Movies with motorcycles are always better when you are a true ‘motor-head’. From custom choppers to Harley Davidsons and a Triumph, this list features a mix of cult classics, cheesy comedies and one great escape.
Mad Max Trilogy (1979)
What was thought to be just another low-budget Aussie film turned into an all-time cinematic classic. Focusing on a fight between a police officer and a biker gang, this trilogy is filled with crashes, races and spectacular explosions. With the original trilogy featuring a Kawasaki and the modern remake showing off some epic custom jobs, this series does everything in full-throttle.
Movie Clip: Mad Max Fury Road: The Chase Begins
Movie Clip: Mad Max: Goose
Stone (1974)
Its seems Aussies have it down pat when it comes to motorcycle movies. Stone follows the motorcycle gang, Gravediggers, and a police officer who goes undercover to discover who has been murdering its members. Like Mad Max, the aussie filmmaker favours Kawasaki models as the ride of choice during filming.
Movie Clip: Bikies Drag Race
“when you are on a bike, a big bike, you’ve got all this power, it’s the greatest feeling in the world”.
Choppertown: The Sinners (2005)
Kutty Noteboom builds his very own custom chopper. With a little help from his mates, Kutty manages to construct his custom motorcycle from the ground up. This documentary focuses on the “hot rod” and motorcycle club, The Sinners. If you enjoy custom bike building television, this will be a true eye-opener – a film dedicated to the art of constructing custom vintage bikes.
Movie Clip: Choppertown: The Sinners
Easy Rider (1969)
Easy Rider follows the journey of two motorcyclists riding through southern United States. The movie took pride in the rides, with one production truck dedicated just to the motorcycles. From former police bikes to Harley’s, each bike was custom built just for the movie. So iconic, the iconic Harley-Davidson chopper sold in 2014 for 1.35 million US dollars.
Movie Clip: Born to Be Wild
Wild Hogs (2007)
For something a little more upbeat and Hollywood brushed, this US bike comedy features some middle aged, suburban men who ride motorcycles on the weekend to escape from their monotonous daily routine…. Sound familiar to anyone? It’s a light-hearted take on the traditional motorcycle gang movie, where the members of the Wild Hogs motorcycle club ride Harley’s and get themselves into a little hot water on the road.
Movie Clip: Wild Hogs: Dudley Loses It
“Ride hard, or go home”
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991)
This is the ultimate male-biker stereotype. With character names including Jack Daniels, Jose Cuervo, Big Indian, and Harley Davidson, it’s clear the film is pulling out all the stops when it comes to stereotypes.
Movie Clip: Blowin’ Off Steam
“He’s Harley Davidson, and I’m the Marlboro Man”
The Great Escape (1963)
When it comes to ultimate motorcycle movie moments, it’s hard to beat the historical jump scene in this sixties film. While the great Steve McQueen performed most of his stunts himself aboard a TR6 Triumph Trophy model, it was in fact Bud Ekins who performed the biggest jump. For once, a film with plotline you can get behind, not to mention some epic motorcycle scenes to get your engine burning.
Movie Clip: The Great Escape – Motorcycle Escape
Make your own memories
Tired of watching the action onscreen? American Motorcycles in Victoria Park specialise in pre-owned Harley Davidsons and custom Choppers. We are able to get you ready to hit the road whether it’s purchasing a pre-owned Harley Davidson, performing some modifications to your own bike or if you just need some performance or aftermarket parts – the experienced team at American Motorcycles can help. For expert advice on vintage restoration, parts requests and servicing, book with the team at AMC Parts & Workshop today.
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