While four-wheelers featured in Hollywood movies have impressed the audience with incredible car chase scenes, the two-wheelers did not lag behind in creating their fan base. Motorcycles used in Hollywood movies by different brands have dazzled big-screen audiences.
Today, we are going to take a look at the popular motorcycles used in Hollywood movies that created spectacular on-screen moments. In many of these movies, the storyline actually revolves around motorbikes.
LIST OF MOTORCYCLES USED IN HOLLYWOOD MOVIES
Here detailed are scenes from Hollywood films that featured motorbikes:
1952 Harley-Davidson ‘Captain America’ chopper in Easy Rider (1969)
‘Easy Rider’ is a 1969 released movie that featured the 1952 motorbike model chopper from Harley-Davidson. The movie’s story is about two bikers who were curious to explore themselves in an evolving American society. They started their trip from Los Angeles to New Orleans on motorcycles.
One of the motorbikes was Harley Davidson’s chopper, popular as ‘Captain America.’ The fuel tank of this motorcycle was inspired by the American flag and had a pattern of stars and stripes.
1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy Bird in The Great Escape
One of the Triumph motorcycles in movies that gained popularity was the TR6 Trophy 650cc. This motorbike was used in one of the famous war movies ‘The Great Escape’, released in 1963.
McQueen was a motorbike enthusiast, and you can spot him riding TR6 in many scenes. Besides, the TR6 was used after a slight modification to resemble a German BMW motorcycle in a popular stunt scene from the movie, when McQueen jumps over German-Swiss 12-feet high fences on his TR6 to escape.
This motorbike was purchased by a farmer, and later in 2017, it was put up on display after restoration at Triumph’s UK manufacturing facility.
Kawasaki GPZ900R in Top Gun
The Kawasaki GPZ900R, from the Ninja category of the brand, appeared in the 1986 release ‘Top Gun’. This motorbike was seen when Tom Cruise rides his bike to Kelly McGillis’ home in the film. The GPZ900R became one of the most popular motorcycles in Hollywood films. This model was launched two years before the movie. The Kawasaki GPZ900R features a 908cc four-cylinder engine and can yield a top speed of 254 km/h. This model was also one of the first modern-day sports motorcycles.
1990 Harley-Davidson FLSTF ‘Fat Boy’ in Terminator 2
You will find many popular Harley-Davidson featured in Hollywood films. One such is the Fat Boy featured in many iconic motorbikes from the past years.
The heavy-duty 1990 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy appeared in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day.’ Schwarzenegger was seen riding the Fat Boy in the scene where Edward Furlong tried to escape Robert Patrick, driving a tow truck. The Fat Boy had a 1340cc V-twin engine featuring a softail frame and powerful persona. Due to its incredible screen presence, Harley Davidson recorded high sales for the model.
Not only this, many Harley-Davidson motorbikes featured in Captain America movies as well.
Norton Model in The Motorcycle Diaries
The 2004 movie, The ‘Motorcycle Diaries,’ is based on Alberto Granado and Ernesto Guevara’s real-life journey. In the movie, the two people are seen riding a 1939 Norton motorcycle known as La Poderosa II. On this motorbike, the duo explored different cultures of people as well as their hardships.
The 1939 Norton motorbike was a 500cc two-wheel featuring a single cylinder. Besides, the movie features restored Norton motorbikes and Suzuki motorcycles in different scenes.
Kawasaki ZZR 250 in Kill Bill Vol. 1
One of the interesting facts about Kawasaki motorcycles is that most of the famous motorcycles used in Hollywood movies are by Kawasaki. Another motorbike from Kawasaki’s Ninja series featured in’ Kill Bill Vol. 1’ (2004) was ZZR250. It was a 6-speed sports motorcycle. ZZR250 was a yellow-coloured motorbike ridden by Thurman, who was an elite assassin. Her attire and motorbike complemented each other quite well.
Also, Yamaha FZS400 appeared in the movie, driven by the Crazy 88 gang.
Triumph Speed Triple in Mission Impossible 2
The audience witnessed the Triumph Speed Triple performing tough stunts in ‘Mission Impossible II.’ The Speed Triple was chosen by Tom Cruise as the motorcycle featured a powerful engine and twin headlamps. Other than this, the Triumph red Daytona 955i was also seen in the movie used to chase Hunt by Dougray Scott. The 955i was designed to yield 263 km/h top speed and was a 4-stroke, 6-speed motorcycle.
2001 Ducati 996 in The Matrix Reloaded
One of the motorcycles in Hollywood films that gained fame was the 2001 Ducati 996. This motorbike was featured in the 2003 release ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ in a chase scene.
This motorbike featured a liquid-cooled four-stroke, 6-speed engine with the ability to yield 112 hp and a top speed of around 257 km/h. Besides, one of the interesting facts about Ducati is that their motorbikes have a rich racing history and therefore, their super bikes are commonly featured in Hollywood films to make the chasing scenes more impactful.
Harley-Davidson in Wild Hogs
One of the interesting facts about Harley-Davidson is that their motorbikes have a prominent presence in many Hollywood movies. The 2007 release ‘Wild Hogs’ featured FXSTS Springer Softail, Screamin’ Eagle Fat Boy, XL1200C Sportster Custom and Black Fat Boy from the Harley-Davidson’s production.
If you also wish to drive your own Harley-Davidson, you can head to one of the Harley-Davidson showrooms in the UAE.
Honda CRF250R, SkyFall (2012)
The Honda CRF250R was seen going across the rooftops and streets of Istanbul in the 2012 bond movie ‘Skyfall’. Bond rides the CRF250R in one of the chase scenes. This model comes in the dual-sport category of Honda modern classic motorcycles and weighs around 104 kg with a single cylinder and Showa shocks mounted on the rear and front.
Ducati Scrambler in Venom (2018)
Among the many motorcycles used in Hollywood films, Ducati Scrambler is also top-listed for its appearance in the 2018 ‘Venom’. Eddie was seen riding the Scrambler in the scene where he wanted to stop Venom from taking over.
Yamaha MT-09, John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)
Several assassins were riding Yamaha MT-09 in the 2019 movie ‘John Wick 3 Parabellum’. These motorbikes were seen chasing the hero on a bridge. John Wick was also riding MT-09. Movie buffs can the latest movies at these drive-in cinemas in the UAE.
In the run-down of motorcycles used in Hollywood movies, one learns that different types of motorcycles were used to make the scenes impactful. If you are a motorbike enthusiast and wish to ride a two-wheel similar to the ones used in these movies, head to one of the motorcycle showrooms in the UAE. Besides, if you are interested in getting a second-hand model, you can browse these used motorcycles for sale in the UAE.
On the other hand, you can also explore iconic cars used in Hollywood films.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s popular auto blog for more information on different motorbike models, features, new car launches and a lot more.
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