Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, wasn’t just famous for his music and charisma—he was also a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, with a deep love for Harley-Davidson. Throughout his career, he owned multiple Harleys, helping cement the brand’s status as the ultimate American motorcycle.

From his early days in Memphis to his final years at Graceland, Elvis was frequently seen riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles, further fueling the cultural connection between rock ‘n’ roll and Harley’s rebellious spirit.

Elvis and His Harley-Davidsons

1. His First Harley-Davidson – 1956 KH

• Elvis purchased his first Harley, a 1956 Harley-Davidson KH, in early 1956 when his career was taking off.

• This bike had a 55 cubic inch (883cc) flathead V-twin engine, making it one of the last of the KH series before Harley introduced the Sportster.

• He was often photographed with this bike, and it became part of his rising “bad boy” image.

🔹 Fun Fact: One of the most famous Elvis motorcycle photos shows him posing with his 1956 KH, dressed in all black, sitting on the bike with a rebellious grin—an image that became iconic in motorcycle culture.

2. 1957 Harley-Davidson FLH – The King’s Touring Bike

• As Elvis became more successful, his taste in bikes evolved, and he upgraded to a Harley-Davidson FLH, a big touring bike with a 74 cubic inch Panhead engine.

• The FLH was Harley’s top-of-the-line model, and Elvis, already a star, wanted the best.

• He reportedly owned multiple FLHs throughout the late '50s and early '60s.

3. The 1968 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide – The Most Famous Elvis Bike

• In 1968, Elvis purchased one of his most famous motorcycles: a Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide in black and chrome.

• The Electra Glide was Harley’s flagship touring model, featuring an electric starter, a 74 cubic inch Shovelhead engine, and a full-dress setup.

• This bike represented luxury and power, making it a perfect match for Elvis’s larger-than-life persona.

🔹 Fun Fact: Elvis would sometimes buy Harleys for his friends, known as the “Memphis Mafia,” ensuring his crew rode in style.

4. His Last Harley – 1976 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide

• One of the last motorcycles Elvis ever purchased was a 1976 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide in Arctic White, a true collector’s piece.

• This bike featured a 74 cubic inch Shovelhead engine and was fully loaded with a king-size windshield, saddlebags, and chrome accents.

• Elvis only rode this bike for a short time before his passing in 1977, making it one of the most valuable motorcycles connected to him.

• The bike was sold at auction in 2019 for $800,000, making it one of the most expensive Harley-Davidsons ever sold.

Elvis Presley & Harley-Davidson: A Cultural Connection

1. Harley-Davidson as a Symbol of Rebellion

• Elvis embodied rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, and his love for Harley-Davidson only enhanced that image.

• Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, Harley-Davidson bikes were associated with freedom, adventure, and nonconformity, making them a perfect match for Elvis’s persona.

2. The Memphis Biker Scene

• When Elvis wasn’t performing, he loved riding around Memphis, often leading groups of riders through the streets.

• Fans would frequently spot him cruising on his Harleys near Graceland, and he became a legend in the local motorcycle scene.

3. Harley-Davidson & Celebrity Endorsement

• At a time when celebrity endorsements weren’t as common, Elvis’s connection to Harley-Davidson helped elevate the brand’s cool factor.

• Harley-Davidson later embraced Elvis’s legacy, showcasing his bikes in museums and exhibits.

Where Are Elvis’s Harleys Now?

Several of Elvis’s motorcycles have ended up in museums, private collections, and high-profile auctions, including:

• His 1956 KH is preserved as one of his first big purchases.

• His 1968 FLH Electra Glide is featured in exhibits celebrating his love for motorcycles.

• His 1976 FLH 1200 Electra Glide remains one of the most valuable Harleys ever auctioned.

Final Thoughts: The King & His Harley-Davidsons

Elvis Presley wasn’t just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll—he was a true motorcycle enthusiast. His love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles wasn’t just for show; he genuinely enjoyed riding, collecting, and sharing his passion for two wheels.

Whether cruising around Memphis or making a bold statement in Hollywood, Elvis and Harley-Davidson will forever be linked—both as icons of American culture, freedom, and rebellion.