Motorcycles have been the stars of many movies. They have been portrayed in different ways, from a counter-culture symbol such as in the movie Easy Rider (1969), a symbol of freedom such as in the movie The Great Escape (1963) or even as a symbol of achievement such as in the movie The World's Fastest Indian (2005).
The types of motorcycles featured in movies are diverse, whether it be a dirt bike like the one featured in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), or a range of Harleys like in Wild Hogs (2001), or even a modified bike like those showcased in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Let's take a look at some of the movies where motorcycles shine like stars.
10 Wild Hogs (2007)
John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, Tim Allen, and William H. Macy star in this comedy about everyday suburban guys who go on a road trip on their bikes, a mix of Harleys, supplied by the company for the movie.
In his everyday life, Tim Allen is a gearhead with a sweet car collection. His bike, the black Fatboy, on the movie was the most customized. Make sure to check out the customized Choppers ridden by many of the Del Fuego gang. Not to mention, look out for a cameo appearance by Peter Fonda, who starred in the Academy Award-winning Easy Rider (1969). The movie also features cameos by Paul Teutul Senior and Junior from American Chopper.
9 Road to Paloma (2014)
Jason Momoa has some pretty sweet rides outside of the movies. A Harley-Davidson Softtail slim bike, a BMW R Nine T Scrambler, even a Harley-Davidson Chopper. In fact, Momoa has released a mini-documentary about his passion for motorcycles called 'Where the Wild Stomped In.'
So, to see him in this movie, cruising on an open road, riding a customized Harley-Davidson Panhead is not a stretch of the imagination, especially considering it was his own bike that he nicknamed 'Mabel' (after his grandmother).
8 Mission Impossible - Fallout (2018)
We have seen Tom Cruise riding a Triumph Speed Triple in MI2, with those distinctive twin bug-eyed headlights, and we witnessed him in MI5 on a BMW S1000RR in that unforgettable chase scene. But who can forget that 2017 BMW R nineT Scrambler in MI6: Fallout?
With its air-cooled 1170cc flat-twin engine, the R NineT Scrambler can deliver 110 horsepower with 86 lb.-ft of torque, with top speeds of 125 mph. Compared to the base R NineT, the Scrambler has taller bars and a higher seat.
7 The Great Escape (1963)
Steve McQueen loved his bikes. He owned an Otis Chandler 1914 Pope 61ci Model L Twin (not only a rarity but worth a nice fortune, listed as $120,00 to $140,00 for a 2018 auction), a 1929 Scott Super Squirrel, and a 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross, which featured in the film On Any Sunday (1971) (which sold at auction for a cool $230,500).
That jump in The Great Escape is one of the most memorable motorcycle moments in 20th-century cinematography. The jump was performed on a modified Triumph TR6 Trophy (originally called the 'Trophy-bird'). The great Bud Ekins completed the jump. Ekins was an off-road racing legend (even winning the Catalina Grand Prix in 1955), not to mention an accomplished stuntman, working on movie sets like Bullitt and The Towering Inferno.
6 Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
In the first 10 minutes, Terminator, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, scans a line of bikes, including a couple of Harleys. Of course, online fans have questioned the identification of some of the bikes on his database.
From the line of bikes, Terminator chooses a 1991 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy, which in 2018 sold at auction for a cool $US480,000. Let's not forget that scene where a Freightliner FLA 9664 (and yes, fans online debate the type of truck) chases John Connor on his 1990 Honda XR 100 dirt bike.
5 Kill Bill Vol 1 (2003)
This is not the only film that Quentin Tarantino has been involved in where the motorcycles have roused the curiosity of gearheads. Though not a film suited to everyone's taste, Hell Ride (2008) showcased a range of Harleys along with a collectible 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle.
But who can forget that yellow Kawasaki ZZR 250 in Kill Bill Vol 1! It was driven by Beatrix Kiddo, played by Uma Thurman, wearing that yellow jumpsuit, inspired by Bruce Lee in his final movie Game of Death. Lisa McCullough was the motorcycle stunt double, who also worked on the movie sets of Daylight (1996) and Species (1995), to name a few.
4 The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Based on a true story, The World's Fastest Indian focuses on Burt Munro, played by Anthony Hopkins, who recently won the Academy Award for Best Actor in The Father (2020). Munro was a land speed record holder.
Of course, the other hero of this story is a 1920 Indian Scout. Though a replica is used in the movie, the true story, which the film is based on, sees Munro spend 46 years making his pride and joy into a speed machine.
3 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Fury Road certainly delivered an array of motorbikes that were visually stunning (especially set against the Namibian desert setting), as well as exciting with their modifications and design (thanks to the genius of Colin Gibson!). Imperator Furiosa's Monster-Mashed BMW R80 alone divided fans online with some suggesting that it was actually an R69 frame.
Then there's what looks like a Yamaha R1 cloaked with carpet! In fact, many of the bikes were Yamahas. The bad guys mostly rode Gas-Gas TXT250's or Yamaha YZ250F’s. With 42 bikes reportedly used for filming, Fury Road certainly rates as a movie for anyone interested in bikes (let alone, out of this world modifications)!
2 The Wild One (1953)
Marlon Brando owned several bikes, including a 1969 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide, purchased in 1970. It went under the hammer at an auction for $US256,000. He also owned the Triumph Thunderbird 6T that he rode in The Wild One (1953). In fact, inspired by Brando, James Dean purchased a Triumph TR5 Trophy.
Designed with the American market in mind, the 6T Thunderbird was first produced in 1949. Powered by a 650cc parallel-twin engine, the 6T was a hit not only in the US but around the world. Marlon Brando appeared with a 1950 6T in the movie.
1 Easy Rider (1969)
Easy Rider, written and directed by Peter Fonda, who also starred as Wyatt in the film. Fonda also starred in the other quintessential counterculture motorcycle movie, The Wild Angels (1966), also featuring a lineup of Harleys.
The Hydra-Glides in Easy Rider was reportedly sourced from a police auction, according to Basem Wasef. In fact, Hydra-Glides were a popular bike for police officers. In many ways, this counterculture film was significant, not only because of its bikes but because of its legacy as a film genre.
Sourced from: Wasef, B. & Leno, J. (2007). Legendary Motorcycles. MBI Publishing Company, Minneapolis.