Top 10 Movie Motorcycles

Feb 1, 2022 — When we think of motorcycles and their place in cinema, we can't help but feel that they're so much more than machines.

Whether it's rolling down a freeway humming “Wasn’t Born To Follow” by the Byrds, or zipping through traffic, as if being chased like the Dark Knight, our memories are shaped by the journeys we witness, and their influence in our culture.

Here are some of the bikes from the silver screen we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Dubbed “Captain America” due to its distinctive stars-and-stripes paint scheme, Peter Fonda’s ride features a custom chrome frame, massive rake, and a laid-back seating position. This very much followed the chopper craze of the '60s and ‘70s, and the style inspired custom builders the world over.

This one reminds us of the importance of the journey, to go anywhere and be oneself, regardless of the destination.

As the precursor to dedicated dirt bikes, Steve McQueen’s modified Triumph is done up in the increasingly popular trials racing style of the 1960s. An iconic beginning for the scrambler, ridden by one of the coolest guys around at the time.

Nothing makes us think of freedom on two wheels more than the incredible jump in the escape scene.

Back when the British built their own motorcycles, the BSA Lightning was the sleek sport bike of its day. With a potent 650cc parallel twin and a bold race fairing, this golden bullet could “do the ton” with ease.

Even James Bond needs help sometimes. This one lays to rest all preconceptions about women riders. Claudine Auger as Domino is awe-inspiring and race-ready.

In 1979, Kawasaki’s Z1000 was the hottest bike on the road. With over 80 horsepower and a slippery front fairing, this black stallion could propel Toecutter across the Australian Outback at over 190 km/hour.

This one makes us want to be the villain, and beckons us to crank it up a notch. Motorcycling can be blazing fast and death-defying.

What, did you think we were only interested in mainstream productions? As it happens, not everything cool comes out of Hollywood. The bike known as Battle Hopper belongs to Kohtaro Minami, the superhero protagonist of this Japanese film, shot in the tokusatsu style. Just think heavy special effects in a live action setting, along with some unforgettable costume design.

This RA125 is completely unrecognizable in its appearance, almost like it’s from a different planet! It inspires us to transform our ride into something totally unique.

Debuting for the 1990 model year, the Harley Fatboy introduced a stripped-down version of the classic FL series. Combined with those gorgeous solid aluminum wheels, it was the perfect muscular bike, considering Arnold was its rider.

This is the one we all think of when we imagine ourselves as a tough guy taking the roads by storm.

One of the most recognizable superbikes of the modern era, the Ducati 996 bridged the gap into the new millennium with four valve heads, that signature Ducati V-twin growl, and styling that has withstood the test of time.

Ridden by the unforgettable Carrie-Anne Moss, the stunts performed here leave us shaking in our boots!

Uma Thurman’s custom painted ZZR250 shares an engine with the ubiquitous Ninja 250, but adds a number of upgrades — namely larger brakes, a firmer suspension, and a sportier fairing — to provide a light, nimble ride through a bustling city.

This bike embodies the cool factor found in a Tarantino classic. The contrast of the bright yellow and the city at night match the tone of the movie so well; it’s just an image that you couldn’t forget if you tried.

Emerging like a torpedo from the tank-like Tumbler, Batman’s trusty night-steed is equipped with impressive firepower, and tires able to speedily rotate in place. There's no need for traction control here.

Now even though we can’t actually ride the thing, we’ll never forget how surprised we were when this devilishly fast ride made its debut on the big screen!

The motorcycle most us wish were real. Well, it just so happens that there’s a street legal version of it somewhere, running on a Suzuki 996cc engine – minus the killer neon trail left behind.

Ah, who are we kidding, that’s not the same! This is a type of bike that truly belongs in the fictional world it was meant for, though there’s nothing stopping us from picturing ourselves as a part of it all.

This one reminds us to daydream on; new heights and creative possibilities are unlocked every day thanks to imagination.

Regardless of the generation we grew up in, there’s a shared moment in the past when the kid version of ourselves said: "That’s the bike I’ll be riding when I’m older". Of course, our parents would have none of that – but we can’t deny the images from our favourite films endured, and ultimately shaped our own riding experience.