12 Motorcycle Movie Classics That Will Rev Your Heart

      Many motorcycles from films have raced across our screens, but these are our top picks.

      The Harley in Girl on a Motorcycle

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      In the 1968 British-French film Girl on a Motorcycle, Marianne Faithfull takes her Harley Davidson Electra Glide to meet her lover, Daniel (Alain Delon), as she embodies a fast and adventurous spirit.

      For several high-speed scenes, the production filmed Faithfull seated on the bike, which was attached to a platform and towed by a vehicle along a closed road. The film’s blend of psychedelia and fatalism, along with its motorcycle-centric storyline, makes the Electra Glide a memorable film motorcycle.

      The Batpod in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      The Batpod, featured in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, is a specialized motorcycle created specifically for Batman, portrayed by Christian Bale, with assistance from his ally Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).

      Its futuristic design requires Batman to adopt a nearly table-top position while riding. With its capability for tight turns on 31” tires and quick directional changes, it is perfectly suited for urban pursuits.

      The Harley in Easy Rider

      Columbia Pictures – Credit: C/O

      This is a classic choice. In Easy Rider (1969), Peter Fonda’s character, Wyatt (also known as Captain America), rides a custom-built Harley-Davidson chopper. This motorcycle has become an iconic emblem of the 1960s counterculture movement, symbolizing freedom and rebellion.

      Built by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, the bike transformed a Harley-Davidson FLH Hydra-Glide into a unique creation, characterized by its long, low-slung frame, distinctive “peanut” fuel tank, extended front forks, elevated handlebars, and a custom exhaust system.

      The motorcycle’s American flag design was inspired by the style made famous by motorcycle customizer Arlen Ness, representing the spirit of individualism and nonconformity celebrated in the counterculture that Easy Rider depicted.

      The Kawasaki in Top Gun

      Paramount Pictures – Credit: C/O

      In 1986’s Top Gun, Tom Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, rides a Kawasaki GPZ900, a sportbike that rose to prominence in the 1980s. It showcases a powerful four-cylinder engine, lightweight frame, and sleek design.

      In a memorable scene beside a runway as a jet takes off, the red-and-black version reinforces Maverick’s bold and rebellious character. Maverick also uses it to impress Charlie (Kelly McGillis) around town.

      Cruise manages smaller bikes quite well too.

      The Harley in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

      TriStar Pictures – Credit: C/O

      In the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the motorcycle taken by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 character is a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, recognized as a heavyweight cruiser motorcycle with a robust appearance.

      In the film, the T-800’s bike features cool enhancements, including a shotgun holster and red pinstriping. Recently, one of the motorcycles used in the movie sold for approximately $500,000.

      Also Read: 10 Terminator Stories We Bet You Haven’t Heard

      The Honda in Raising Arizona

      Twentieth Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      In the 1987 film Raising Arizona, Leonard Smalls, portrayed by Randall “Tex” Cobb, serves as the menacing bounty hunter pursuing the main characters. He rides a distinctive, apocalyptic motorcycle that heightens his intimidating aura.

      The motorcycle is a Honda VT500, also referred to as the Honda Shadow VT500, characterized as a cruiser-style bike.

      The Triumph in The Great Escape

      Another iconic movie motorcycle crafted specially for The Great Escape. United Artists – Credit: C/O

      In the classic 1963 film The Great Escape, Steve McQueen’s character, Captain Virgil Hilts, rides a 1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy which artist Von Dutch modified to resemble a German WWII BMW R75.

      The exhilarating motorcycle chase scenes in the film—filled with jumps, off-road stunts, and high-speed riding—echo McQueen’s legendary car chase in 1968’s Bullitt and have become some of the most memorable moments in the film motorcycle history.

      The Norton Commando in My Own Private Idaho

      Keanu Reeves has a passion for motorcycles, both on-screen and in real life. Fine Line Features – Credit: C/O

      In 1991’s My Own Private Idaho, Keanu Reeves’ character, Scott Favor, rides a 1974 Norton Commando, the same bike Reeves rode over 1,300 miles to persuade River Phoenix to join the cast.

      The Commando is a classic British motorcycle known for its parallel-twin engine, sleek design, and smooth handling. It holds a dedicated fanbase among motorcycle enthusiasts, especially