A multitude of motorcycles have zoomed across the silver screen, but here are our top picks.
The Harley in Girl on a Motorcycle
Marianne Faithfull and her Harley Electra Glide in Girl on a Motorcycle
In the British-French movie from 1968, Girl on a Motorcycle, Marianne Faithfull takes on the role of a woman living boldly, riding her Harley Davidson Electra Glide to rendezvous with her lover, Daniel (Alain Delon).
For various high-speed scenes, filmmakers secured Faithfull on the motorcycle, which was connected to a platform and towed by a vehicle on a closed route. The film’s blend of psychedelia and fatalism, alongside its motorcycle-centric narrative, solidifies the Electra Glide’s status as a legendary film bike.
The Batpod in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises
The Batpod from The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises is an intricately crafted motorcycle custom-made for Batman, portrayed by Christian Bale, with assistance from his ally Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).
This motorcycle features a distinctive, cutting-edge design that necessitates Batman to ride in an almost horizontal position. Its capability for tight turns on 31-inch tires and quick directional changes makes it perfect for urban pursuits.
The Harley in Easy Rider
You had to see this one coming! In the 1969 film Easy Rider, Peter Fonda’s character, Wyatt (also referred to as Captain America), rides a custom-built Harley-Davidson chopper. This iconic motorcycle became emblematic of the 1960s counterculture and is deeply woven into the film’s narrative of liberation and defiance.
The bike was crafted by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, transforming a Harley-Davidson FLH Hydra-Glide into a unique masterpiece. Key features include a long and lowered profile, a signature “peanut” fuel tank, extended front forks, high handlebars, and a custom exhaust system.
Its iconic American flag paint job was influenced by the designs made popular by motorcycle customizer Arlen Ness, embodying the spirit of unyielding individualism celebrated by the counterculture movement that Easy Rider immortalized.
The Kawasaki in Top Gun
In the 1986 film Top Gun, Tom Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, rides a Kawasaki GPZ900—a sportbike that was all the rage in the 1980s, featuring a robust four-cylinder engine, a lightweight frame, and a sleek profile.
In one memorable scene, the red-and-black variant is seen next to a runway as a jet takes flight, underscoring Maverick’s audacious and free-spirited nature. Additionally, Maverick uses it to take Charlie (Kelly McGillis) out for a spin around town.
Cruise also excels with smaller bikes in other films.
The Harley in Terminator 2: Judgment Day
In the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 model Terminator steals a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, recognized for its robust and muscular appearance.
This bike is further enhanced in the movie with intriguing features like a shotgun holster and red pinstripes. One of the bikes used during filming fetched an impressive price of around $500,000.
Also Read: 10 Terminator Stories We Bet You Haven’t Heard
The Honda in Raising Arizona
In the 1987 movie Raising Arizona, the character Leonard Smalls, played by Randall “Tex” Cobb, is a fearsome bounty hunter who rides a striking, dystopian motorcycle that amplifies his menacing presence.
His motorcycle is a Honda VT500, also referred to as the Honda Shadow VT500, presenting a cruiser-style silhouette.
The Triumph in The Great Escape
In the classic film The Great Escape from 1963, the motorcycle ridden by Steve McQueen’s Captain Virgil Hilts features a 1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy, artfully altered by Von Dutch to resemble a WWII German BMW R75.
The exhilarating motorcycle chase scenes in this film—filled with jumps, rugged maneuvers, and rapid riding—have contributed to some of the most legendary moments in the annals of cinema.
The Norton Commando in My Own Private Idaho
In the 1991 film My Own Private Idaho, Keanu Reeves’ character, Scott Favor, rides a 1974 Norton Commando, the same bike he rode for over 1,300 miles to persuade River Phoenix to join the cast.
The Commando is a classic British motorcycle with a parallel-twin engine, a sleek design, and a reputation for delivering smooth performance and handling. It enjoys a dedicated fanbase among motorcycle lovers, particularly due to its iconic standing in the 1970s.
The Harley in Mother
In the new film Mother, Jennifer Lopez plays a character striving to rescue her abducted daughter. Lopez’s role as a U.S. military operative, known as “The Mother,” involves riding a Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Vivid Black variant.
Earlier on, her character also rides a less intimidating Yamaha RX through the narrow, winding streets of Havana, Cuba.
The Buell Firebolts in Blade: Trinity
In 2004’s Blade: Trinity, we see both Blade (Wesley Snipes) and his partner Abigail Whistler (Jessica Biel), a fellow vampire slayer, riding Buell Firebolt XB12R motorcycles.
The XB12R is a sportbike produced by Buell Motorcycle Company, established in 1983 by ex-Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell.
Biel’s bike stands out with its bright blue color design.
Also Read: 7 Black Leather Action Movies That Defied an Era
The Triumph in The Wild One
The film that ignited it all: In 1953’s The Wild One, Marlon Brando’s character, Johnny Strabler, rides a 650cc Triumph Thunderbird, arguably the most recognized motorcycle in film history.
The Triumph Thunderbird is a classic British bike celebrated for its performance and iconic silhouette. The Wild One is often credited with popularizing the image of the motorcycle rebel, with Johnny and his unique Triumph Thunderbird becoming timeless symbols of youthful defiance and rebellion.
Also
If you’re a motorcycle aficionado, you might also enjoy The Bikeriders (above), a 2024 drama by Jeff Nichols starring Tom Hardy and Austin Butler as members of a biker gang entangled in a love triangle with Jodie Comer’s character Kathy in the lead.
Enjoyed Our List of Iconic Movie Motorcycles? Here’s More!
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Vroom vroom!