5 ANTIQUE HARLEY-DAVIDSONS: Harley-Davidson motorcycles aren’t just machines—they’re rolling pieces of American history. Some antique Harleys have become serious collector assets, fetching massive resale values due to rarity, originality, racing heritage, and cultural impact. Below are five antique Harley-Davidson motorcycles that consistently command high resale value in the collector market.
Harley-Davidson Model 5D (1905)
The 1905 Model 5D is one of the most valuable motorcycles Harley-Davidson ever produced.
This was Harley’s first V-twin-powered production motorcycle, making it a cornerstone of the brand’s legacy. Extremely few originals survive today, and most are locked away in museums or elite private collections.
Why it’s valuable:
- First Harley V-Twin
- Ultra-rare production numbers
- Pre-World War I engineering
- Huge historical significance
Resale value: Often exceeds millions when an authentic example surfaces.
Harley-Davidson Model 8A (1908)
The 1908 Model 8A represents Harley-Davidson’s early leap into reliability and performance.
Featuring a stronger frame and improved engine design, this motorcycle helped establish Harley as a serious competitor in the early American motorcycle industry.
Why it’s valuable:
- Extremely limited surviving units
- Early mechanical innovation
- High demand among vintage collectors
- Often fully hand-built restorations
Resale value: Frequently reaches high six to seven figures depending on condition and originality.
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Harley-Davidson JD Series (1920s)
The JD and JDH models from the 1920s are among the most sought-after antique Harleys that collectors can still occasionally find.
These bikes introduced improved engines, stronger frames, and smoother riding characteristics, helping Harley dominate the market during the post-WWI era.
Why it’s valuable:
- Iconic 1920s Harley styling
- Strong racing and endurance history
- More obtainable than pre-1910 models
- Excellent restoration support
Resale value: Well-restored examples regularly sell for $60,000–$120,000+.
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead (1936–1947)
The Knucklehead is one of the most legendary engines Harley-Davidson ever built.
Introduced in 1936, it was Harley’s first overhead-valve V-Twin and set the foundation for every big-twin engine that followed. Original, matching-numbers Knuckleheads are among the most valuable vintage Harleys today.
Why it’s valuable:
- First OHV Harley engine
- Massive cultural and custom-bike influence
- Strong collector demand worldwide
- Limited production during WWII years
Resale value: Typically $80,000–$150,000+, with rare military or original paint models going much higher.
Harley-Davidson WL / WLA (1940s)
The WL and military WLA models played a major role during World War II and are deeply tied to American military history.
The WLA, often called the “Liberator,” was used by Allied forces across Europe and the Pacific, making it one of the most historically significant Harleys ever built.
Why it’s valuable:
- Strong WWII military heritage
- Global collector appeal
- Authentic military-spec examples are rare
- Timeless flathead design
Resale value: Usually $30,000–$70,000+, with fully documented military bikes commanding higher prices.
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What Makes an Antique Harley Valuable?
Several factors dramatically impact resale value:
- Original engine and frame numbers
- Factory-correct parts and paint
- Historical documentation
- Limited production years
- Military or racing provenance
The closer a bike is to factory-original condition, the higher its value.
Final Thoughts
Antique Harley-Davidsons are more than vintage motorcycles—they are investment-grade collectibles. Models like the 1905 Model 5D, Knucklehead, and WWII WLA continue to rise in value as surviving examples become scarcer.
For collectors, owning one of these machines isn’t just about riding—it’s about preserving a piece of motorcycling history.
