Motorcycles have played a consistent role in film, often chosen to match the tone of a scene or reflect a character’s traits. Directors and stunt teams usually select models based on performance, handling, and visual impact. As a result of this, some manufacturers tend to see increased sales after a bike appears on screen.
Here are a couple of motorcycles shown in major films, each selected for its function and design, that are still memorable today.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy – Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Arnold Schwarzenegger made a dramatic entrance in Terminator 2 by riding the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy straight through a biker bar and into a chase scene. The Fat Boy’s large frame and deep-throated rumble gave the T-800 exactly the kind of presence the role needed.
Kawasaki GPZ900R – Top Gun
Before the GPZ900R appeared in Top Gun, Kawasaki already had a reputation for building fast bikes. It was released in 1984 and was the first production motorcycle to break 150 mph. The runway scenes cemented its status as one of the most recognized motorcycles in movie history and helped push Kawasaki further into the mainstream.
BMW R nineT – Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Filming in the streets of Paris, Tom Cruise did all of his own motorcycle stunts using a BMW R nineT. This model stands out for its stripped-back design and retro-modern styling, but what really matters here is how well it performed under pressure. The chase scenes required tight turns and quick acceleration, both of which the R nineT handled without difficulty.
Triumph TR6 Trophy – The Great Escape
The motorcycle you see in The Great Escape isn’t a German military bike at all. It’s a Triumph TR6 Trophy dressed up for the role. Steve McQueen handled most of his own riding, but the big jump over the barbed wire? That was Bud Ekins behind the bars, not McQueen. The scene still stands as one of cinema’s iconic stunts.
Honda Montesa Cota – Quantum of Solace
When Daniel Craig needed a motorcycle for rooftop and alleyway chases in Quantum of Solace, the crew chose a modified Honda Montesa Cota. The Cota, normally used during trial competitions, is lightweight and precise, which makes it ideal for navigating staircases, cobblestones, and narrow paths during the chase sequence.
MV Agusta F4 SPR – I, Robot
Only 300 units of the MV Agusta F4 SPR 750 ever left the factory, which made it a rare sight even before it appeared in I, Robot. Its distinctive styling and red-and-silver fairing made it fit naturally into the film’s futuristic setting. Underneath the appearance, it delivered more than 140 horsepower and was capable of speeds near 170 mph.
Kawasaki ZZR 250 – Kill Bill Vol. 1
Director Quentin Tarantino knew how to make an image stick. Uma Thurman in a yellow jumpsuit on a matching Kawasaki ZZR 250 is a highly distinctive visual in Kill Bill Vol. 1. Although the ZZR 250 wasn’t a high-performance machine, it worked well for the street scenes filmed in Tokyo.
Ducati 996 – The Matrix Reloaded
You probably remember the freeway chase in The Matrix Reloaded, the one with Carrie-Anne Moss weaving through traffic at full speed. She did it on a Ducati 996, a bike built for high-performance riding with sharp handling and serious speed. The scene was filmed on a custom-built highway set created just for that sequence.
Harley-Davidson Panhead Chopper – Easy Rider
In 1960s America, not many images captured the era’s rebellion like the Harley-Davidson chopper in Easy Rider. Peter Fonda rode a heavily customized 1952 Panhead, built by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy with long forks, high handlebars, and an American flag gas tank. The bike, called “Captain America,” became recognizable in film history.
Batpod – The Dark Knight
What most people don’t know is that Christopher Nolan’s production team didn’t adapt an existing motorcycle for The Dark Knight. The Batpod was actually built from scratch. Christian Bale trained to operate it for several sequences, though it required a specific riding position and advanced control.
Triumph 6T Thunderbird – The Wild One
The Triumph 6T Thunderbird gained an entirely new audience after being featured in The Wild One. Marlon Brando’s character, Johnny, rides the 650cc parallel-twin model throughout the film. At the time, this bike was already respected for its smooth ride and performance. Sales of Triumph motorcycles rose significantly in the U.S. following the release, in part due to this role.
Yamaha XT 250 – First Blood
Rambo’s getaway in First Blood put the Yamaha XT 250 in the spotlight. This lightweight, four-stroke trail bike took on hills, mud, and railroad tracks without missing a beat. Its reputation for toughness only grew after those scenes, especially with riders who value simple reliability over flashy looks.
Yamaha MT-09 – John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
In John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Keanu Reeves rides a Yamaha MT-09 through a choreographed chase packed with sword fights and speeding traffic. The MT-09, a three-cylinder naked bike, stands out for its responsive handling and aggressive posture. It brings more than 110 horsepower to the table, matching the film’s relentless pace.
Norton Commando – My Own Private Idaho
After accepting the role in My Own Private Idaho, Keanu Reeves rode his Norton Commando over 1,300 miles to meet co-star River Phoenix and begin filming. The 1974 model used an 828cc engine and had a reputation for smooth, stable highway performance. Its understated presence on screen made sense for the story and appealed to fans of classic British motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight – The Mother
If you’re watching The Mother closely, you’ll notice Jennifer Lopez riding a Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight through Havana’s dense streets. The bike runs on a 1200cc engine and features a low-slung frame that helps with control in tight corners. Its compact size made it practical for filming in narrow spaces without limiting performance.