The most iconic motorcycles in film

Man’s fascination with two-wheeled machines is an enduring one. Perhaps it’s the speed and feeling of being exposed to the elements, or perhaps we just want to emulate the legends of the silver screen. Here are the most iconic motorcycles in film.

HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY – TERMINATOR 2

The Terminator’s Fat Boy played a large role in the cult film. From the moment he uttered the eternal lines ‘I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle’, we were hooked. Nothing looks more bad-ass than Arnie riding that bike with those sunglasses. We want one.

TRIUMPH TR-6 TROPHY – THE GREAT ESCAPE

A keen motorcyclist and racer, Steve McQueen became known for his love for speed. Nobody looked more comfortable on two wheels than ‘The King of Cool’, and his legendary riding scenes in The Great Escape will go down in history as some of the finest ever.

, Photo courtesy of Fine Art America

TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD – THE WILD ONE

Easily the most influential and iconic motorcycle film of all time, The Wild One was the first look at motorcycle gang culture, and began a leather jacket craze throughout ’50s. The bike itself was a Triumph Thunderbird – a perfectly masculine fit for the brooding Marlon Brando.

, Photo courtesy of Fine Art America

HARLEY DAVIDSON ‘CAPTAIN AMERICA’ – EASY RIDER

Bringing to light the beauty of a customised motorcycle, Easy Rider was an enormous hit, grossing $60 million out of a budget of just $360,000. The bike was a custom Harley, with elongated handle bars, front forks and a now iconic American-themed paint job.