The Five Most Iconic Motorcycles in Film History

Motorcycles have always held a special place in cinema. Since the 1960s, bikes have been silent stars on the big screen, becoming extensions of the characters who ride them—symbols of freedom, rebellion and style. As a result, many of these machines have become part of our collective imagination. At NG BRAKES, we’ve selected five of the most legendary motorcycles in film history.

Harley-Davidson Captain America – ‘Easy Rider’ (1969)

This road movie, directed by and starring Dennis Hopper, tells the story of two friends who ride their motorcycles across the United States. The film brought the iconic Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide into the spotlight, customized with its distinctive fuel tank decorated with the American flag. The bike became a symbol of freedom and the counterculture of the 1960s.

Triumph TR6 Trophy – ‘The Great Escape’ (1963)

The legendary Triumph TR6 Trophy was ridden by Steve McQueen in ‘The Great Escape’, directed by John Sturges, based on events that took place at the Stalag Luft III prisoner-of-war camp. The iconic scene in which McQueen jumps a barbed-wire fence on this magnificent machine became one of the most unforgettable images in cinema.

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy – ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

The second installment of the ‘Terminator’ saga, directed and produced by James Cameron, made history in cinema and pop culture. One of the most memorable action sequences is the Los Angeles chase, where Arnold Schwarzenegger—playing the T-800—appears astride the iconic Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. The choice of this motorcycle also helped further popularize Harley-Davidson’s Fat Boy line.

Kawasaki GPZ900R – ‘Top Gun’ (1986)

This action-drama-romance film, directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis, follows the life of a young naval aviator aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. In several scenes, Tom Cruise, as Maverick, rides a Kawasaki GPZ900R. It became an icon of the 1980s and was also one of the first motorcycles to break the 240 km/h barrier. Its appearance in ‘Top Gun’ boosted its popularity in the market.

Yamaha R1 – ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

The fourth entry in the ‘Mad Max’ franchise, directed by George Miller, is set in a future, post-apocalyptic Earth where gasoline and water are scarce and precious. Speed and action define a film whose central thread is relentless pursuit. Among all the machines featured, one of the most iconic is the Yamaha R1, presented in a modified, futuristic-nomadic style to match the saga’s post-apocalyptic aesthetic.