Fancy buying Elvis Presley’s Bicentennial 1976 Harley?

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Elvis Presley’s last motorcycle, a rare 1976 Bicentennial Electra Glide, just went up for auction. Again. For what seems like the fourth time in four years. Last time it sold, the 1,261-mile FLH commanded a US$800,000 price, making it, at the time, the third most expensive classic motorcycle ever sold.

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And while it may not have reached its minimum bid this time, stalling at a mere US$300,000, it’s probably fair to say it remains out of most of Driving readers’ price ranges. In fact, 800-large is about 40 times more than a similar bike would be worth, had not Ol’ Snake Hips sat his boney butt on it.

But, if those million-plus loonies seem a tad hefty for a seemingly aged Harley touring bike, we might suggest you look to The Motor Company’s latest styling exercise, the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King, for much the same look at just a fraction of the cost. Part of Harley’s “Icon” collection, this Highway King is meant to emulate a 1968 Electra Glide which and, while it might not be a perfect match for the “King’s” ’76 model, Milwaukee’s glacial pace of stylistic changes mean that only the true connoisseurs will be able to spot the difference.

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And this 2023 Electra Glide really is decidedly faithful to the swinging ‘60s. In 1968, riders who wanted the ne plus ultra in touring comfort would opt for the “King of the Highway” accessories group — and, yes, there seems a lot of allusions to royalty in Harley’s marketing — which added fibreglass saddlebags, a windshield, a luggage rack over the rear fender, and engine guards. So that’s how the 2023 model is equipped.

In fact, says Brad Richards, Harley’s vice-president of design and the company’s creative director, “in 1968, the accessory fibreglass saddlebags were only offered in white, so we’ve done the same in 2023.”

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Of course, underneath all that period-piece bodywork, the Highway King is resplendent with modern technology. For one thing, it’s powered by The Motor Company’s latest Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin. Electronic cruise control, auxiliary lights, and a halogen headlamp are all standard equipment. Ditto Brembo brakes. And, as this is a top-of-the-line Harley, Milwaukee also adds its Rider Safety Enhancements package — Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Brakes, Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control, Cornering Drag-torque Slip Control System, and Vehicle Hold Control — as standard equipment.

Befitting an “Icon,” production will be restricted, with the Hi-Fi Orange version limited to 1,000 units worldwide; and Hi-Fi Magenta to just 750. A black panel on the fuel tank and a special tank badge emulate the one used in 1968, and an Icons Collection serialization badge is laser-etched into the console.

There’s been no mention yet regarding how much Harley-Davidson will want for its latest icon, but you can bet that this Highway King will cost a lot less than Elvis’.