Three Harleys under $7,000

For enthusiasts looking for a relatively low cost Harley Davidson, the choices of new machines are limited. For many, the used market is the only option. However, for someone looking to spend less than $7,000, the classic bike market has some excellent Harley Davidsons to choose from that typically hold their price or increase in value—if maintained properly.

Although most people’s dream of owning a Harley Davidson is limited to one of the company's many iterations of V-Twins, there are a number of small engined machines that are becoming popular with collectors such as the Hummer, and the 250/350-cc Sprints.

 The Hummer

In 1948, Harley Davidson joined many of their contemporaries and made a version of the DKW designed 125-cc 2-stroke engine which the allies claimed as part of the World War II reparations. (The little 2-stroke became the most copied design of any motorcycle. The British used it for the BSA Bantam design and Yamaha used it for their YA-1, to name but two.)

Although the 2-stroke Harley is generally known as the Hummer, the name was not actually attributed to the machine until 1955. Interestingly, the name is attributed to a Harley employee, Dean Hummer.

The machine was modified a number of times during its production run but major changes included increasing the capacity to 165-cc in 1953 and in 1955 introducing the Hummer model which was a machine that had the distinctive Harley Davidson looks.

Typical prices for an early (1949) 125 are around $7,000 (in perfect condition).

For a 1953 165-cc Hummer, expect to pay around $5,000.

The Sprint

Developing a new motorcycle is extremely expensive for a manufacturer.

In the early 60s, when Harley Davidson decided they wanted a small capacity 4-stroke with a 250-cc engine, the company found an ideal machine in Italy with a company that was eager to partner with the famous American brand. A deal was struck where Harley Davidson would purchase a 50% stake in Aermacchi and a 250-cc machine would be marketed under the combined names: Aermacchi Harley Davidson.

The 250-cc machine was sold in the US until 1968 when a 350 (actual capacity was 344-cc) version was introduced. Two styles were available, the SS with low exhaust pipe – two-into-one type – and the SX which had high rise pipes and was intended as a dual sport type machine.

The Aermacchi engine proved to be a remarkable design which excellent performance—the early 350 versions had a top speed in excess of 90 mph and a fuel consumption close to 60 mpg.

Typical prices for an early (1961) 250 are around $3,500 (newer versions tend to be slightly more expensive).

For a 1969 350-cc version, expect to pay around $4,000 for a machine in perfect condition.

XL Sportster

If it's a V-Twin you must have, then the XL series has a number of versions to choose from. The engines on these machines follow the typical Harley Davidson formula of OHV, 45 degree V-Twin 4-strokes.

The XL series has been produced continuously since 1957 with many updates and changes along the way.

The original XL used an iron head, but the entire unit was replaced by the evolution engine in 1986 with cubic capacity options of 883-cc, 1100-cc and 1,200-cc.

One drawback of the XL series prior to 2004 is the engine mounting configuration which was solid mounted until that year. Needless to say, vibration can be a problem on the earlier models especially for anyone suffering from tendinitis. 

For 1979 XLCH Sportster (1000-cc) expect to pay around $6,500 for one in perfect condition.

 For a 1986 XLH with an 883-cc engine, expect to pay around $6,500 for an example in perfect condition.