Hollywood Hogs: Five of the Greatest Motorcycles in the Movies

Ever since Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper jumped on their Harleys in 1969’s Easy Rider, the motorcycle has been an icon of American cinema, albeit featured more prominently in action blockbusters than character driven road trips. Here’s five of the coolest bikes.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Within minutes of arriving from the future, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator commandeers a 1990 Harley Davidson Fat Boy, whisking John Connor away from the clutches of the shape-shifting T-1000 and leading him on a thrilling urban chase through L.A. At one point, the Terminator jumps the 650 pound bike down into a storm drain, throwing off sparks as it lands. This stunt, performed by Peter Kent, was accomplished by using wires to suspend the bike. The wires were then digitally removed in post production.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

While probably not at the top of anyone’s list of favorite movies, this franchise spin-off nevertheless features a fantastic early action set piece where our hero, played by Hugh Jackman, manages to jump his 1963 Harley Davidson Duo Glide into a helicopter.

The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Ever since it burst out of the battered shell of Bruce Wayne’s jet black Tumbler, the BatPod has captivated audiences as a crucial piece of machinery for the Caped Crusader in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Custom built for the film by Nolan and designer Nathan Crowley, the BatPod’s engines are actually mounted inside the wheels instead of on the frame, and the driver must actually lean his entire body to steer it.

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

The Wachowski Brothers’ Matrix trilogy is wall to wall with great action scenes, but perhaps none more hair-raising than when Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) turns her 2001 Ducati 996 around on a busy highway and races against the flow of traffic. Known for its speed and maneuverability, the 996 is the perfect bike for Trinity to evade her pursuers as she dips and weaves between minivans and tractor trailers.

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

In this incredible true story, New Zealand native Burt Monro (Anthony Hopkins) races his custom built 1920 Indian Scout to a land speed record of 190 mph. Indian, founded in 1901, made the first motorcycles in America, and the Scout’s polished, torpedo shaped hull give it a look unlike any other bike in film.

Informational credit to Immix Racing motorcycle racks who provide everything from skid plates to a Yamaha wr250r rack.