few facilities for mini bikers in the UAE.
The Sharjah Kart Track at Sahara Amusement is one of the few facilities for mini bikers in the UAE.
The world motorcycling body's recognition of MiniGP competitions is an opportunity that needs to be taken advantage of, mini-bike enthusiasts say.
The world motorcycling body's recognition of MiniGP competitions is an opportunity that needs to be taken advantage of, mini-bike enthusiasts say.
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

The specs

BMW M8 Competition Coupe

Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8

Power 625hp at 6,000rpm

Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm

Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto

Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec

Top speed 305kph

Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km

Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)

On sale Jan/Feb 2020
 

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Arsenal 1 (Aubameyang 12’) Liverpool 1 (Minamino 73’)

Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties

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GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

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  • Flexible payment plans from developers
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  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Catchweight 90kg

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Flyweight (women)

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Lightweight

Alexandru Chitoran (ROU) beat Regelo Enumerables Jr (PHI)

TKO round 1

Catchweight 100kg

Marc Vleiger (NED) beat Mohamed Ali (EGY)

Rear neck choke round 1

Featherweight

James Bishop (NZ) beat Mark Valerio (PHI)

TKO round 2

Welterweight

Abdelghani Saber (EGY) beat Gerson Carvalho (BRA)

TKO round 1

Middleweight

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Unanimous points decision

Bantamweight

Fabio Mello (BRA) beat Mark Alcoba (PHI)

Unanimous points decision

Welterweight

Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Magomedsultan Magomedsultanov (RUS)

TKO round 1

Bantamweight

Trent Girdham (AUS) beat Jayson Margallo (PHI)

TKO round 3

Lightweight

Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) beat Roman Golovinov (UKR)

TKO round 1

Middleweight

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Submission round 2

Lightweight

Dan Moret (USA) v Anton Kuivanen (FIN)

TKO round 2

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Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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Updated: February 12, 2023, 5:43 AM`
Harley-Davidson