Motorcycles in the Movies

The Great Escape: A Legendary Leap

In the 1963 classic "The Great Escape," Bud Ekins performed the famous wire fence jump, a scene that has become synonymous with motorcycle stunts in movies. Although Steve McQueen, an avid motorcyclist, did not perform the stunt himself, it was his idea to include it in the film. Both McQueen and Ekins were passionate about motorcycles, which added authenticity to the scene.

Easy Rider: A Cultural Milestone

Directed by Dennis Hopper and released in 1969, "Easy Rider" starred Hopper and Peter Fonda as two disillusioned youths traveling across America on customized Harley-Davidson Hydraglides. These bikes, originally built between 1949 and 1952, were purchased at auction for $500 each and transformed by chopper builders Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy. The film's cultural impact was immense, resonating with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Interesting Fact:

One of the "Captain America" bikes used in the film was rebuilt by Dan Haggerty and later sold at auction in 2001. The final campfire scene had to be shot without the motorcycles because they were stolen before the significance of movie props was fully realized.

The Motorcycle Diaries: A Journey of Transformation

Released in 2004 and directed by Walter Salles, "The Motorcycle Diaries" chronicles the 1952 journey of Ernesto Che Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado across South America on a Norton 500. The bike, affectionately named "La Poderosa" (The Mighty One), carried them through the Andes, along the Chilean coast, across the Atacama Desert, and through the Peruvian Amazon, finally reaching Venezuela in July, months later than planned.

Interesting Fact:

The film is in Spanish with English subtitles, adding an authentic touch to this biographical adventure.

Wild Hogs: A Midlife Adventure

In the 2007 comedy "Wild Hogs," four middle-aged friends, played by Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy, decide to escape their mundane lives by hitting the road on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The film features various Harley models, including an XL1200C Sportster, an FXSTS Springer Softail, a black Fatboy, and a Screaming Eagle Fatboy.

Interesting Fact:

Harley-Davidson provided the motorcycles for the film, adding a layer of authenticity to the characters' midlife adventure.

Tomorrow Never Dies: Bond on a Bike

In the 1997 James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies," Pierce Brosnan and Michelle Yeoh steal a BMW R1200 and engage in a thrilling chase against villains in a Range Rover. Although motorcycles are not frequently used in Bond films, this scene stands out for its high-octane action.

Interesting Fact:

The BMW R1200 used in the film was a significant departure from the usual cars and gadgets associated with the James Bond franchise.

The Wild One: A Biker Classic

Marlon Brando's portrayal of gang leader Johnny Strabler in the 1953 film "The Wild One" is iconic. Riding a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird, Brando's character terrorizes a small town alongside rival biker gangs. The film was banned in the United Kingdom for 14 years, with its first public screening at the 59 Club in Paddington, London.

Interesting Fact:

The film also features Lee Marvin as the leader of the opposing gang, adding to its classic status.

The Girl on a Motorcycle: A Unique Tale

In the 1968 film "The Girl on a Motorcycle," Marianne Faithfull plays Rebecca, a young wife who leaves her husband to visit her lover in Heidelberg. Riding a Harley-Davidson, she manages to keep the bike upright even on sharp bends. The film is also known as "Naked Under Leather," a title that adds an intriguing layer to the story.

Other Notable Mentions

There are countless other films featuring motorcycles, each with its unique flair. Titles like "She Devils on Wheels," "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown," and "Electra Glide in Blue" offer diverse and interesting takes on motorcycle culture.

Interesting Fact:

Despite the plethora of motorcycle scenes in movies, the wire jump in "The Great Escape" remains a fan favorite, often cited as the most memorable motorcycle moment in film history.

For more on the cultural impact of motorcycles in movies, check out Motorcycle Classics and Harley-Davidson's official site.

This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a comprehensive look at the role of motorcycles in cinema, complete with interesting facts and statistics.