The classic saying holds true: the iconic figures of yesterday truly had a unique charm that today’s stars lack. No offense to today’s crop of celebrities who ride, but the motorcyclists of the 60s and 70s were among the coolest and most stylish ever seen in Hollywood. While the likes of Keanu Reeves, Pink, and Jason Momoa are certainly captivating now—and their motorcycle skills only amplify their appeal—it’s hard to compete with the legends from Hollywood’s golden age.
The same sentiment applies to motorcycles, which explains why vintage bikes are experiencing a resurgence. They have a timeless allure. Whether it’s a classic Harley-Davidson, a Triumph, or even a Husqvarna, their modern iterations often retain the spirit of their predecessors. But who were the motorcycle royalty of bygone Hollywood, and which legendary rides graced the silver screen? Let’s delve into their fascinating stories.
To provide you with the most accurate and current information, this article utilized data from various manufacturer websites and other trusted sources, including official brand sites.
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10
James Dean
Triumph TR5 Trophy
Before Brad Pitt, there was the original “rebel without a cause.” James Dean was a shooting star who made a lasting impact. While his filmography was short, his love for motorcycles and cars has endured through the ages.
Much attention has been given to the Porsche Spyder that ended Dean’s life, but his obsession with motorcycles is often overlooked. His Triumph TR5 Trophy, purchased just nine months prior to his death, arguably cemented his status as an icon of cool. The most fascinating part is that Triumph still produces a model closely resembling the TR5 Trophy.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Parallel Twin, OHV |
Capacity | 490cc |
Max Power | 38 HP |
Transmission | 4-Speed |
9
Robert Redford
Yamaha DT 250
Before becoming a legendary director and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, Robert Redford starred in iconic films such as Three Days of the Condor, All The President’s Men, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Yet for biking enthusiasts, his most significant role came in the lesser-known flick Little Fauss and Big Halsy.
In this relatively obscure road trip movie, Redford and a companion travel from motorcycle race to motorcycle race, towing their bikes behind their truck. Surprisingly, Redford had no prior experience with riding when he signed up for the role, but he quickly adapted to the scene and became accomplished at handling the Yamaha DT 250. Even though it was his first time on a motorcycle, he developed a love for it that lasted throughout his life.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Two-stroke, single-cylinder |
Capacity | 246cc |
Max Power | 22.8 HP |
Max Torque | 17.5 LB-FT |
8
Marlon Brando
1952 Triumph Thunderbird
Marlon Brando’s influential career continues to cast a long shadow over Hollywood. Yet, before taking on the role of a Mafia boss in The Godfather, he portrayed a biker gang leader in the famous film The Wild One. This notorious film contributed significantly to the public’s perception of motorcycle riders. Still, it was Brando’s ride that stole the spotlight for many young viewers.
Interestingly, the bike he rode was not a Harley-Davidson—a brand that would eventually become synonymous with rebel riders—but rather a Triumph Thunderbird. This 649cc twin was Triumph’s effort to produce something with a bit of speed. With a cruiser-style design, the Thunderbird was produced intermittently until its discontinuation in 2018. For those interested, Triumph still offers the Speedmaster and the Bobber, which provide a fantastic ride.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Four-stroke, parallel twin, OHV |
Capacity | 649cc |
Max Power | 34 HP |
Transmission | 4-Speed Constant Mesh |
7
Peter Fonda
Harley-Davidson Captain America Chopper
No film better symbolizes the spirit of freedom that swept America in the 1960s quite like Easy Rider. This classic road movie featured Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson, although many would argue that Fonda’s motorcycle was the real star.
The iconic “Captain America” bike was crafted by Clifford Vaughs specifically for the film and became the cornerstone of the popular “chopper” motorcycle style—known for their minimalist construction, extended front forks, and elaborate designs. Choppers came and went in American pop culture throughout the years, finally peaking in popularity with the rise of the American Chopper television series in the 2000s.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Four-stroke, V-twin, OHV |
Capacity | 1207cc |
Max Power | 60 HP |
Max Torque | 70 LB-FT |
6
Ann-Margret
1965 Triumph T100C Tiger
Ann-Margret is celebrated for her illustrious acting career, which includes 87 appearances in films and television. She was the ultimate “it” girl for several decades, sharing the screen with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts like Elvis and Steve McQueen. However, it was The Swinger that indelibly etched her into motorcycle culture. The film may not have had a strong plot, but the motorcycle she rode definitely made an impression.
During the 50s and 60s, Triumph was on a remarkable roll, and the T100C Tiger was among its standout models. This 490cc parallel twin boasted a light frame, excellent maneuverability, a low seat height, and enough ground clearance to earn respect from off-road enthusiasts. Triumph continues this legacy with its popular scrambler line of modern classics. Remarkably, at 83 years old, Ann-Margret remains a passionate rider, currently cruising on her custom-painted pink Harley-Davidson.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Four-stroke, parallel twin, OHV |
Capacity | 490cc |
Max Power | 38 HP |
Transmission | 4-Speed |
5
Clint Eastwood
Norton Commando 750S Scrambler
There’s arguably no one tougher than Clint Eastwood, both on-screen and in reality. Even in his 90s, he continues to direct films. Over his monumental career, Eastwood has delivered countless classics, from his early westerns to Dirty Harry and American Sniper—he is a true visionary both in front of and behind the camera.
As if that’s not enough, he knows how to ride. While he has owned and ridden many bikes, including the popular Triumph Bonneville, one of the coolest motorcycles he owned was the Norton Commando 750S Scrambler. This air-cooled twin had high, dual pipes, produced 58 horsepower, and was capable of hitting speeds of 115 miles per hour. Although the Norton brand still maintains a presence in motorcycle culture, they’ve faced their share of controversies over the years.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Four-stroke, parallel twin |
Capacity | 745cc |
Max Power | 58 HP |
Transmission | 4-Speed |
4
Elvis Presley
1956 Harley-Davidson 165 ST
Almost everyone in the world recognizes the name of Elvis Presley. His contributions to rock and roll are monumental and undeniable. He was larger than life in many ways, and he carried a similar enthusiasm for life in all its forms—including his love for motorcycles.
One of his very first motorcycles was the 1956 Harley-Davidson 165 ST. Although it was a small bike intended for beginners, and ultimately something that Elvis quickly outgrew, it played a crucial role as it helped him learn to ride. It’s worth noting that Harley has evolved significantly since then, having long moved away from producing budget-friendly beginner bikes.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Single-cylinder, two-stroke |
Capacity | 165cc |
Max Power | 5 HP |
Transmission | 3-Speed |
3
Cher
Custom Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic
With a multifaceted career spanning decades, Cher is one of the most recognized pop culture icons. As a singer, actress, and activist, she rose to fame as a motorcycle enthusiast as well.
Her ride of choice? Harley-Davidson. Though she primarily played a passenger in the film Mask, in real life she owned her own bike. Notably, she participated in the Rejoice on Rodeo motorcycle parade in 1994 on her Harley Softail. She was known as a daring biker babe then, and she continues to embody that spirit today.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Four-stroke, V-Twin, OHV |
Capacity | 1337cc |
Max Power | 67 HP |
Max Torque | 71.5 LB-FT |
2
Steve McQueen
Husqvarna 400 Cross
Numerous stars have exuded effortless cool in the 60s and 70s, but Steve McQueen’s charm, charisma, and masculinity remain unrivaled. While others like Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood, and Robert Redford come close, none quite match McQueen’s distinctive allure.
The films he’d selected, the cars he drove, and the bikes he rode were all on another level. He piloted a Porsche 917K during Le Mans, drove a legendary Ford Mustang through the streets of San Francisco, and chased the horizon on his Husqvarna 400 Cross. This hardy off-road bike was a single that produced around 40 horsepower, and it was preferred by many desert and off-road racers of the era. Husqvarna remains a respected name, continuing to produce superior dirt and street bikes.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Single cylinder, 2-stroke |
Capacity | 396cc |
Max Power | 40 HP |
Transmission | 4-Speed |
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1
Bob Dylan
Triumph T100
This year, the iconic folk singer Bob Dylan found himself once more at the heart of pop culture, thanks to the release of A Complete Unknown. The movie stars Timothee Chalamet as Dylan, exploring the formative years when he created one classic song after another.
The film also highlights Dylan’s passion for motorcycles, featuring him riding a Triumph Bonneville T100 while promoting the modern Triumph brand. Today’s Triumph model has evolved into a much more reliable and enjoyable bike, with the T100 still remaining a sought-after choice among both seasoned and novice riders alike.
Engine Specifications
Engine Type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke, OHV |
Capacity | 490cc |
Max Power | 41 HP |
Transmission | 4-Speed |