TOP 10 MOVIE STAR MOTORCYCLES

We all love a bike chase or motorcycle action sequence in a blockbuster movie, don’t we? 

What’s the best motorcycle movie?

There are so many great motorcycle movies out there, it’s hard to choose just one. If we go back to the original hooligan biker movie, Marlon Brando’s 1953 “The Wild One,” there are more than a few great motorcycles to choose from. Of course, we also have the iconic Bond bikes and the many motorcycles in Mission: Impossible films that often ended up in a fiery heap (RIP).

With the recent release of the long-awaited Top Gun: Maverick sequel – where Kawasaki reprises a starring role 36 years on from its scene-stealing performance in the original Top Gun – there’s no better time to ask: which is the best motorcycle movie?

There’s no doubt about it, motorcycles in movies look seriously awesome and while we might not be able to do death-defying stunts like some of our favorite Hollywood stars, that doesn’t mean we can’t look just as cool as them when we’re out on our own set of wheels. Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, and Marlon Brando are just a few of the actors who make motorcycle riding look effortless and stylish and while we might not be able to match their level of talent, there’s no reason why we can’t at least try to emulate their laid-back cool vibes.

Kawasaki H2 – Top Gun: Maverick [2022]

The long-awaited sequel to Top Gun, Maverick, has finally arrived and it does not disappoint. Packed with action, homoerotic beach scenes, and plenty of references to the original film, Maverick is a worthy successor to the iconic movie.

One of the best things about Maverick is that it pays homage to the original film in many ways. From the recreating of iconic scenes to the suggestion that filming only ever took place around dusk, you’re immediately transported back to the world of Top Gun. And of course, let’s not forget the scene-stealing Kawasaki GPz900.

If you’re a fan of action movies or the Top Gun franchise, then you’ll definitely enjoy Maverick. It’s a fast-paced, exciting movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

While Cruise’s face seems ageless, he’s at least keeping up with the times by investing in the Kawasaki H2, which makes appearances throughout the film. Its predecessor was the GPz900, which was a great bike in its own right, but the H2 is in a class all its own. It’s fast, it’s stylish, and it easily represents a fighter jet on two wheels. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that truly turns heads, the Kawasaki H2 is the one you want.

Triumph Scrambler 1200 – No Time to Die [2021]

No Time to Die is the long-awaited latest entry in the James Bond series, and it was definitely worth the wait. Packed with action, this thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as Bond tries to stop a terrorist plot. And the stunts are incredible – especially the ones on two wheels, as Bond races through the narrow streets of Matera on a Triumph Scrambler 1200. You can even get your own limited edition Scrambler 1200 to feel like a real 007.

The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally is a stylish and tough bike that can take on any terrain. It’s the perfect choice for the adventurous rider who wants to explore the great outdoors. The Rally has all the classic features of the original Tiger, plus some added extras like brushed aluminum detailing and 007-inspired embroidery. It’s also the perfect bike for taking on tough terrain, even if it can’t quite outrun a bullet!

CCM Spitfire – Black Widow [2021]

Marvel Studios’ latest instalment in its Avengers superhero series features Scarlett Johansson as the eponymous Black Widow, with a lead role. When she’s not fighting villains, jumping off tall buildings, or quipping with her sister Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), it turns out she enjoys riding something just as exciting – a CCM Spitfire.

The Spitfire Blackout was launched as a tribute to the film’s leading lady, and is on sale at £8,995. The specialist British marque – based in Bolton – has carved a reputation for retro-infused models, dripping in chrome and attitude, making it the perfect fit for Black Widow.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire – Avengers: Age of Ultron [2015]

Motorcycles are a recurring symbol across the The Avengers universe, but it is only Harley-Davidson that landed a cameo in the big multi-character Age of Ultron.Harley-Davidson has been well represented historically through the Captain America series set in WWII times, but the company needed a new generation of Harley for the modern day (ish) Age of Ultron movie in order to stay relevant with today’s audiences. The film went on to become one of the highest grossing movies of all time.

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric roadster has been in the news a lot lately, but it’s actually been around for quite a while. In fact, the prototype for the LiveWire appeared in a movie more than three years ago.

At the time, the idea of an electric Harley seemed almost impossible. But now, the future is here and the LiveWire is leading the way for a new era of eco-friendly motorcycles. While it hasn’t quite saved the planet yet, it’s definitely making a difference.

Ducati 998 – Matrix Reloaded [2004]

In 2004, The Matrix returned to screens with an increased budget that went into even more impressive special effects – one of which was an action-packed chase scene across an highway that had been constructed from scratch just for this movie. In the scene, bullets fly and cars are barrel-rolled through the air but despite all the commotion, the traffic keeps moving. This ends up being very lucky for Trinity who uses the opportunity to leap off a flyover and land on a transporter truck filled with Ducatis. Talk about lucky!

As we drool over the pack of gorgeous Ducati 998 sportsbikes surrounding us, we can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy at how cool and slick Carrie-Ann Moss looks as she pins the throttle and weaves her way through traffic. Ducati must have sensed our envy because they went on to launch a Matrix special edition in the black-green colours.

Kawasaki ZZR 250 – Kill Bill Vol.1 [2003]

In Quentin Tarantino’s epic Kill Bill trilogy of films, Uma Thurman looks amazing in a yellow all-in-one catsuit while riding a Ducati. Every scene is filled with intense detail and thrilling action, and the scenes set in Japan are especially captivating with their neon lights and Gran Turismo-esque backdrop. In one scene, Thurman cruises up on a Kawasaki ZZR 250 that matches her multi-purpose ‘leathers’, turning the heads of Yamaha Fazers in the process. It’s not a long scene but it’s one that looks absolutely glorious.

Triumph Speed Triple/955 – M:I II Mission Impossible 2 [2000]

If we’re looking at the last 20 years or so of major movie franchises, few have featured (and destroyed) more motorbikes than Mission: Impossible. This is likely because, after the original in 1996, the series has been produced by Tom Cruise – who just so happens to love bikes. Unsurprisingly, there has been a bike sequence in every M:I film since, with the most recent ones using BMW S1000RRs (ridden by BSB racer Jenny Tinmouth) in 2015’s ‘Rogue Nation’ and both a Triumph 800 Tiger (ridden by Tinmouth again) and a BM RnineT in 2018’s ‘Fallout’.

There are more motorcycles promised in next year’s instalment, with plenty of behind-the-scenes footage appearing to show filming and some wild stunts. Of them all though, arguably the greatest (and most daring) two-wheel co-star spectacle is the duelling Triumph Speed Triple and Daytona featuring in 2000’s M:I II. With a then mere 38-year old Cruise exerting his usual brooding cool behind the handlebars, this scene is sure to be one of the highlights of the film.

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy – Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

Terminator 2 is considered by many to be one of the best sequels ever made, thanks in large part to its iconic motorcycle action sequences. If you’re not familiar with the plot, a brief summary: a cyborg Terminator (this time a good one) played by Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives from the future in contemporary LA. He steals a biker’s clothes and sets off to save an adolescent John Connor. You probably know the story by now.

As the (bad) Terminator T-1000 chases him down, Arnie promptly hops on his Fat Boy motorcycle and attempts to flee by driving into a dry LA canal. The Fat Boy’s agility is astounding as Big Arn goes from being pursued by the bad guy to becoming the good guy, with the help of some stunts and cables added for artistic license. It’s an impressive spectacle to behold!

Kawasaki GPz900R – Top Gun (1986)

Tom Cruise returns to the big screen for his role as ‘Maverick’ in what is arguably his most iconic movie to date. In the film, he plays a fighter pilot who ramps up the bravado, tension and competitiveness to 11.Naturally, he has the wheels to go with his ‘company jet’, choosing a beautiful Kawasaki GPz900R as the motorcycles accompaniment set to the background of windswept beaches and burnt sunsets.

Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 was thrust into the spotlight recently when it was featured in the long-awaited sequel to the ’80s classic Top Gun. The sequel, titled Top Gun: Maverick, sees Tom Cruise reprising his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and this time he’s riding the supercharged Ninja H2.

The original film gave Kawasaki some priceless publicity, especially because it wasn’t the result of a product placement deal. The Ninja H2 was simply chosen and purchased as is.

Now, 35 years later, the Ninja H2 is back in the spotlight thanks to Top Gun: Maverick. It’s sure to be a hit with fans of the original film, as well as with anyone who loves fast motorcycles.

Yamaha XT250 – Rambo First Blood [1982]

Another motorcycle-inclusive movie, Sylvester Stallone is seen riding a Yamaha XT 250 in Rambo First Blood. While we won’t spoil the plot for you, the anti-hero Stallone is definitely putting the bike to good use. It’s worth noting that the four-stroke XT 250 was given the soundtrack from the two-stroke DT 250, which is a bit strange. So, one has to wonder why they didn’t just use a Yamaha DT instead…