Motorcycles have appeared in and played important roles in many different movies throughout the years. Featured in several different styles and genres of movies, motorcycles most often show up in films as a metaphor for freedom, rebellion, and independence. However, they can symbolize much more and are often used as a character development tool by filmmakers.
From the classic leather-clad chopper-owning bikers of the 1950s to the fast-paced, high-octane sport bike chase scenes of the 2000s, motorcycles have long been used by directors to shape the way an audience views a film or specific character. These motorcycles often have a lasting impact on the different films that they appear in, and they continue to make their mark on pop culture for many years after the release of the film they star in.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy - Terminator 2 (1991)
In one of the most popular and acclaimed sequels in cinema history, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the Terminator T-800, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, can be seen riding one of the most iconic bikes ever, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. Schwarzenegger’s character rides the motorcycle throughout the film with his goal of stopping the plot of the villainous T-1000 Terminator.
The 1991 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy featured in the film has the perfect aesthetic for Schwarzenegger’s character. The aggressive, rugged look of the bike matches the style and setting of the film and was key to forming the tough and rebellious character of the T-800.
The motorcycle seen in the film features an air-cooled 1338cc V-Twin engine capable of producing 48 horsepower. The massive, heavy, all-black bike with its red trim, chrome fork and shotgun holster added to the menacing and dangerous qualities of the T-800. Not to mention the swagger that Arnold Schwarzenegger had as he rode the bike, even jumping it off of the freeway into the flood control channels in Los Angeles at one point in the film. As with many movies, there were several different Fat Boys used in filming, and one of them recently sold at auction for $480,000.
Harley-Davidson Captain America Chopper - Easy Rider (1969)
We couldn’t discuss the most iconic motorcycles in movies without a mention of the Captain America Chopper featured in Easy Rider. A cult classic, this film follows the story of two bikers as they travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans. The Captain America Chopper is one of the stand-out elements of the film. Wyatt, played by Peter Fonda, rides the bike throughout the film, and the bike symbolizes not only his freedom and independence but also encapsulates the counter-culture/counter-establishment sentiments that were popular at this time.
The Chopper used in the film is a heavily modified 1952 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide, which was purchased by Peter Fonda at a police auction. The American Flag motif of the red, white, and blue paint gives the bike its nickname and is one of the reasons why it remains so well known to this day, over 50 years later. Two of these bikes were built for the film, while one was destroyed during the final scene, it is unclear what happened to the other model. It is speculated that the bikes were possibly stolen and parted soon after the conclusion of the movie's filming.
Kawasaki ZZR 250 - Kill Bill Volume 1 (2003)
Whether you have seen the movie or not, you can picture the bright yellow Kawasaki ZZR 250 featured in Kill Bill Vol. 1. One of the most iconic motorcycles in the history of cinema, it is incredibly easy to picture this bright yellow bike zipping through the streets, weaving in and out of traffic. This bike is one of the most memorable aspects of the film, sticking out in the minds of both viewers and non-viewers alike. Many fans know the Kawasaki ZZR 250 simply as the “Kill Bill bike”.
This shows how much of an impact this bike made in the minds of the public when it hit the big screen.
The ZZR250 used for the film featured a couple of custom modifications including the famous bright yellow paint job, a solo seat, along with a custom exhaust system. In the film, the motorcycle serves as a symbol of strength and determination for Uma Thurman’s character, as she rides it through the city in pursuit of revenge against her enemies. Overall, the motorcycle is one of the standout aspects of the film and added to its fast-paced, high-energy, and exciting pace.