For some, motorbikes embody the very essence of high speeds and cool rides, they are the epitome of sophistication with a splash of dark and intense notoriety.
Updated January 2022: If you're into motorcycles and want to get some two-wheeled kicks while your bike is in winter storage, you'll be happy to know that we've updated this list to lessen the impact of bike-withdrawal.
According to bike enthusiasts across the globe, motorbikes are about a billion times better than cars. While some might find cars just as exciting, there is something a little bit more thrilling when it comes to riding a bike. Plus, it seems the media has finally jumped on the bandwagon when it comes to all things motorcycles, with television now producing a number of TV shows and reality shows that focus on the wonderful machines themselves.
From custom-made motorcycling programs to exhilarating documentaries with real Hollywood superstars, it certainly is a great time to be alive for those who live, breathe, and sleep motorcycles. So, let's take a look at the best motorcycle-themed shows around.
15 Sons Of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy was one of the most popular TV shows in the world, with or without the motorcycles. The motorcycle-themed drama lasted for a whopping seven seasons and aired from 2008-2014. The show was based around the lives of a group of outlaw motorcyclists with actor Charlie Hunnam at the helm as Jackson "Jax" Teller. Sadly, after seven seasons, producers had nothing left to say and the motorcycle club rode off into the sunset, never to return. The series explored a number of themes common within real-life motorcycle club culture and even had ex-Hells Angels member, David Labrava, as a technical adviser.
14 Nitro Circus
Nitro Circus follows the life of Travis Pastrana, who, along with his friends, travels the world performing crazy stunts on his motorcycle. The act first began as a live show, which then spawned a number of DVDs. Then, due to great sales, a television show was created in order to show the rest of the world just what they were missing. In fact, things got so successful that a tour was put together which then led to a second television series and a 3D feature film. The movie, which was released in 2012, was also extremely popular but sadly saw motorcyclist Jim DeChamp suffer a serious back injury. Don't worry, though, he was fine and made a full recovery.
13 Long Way Round
Long Way Round was released in 2004 to immediate success. The show, which featured award-winning actor Ewan McGregor and his pal, Charley Boorman, documented an epic 19,000-mile (31,000 km) journey from London to New York City on two BMW Motorcycles. The pair first traveled eastwards through Europe and Asia only to then fly to Alaska and then on to New York. All in all, McGregor and Boorman passed through a whopping twelve countries, from the UK to France to the Ukraine and Mongolia. Along the way, the pair suffered a few breakdowns, as well as accidents, with McGregor managing to spray gasoline into his eyes—not once, but twice.
12 Ride With Norman Reedus
Norman Reedus is one of the most likable guys in Hollywood and is mostly famed for his starring role as Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead. However, Reedus is also a huge motorcycle fan, so much so he has his own show dedicated to his favorite pastime. That's right, Ride with Norman Reedus is a travel series on AMC and has been on the air since 2016. The show follows Reedus and his motorbike throughout a number of different destinations all while checking out the local motorcycling culture. The show was, and still is, extremely popular and has even attracted the likes of motorcycling legend Peter Fonda, who starred in the final episode of the first series.
11 Mayans M.C.
Mayans M.C. is a motorcycling crime drama set in the same fictional universe as that other motorcycling epic, Sons of Anarchy. The show takes place four years after the end of Sons of Anarchy and incorporates some of the same characters and themes. In fact, the ending of season one had a major twist with regards to Sons of Anarchy, leaving fans overjoyed. Overall, the show received positive reviews and was favored among motorcycling enthusiasts who were upset with the ending of the more popular Sons of Anarchy. Let's face it, there aren't that many TV dramas that focus solely on the motorcycling world.
10 What's In The Barn?
What's in the Barn is a reality TV show that first aired in 2013. The show, which is hosted by motorcycle and automobile enthusiast, Dale Walksler, documents the hidden gems that are often abandoned in random barns across the USA.
Walksler lives, sleeps, and eats motorcycles and is also an expert motorcycle restorer.
In fact, Walksler used to sell new and used motorcycles at his own Harley-Davidson dealership, so he is most definitely clued up on all things motorbikes. Over the years, Walksler has acquired over 300 classic motorcycles, with the majority of them classed as extremely rare. This one is a definite watch for those who are serious about motorcycles.
9 Biker Build-Off
Biker Build-Off is a reality TV show that aired on the Discovery Channel from 2002 to 2007. The Show was originally supposed to be a single one episode special but expanded into a series due to popularity.
The series consisted of two custom motorcycle builders from different parts of the United States. The hope was that both engineers would have two different styles, then they'll ride to a given location where people would vote which bike won. Sadly, the novelty wore off and viewership dropped, leading to the show getting canceled.
8 Race To Dakar
Race to Dakar was a documentary released in 2006 and documented Charlie Boorman's attempt at entering the legendary Dakar Rally. Producers expected the show to be popular due to the success of Boorman's earlier documentary, Long Way Round, which documented himself and fellow actor Ewan McGregor's motorcycling journey around the world. Sadly, Race to Dakar was not as successful, probably owing to the fact that the more well-known McGregor was absent. However, despite it not being as popular, the series was also turned into a book which sold reasonably well across the world.
7 Philly Throttle
Philly Throttle was unlike most motorcycle themed television shows and focused more on the art and history of the machines themselves rather than the backdoor politics and constant arguing we've seen in certain other shows.
The series documented the life of Adam Cramer, who owned Liberty Vintage Motorcycles in—you guessed it—Philadelphia.
It managed to stay clear of the soap opera drivel found in most reality TV shows, and instead focused on Cramer's worries with regards to running a small business in the middle of a crime field.
6 The Motorbike Show
The Motorbike Show is exactly what it sounds like, a show about motorbikes. Yes, The Motorbike Show mostly focuses on host Henry Cole's hunt for vintage motorcycles which then led to the restoration of classic motorbikes and equipment. And if that wasn't enough, the show would then attempt to break certain records with new and improved motorcycle, which excited motorbike enthusiasts. The show was, and still continues to be, super successful, with viewers tuning in from all over the world.
5 Harley And The Davidsons
Harley and the Davidsons was American TV miniseries that aired in 2016 to reasonable success. The drama is noted for documenting the origins of legendary motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson, as well as the friendship between Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and William S. Harley. The script was based on actual events and was applauded for the number of bikes used in the drama that replicated real-life models from that particular era. However, it also received some negativity, with motorcycling magazine Cycle News claiming that the portrayal was in some cases extremely inaccurate and highly dramatized.
4 Gangland Undercover
Gangland Undercover was inspired by the true story of Charles Falco, who was a former ATF confidential informant who infiltrated an outlaw motorcycle club.
For some, going undercover and infiltrating a dangerous club might seem interesting and in some cases exciting, an opinion that Falco has desperately tried to avoid. In fact, Falco has vehemently denied the accusations of glamorization and stated, "You lose your identity and sense of self-worth. It’s starting over. Your Social Security Card is 6 months old — how do you explain that to people? You have no job references. If you have an education, you can’t take that with you. It’s lonely, too.”
3 Jesse James Is A Dead Man
Jesse James is a television personality based in Austin, Texas. James is famed for his love of automobiles as well as motorcycles and is a renowned restoration mechanic. Over the years, James has been the host of several TV shows, from Monster Garage to Jesse James is a Dead Man. While Monster Garage focuses more on the restoration and customization of certain vehicles, Jesse James is a Dead Man concentrates more on death-defying stunts and speed racing. However, it would appear that most people prefer the restoration of vintage motorcycles rather than seeing Jesse James doing backflips on a motorbike.
2 Full Throttle Saloon
Full Throttle Saloon is an American reality TV show that originally on truTV. The show ran from 2009 to 2015 to reasonable success and became somewhat of a cult favorite. It was filmed in and around an enormous biker bar, Full Throttle Saloon, in South Dakota.
Much of the series focused on the infamous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which happens every year.
The event would attract a whopping 700,000 partygoers, who were then filmed coming in and out of the bar. However, the show was less about bikes and more about the rally itself, so it's not something every biker may have an interest in.
1 The Devil's Ride
The Devils Ride focuses on a group of fictional motorcycle riders in San Diego, California. The plot centers around two groups and the tensions that happen between the members, mostly like a low-budget Sons of Anarchy. The show lasted for just three seasons, however, it still surprisingly attracted a following. In fact, even the critics got on board, with one writing, "What we’re witnessing and capturing on the street – and what you’re seeing on TV – is a brotherhood."
Sources: rollingstone.com, imdb.org, and gearbrake.com.