Motorcycles have long been a symbol of freedom and rebellion in cinema, sometimes representing the characters who ride them. They’ve been featured in high-speed chases and solitary rides across landforms, each time drawing audiences’ attention worldwide. Grab some popcorn as we look at 15 famous motorcycles featured in movies and revisit the iconic scenes.

1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy in The Great Escape

Steve McQueen’s daring escape from German guards in The Great Escape would not have been the same without his Triumph TR6 Trophy. The famous jump over a barbed-wire fence was epic, and despite the movie being set in WWII, the Triumph was chosen for this performance.

1991 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

In Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 is rarely seen without his Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. The massive motorcycle complements the Terminator’s unstoppable nature. It appeared in many scenes, including when the T-800 evades enemies in the Los Angeles flood channels.

2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster in Ghost Rider

As Johnny Blaze in 2007’s Ghost Rider, Nicolas Cage rode a modified Harley-Davidson Sportster. With supernatural flames trailing behind, this bike took on an otherworldly appearance, which showcased Blaze’s transformation into the fiery Ghost Rider. Its distinctive look made it an integral part of Nicolas’ image.

1973 Triumph Bonneville in The Wild One

Johnny Strabler, in The Wild One, defined the image of the rebellious biker. Riding a Triumph Bonneville, Brando became the face of the motorcycle counterculture. His leather jacket, steely demeanor, and sleek motorcycle made this one of the most enduring images of rebellion in film history.

1981 Honda CBX in Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road features post-apocalyptic settings and neck-breaking stunts. These scenes are highlighted by the thrilling presence of a customized 1981 Honda CBX. The film’s action-packed sequences showcase how motorcycles are essential to the chaos and survivalist themes of the Mad Max universe.

2001 Ducati 996 in The Matrix Reloaded

Carrie-Anne Moss, starring as Trinity, brought sleek style and raw power to The Matrix Reloaded when she took the Ducati 996 for a high-speed, gravity-defying ride. One memorable scene features Trinity speeding through traffic and evading numerous enemies while riding a Ducati 996.

1970 Yamaha XT500 in Mad Max

Before Fury Road, the original Mad Max featured a rugged Yamaha XT500. This enduro motorcycle, ridden by gang members, became symbolic of the dystopian, wild terrains that Max inhabits. Its versatility on dirt and paved roads made it the perfect fit for the film’s brutal setting.

1999 BMW R1100GS in The Bourne Ultimatum

In the 2007 thriller The Bourne Ultimatum, Matt Damon’s character zooms through the busy streets of Tangier on a BMW R1100GS. A heart-pounding rooftop chase sequence depicts the motorcycle’s capabilities and Bourne’s resourcefulness. The scene remains one of the most thrilling in the series.

2003 Harley-Davidson V-Rod in Catwoman

Halle Berry’s portrayal of Catwoman might not have received critical praise, but her ride on the Harley-Davidson V-Rod certainly did. With its futuristic design and aggressive stance, the V-Rod perfectly matched the feline-like agility of Catwoman. It has become a memorable part of the character’s cinematic look.

1949 Triumph Thunderbird in The Wild One

Brando’s Triumph Bonneville wasn’t the only memorable motorcycle from The Wild One; his gang also rode the 1949 Triumph Thunderbird, further emphasizing the characters’ rebellious nature. The Thunderbird’s place in the film helped establish Triumph as a brand closely associated with the “coolness” of motorcycling.

2000 MV Agusta F4 in I, Robot  

Will Smith, playing Detective Del Spooner, rides a futuristic MV Agusta F4 in I, Robot. Set in a near-future world dominated by technology, the MV Agusta F4’s modern design perfectly fits the film’s high-tech setting. Its brief yet impactful appearance adds to the movie’s futuristic aesthetics.

1966 Triumph Bonneville T120 in Easy Rider

Though most people remember the Captain America chopper from Easy Rider, Dennis Hopper’s character, Billy, rode a 1966 Triumph Bonneville T120. This bike played second fiddle to Peter Fonda’s chopper but was still a vital part of the countercultural journey that symbolized freedom and the open road.

1950 Indian Chief in The World’s Fastest Indian

The World’s Fastest Indian tells the real-life story of Burt Munro, who set land-speed records riding his 1950 Indian Chief. It lovingly portrayed Munro’s passion for motorcycles, with the Indian Chief at the center of his quest for speed. It was a solid representation of his determination and perseverance.

1999 Ducati Monster 620 Dark in The Dark Knight  

Though not a main focus, the Ducati Monster 620 Dark briefly appeared in The Dark Knight. Ridden by Bruce Wayne, its aggressive design complements Wayne’s persona as a wealthy, thrill-seeking vigilante. Its inclusion also reinforces the character’s penchant for stylish, fast vehicles.

The 1982 Suzuki Katana in Kill Bill: Vol. 1

In this epic movie, Uma Thurman’s character, The Bride, rode the streets of Tokyo on a yellow 1982 Suzuki Katana. The bike’s angular design mirrored Thurman’s assassin lifestyle and played a role in her pursuit of revenge. Its eye-catching color and Thurman’s intense focus made this movie unforgettable.