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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A young rider puts on his safety gear before a ride.

Mini bikes are suitable for children as young as six.

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 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.

A rider on the track in Sharjah.

A rider prepares for a track session.

Mini bikes have exactly the same geometry and controls as the full-size professional machines.

The track at Sahara Amusement in Sharjah.

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.

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.

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.