Harley-Davidson Sportster
With a 65-year history, the Sportster is a versatile icon that's served as both a race bike and an accessible entry into the Harley-Davidson brand. Its collectibility is defined by its long production run and two distinct engine eras: the classic Ironhead and the modern Evolution.
Harley-Davidson Sportster sold for a median of $5,100 over the last 12 months, based on 26 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $3,950 and $5,913. 46 currently for sale.
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Harley-Davidson Sportster prices by version
| Version | Median sale | Middle 50% | Auction sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportster Rubber Mount | $4.6k | $3.6k–$5k | 11 |
| Sportster Ironhead | $5.5k | $5.2k–$10k | 9 |
| Sportster Evolution | $5.3k | $4.4k–$5.9k | 6 |
Auction sales in the last 12 months; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Harley-Davidson Sportster prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | – | – | 0 | 3 |
| 1969 | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| 1970 | $23k | – | 2 | 1 |
| 1973 | $4.4k | – | 2 | 1 |
| 1974 | $2.9k | – | 2 | 0 |
| 1976 | $6.8k | – | 2 | 0 |
| 1977 | $10k | $5.7k–$13k | 8 | 0 |
| 1978 | $8.8k | $7.5k–$9.7k | 6 | 0 |
| 1981 | $5k | – | 2 | 2 |
| 1982 | $3.4k | $2.1k–$4.5k | 4 | 0 |
| 1984 | – | – | 1 | 1 |
| 1987 | $1.7k | $1.4k–$2.4k | 4 | 0 |
| 1989 | $6k | – | 3 | 0 |
| 1992 | $4.3k | – | 2 | 0 |
| 1993 | $4.1k | – | 3 | 0 |
| 1994 | $1.6k | – | 2 | 1 |
| 1995 | $5.9k | $4.5k–$6.2k | 4 | 0 |
| 1998 | $5.8k | – | 1 | 2 |
| 2000 | $2.5k | – | 2 | 2 |
| 2001 | $2.7k | – | 3 | 3 |
| 2002 | $4.5k | $3.8k–$5.3k | 6 | 2 |
| 2003 | $7.6k | $5.3k–$8k | 9 | 1 |
| 2004 | $4.8k | – | 3 | 3 |
| 2005 | $3.3k | – | 3 | 2 |
| 2006 | $3k | $2.5k–$3.5k | 6 | 1 |
| 2007 | $5.5k | $4.3k–$7.2k | 7 | 0 |
| 2009 | $6.8k | $4.4k–$8.1k | 12 | 1 |
| 2010 | $5k | – | 3 | 1 |
| 2011 | $4.3k | – | 3 | 0 |
| 2013 | $6k | – | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 | $6.8k | $6.6k–$8.8k | 5 | 0 |
| 2019 | $11k | – | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | $6.6k | – | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | $5k | – | 3 | 2 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
Harley-Davidson Sportster Submodels
The Harley-Davidson Sportster line debuted in 1957 as a direct response to the lighter, quicker British motorcycles of the era. With a continuous production run spanning 65 years, the Sportster has served as everything from a racer and flat-tracker to a stripped-down cruiser and an entry-level Harley. Its legacy is defined by two major engine families: the classic Ironhead (1957-1985) and the more reliable Evolution (1986-2022).
Collectibility is driven by the model's vast history and its status as a platform for customization. Early Ironhead models, particularly the first-year 1957 XL and performance variants like the XLCH, are prized for their historical significance. Evo-powered bikes are popular for their dependability and massive aftermarket, making them an accessible starting point for both new riders and seasoned custom builders. The bike's simple, elemental design has made it an icon.
Buying Tips
- Ironhead engines (pre-1986) are prone to oil leaks and require diligent maintenance. Check for excessive top-end noise and evidence of regular servicing.
- Inspect the frame carefully for modifications, especially hardtail conversions or changes to the steering neck. Poor quality welds can create a dangerous chassis.
- Evolution models built from 2004 onwards feature a smoother rubber-mounted engine, but are heavier. Models from 2007 and later use fuel injection instead of a carburetor.
- Check for electrical issues. Many Sportsters have been re-wired by amateurs, leading to unreliable lights, ignition, and charging systems.
463 Harley-Davidson Sportster vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 46 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Harley-Davidson Sportster cost?
Over the last 12 months, Harley-Davidson Sportster sold for a median of $5,100 across 26 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $3,950 and $5,913. There are 46 currently for sale.
How many Harley-Davidson Sportster listings are for sale right now?
There are 46 Harley-Davidson Sportster listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.