In recent times, the Indian motorcycle segment has seen a renaissance of its own, with high-powered two-wheels becoming more common. While we do get most of these exotic offerings on our shores, there are a few that elude even the most ardent of collectors. Today, we’ve taken a look at some of the weirdest and rarest motorcycles to exist, which money can or cannot buy.
Confederate X123 Hellcat (Only 65 Ever Made)
Valued Between $50,000 and $65,000
Image Credits – Curtiss Motorcycle
Before delving into EVs under the new banner of Curtiss Motorcycle, Confederate Motors produced some of the most out-there-looking motorcycles in the world. The crème de la crème was the X123 Hellcat, with only 65 units ever made between 2012 and 2017. Each fetched a price between $45,000 to $50,000, a value that has only increased over time.
Norton Manx (Around 1,100 Made)
Valued Between $25,000 And $150,000
Image Credits – BikeBound
Before TVS tried to breathe new life into the almost-dead brand, the British marquee enjoyed a period of success between 1946 and 1962. It was during this time that Norton rolled out the 1954 Norton Manx 500, an exquisite piece of art that you’d want to ogle at when you ride it. Norton motorcycles are becoming increasingly rare nowadays. One of the Manx 500 was sold for $48,000 in 2021, while another was listed at Christie’s Auctions with a price estimate of $25,000 to $35,000.
Hesketh V1000 (Less Than 150 Ever Made)
Valued Between $40,000 And $80,000
Image Credits – RM Sotheby’s
Speaking of rare and exclusive finds, this unique offering didn’t have a lot going for it in terms of speed or power. However, it was a limited-production, uniquely designed two-wheeled art piece. As per reports, only 136 units of the main model were ever built, with an additional 24 rolling out of the final production line under the special “Hesketh 24” banner.
Honda RC166 (Approx Only 45 Ever Made)
Valued Between $1 Million and $1.5 Million
Image Credits – Twitter
Perhaps the only offering on the list that backs up the cost with performance, the RC166 dominated the 1966′ 250cc class segment with its 24-valve six-cylinder engine revving up to 18,000rpm. Since all of them were designed for the track, owning one can cost you as much as $1.5 million. Heck, even the replicas of it go around for $14,000.
Ecosse ES1 Superbike (Only 10 Ever Made)
Valued Between $300,000 and $3,600,000
Image Credits – Ecosse Spirit
Before the RSV4 or the Panigale V4, there was the Ecosse Superbike with its 200PS-powered V4 motor. Made entirely out of carbon fibre and weighing only 120kg, only 10 units could be bought, each reaching a claimed top speed of 400kmph! Getting your hands on one, though, would need a rabbit’s foot and a check for nearly $3.6 million.
