staff@slashgear.com (Tharindu Dias)
2024-04-22 08:45:16
www.slashgear.com
If Classic is an indication of time, then the 1907 Strap Tank is the ultimate Classic Harley-Davidson. Since this bike was one of the first 207 units produced, it’s no surprise that it is a prized possession for both collectors and enthusiasts. Although, the Strap Tank is a tad out of reach for most enthusiasts unless you happen to have $1 million for a motorcycle.
The Strap Tank is easily recognized by a very distinct design feature — the nickel-plated steel bands that secure the oil and fuel tanks to the frame. This is also how the bike got its Strap Tank name. This bike also sits at a pivotal moment in Harley-Davidson’s history, as the company was on the brink of expanding its production to a grand scale.
The bike’s provenance adds layers to its value. One good example is serial number 37, which has been preserved in its original form for over a century, passing through the hands of enthusiasts and collectors, including a 75-year tenure within a single family and later acquisition by collector E.J. Cole.
While one might balk at the $715,000 price tag fetched by a 1907 model, a 1908 counterpart shattered records by collecting $935,000 at auction. At the end of the day, the Strap Tank, like almost all bikes on this list, is more of a collector’s showpiece than a daily ride. We can only be curious about what a 120-year-old Harley-Davidson must ride like.