Great Moments in Harley History: When Elvis Took Ann-Margret For a Ride

By S.J. Bryan - October 16, 2020

What happened when The King tried to woo the ‘Kitten With a Whip’ with a ride on his Harley?

In 1964, Elvis Presley was starring in Viva Las Vegas with up-and-coming star and ginger bombshell Ann-Margret. Sparks were flying between Elvis and Ann-Margret, both onscreen and off. The flick was a big hit, and the palpable heat from the film led to an incendiary real life affair. But if you are Elvis, how do you impress a woman like Ann-Margret? Take her for a ride on a Harley.

Elvis had long been a huge Harley-Davidson fan. Presley got into motorcycles in the mid-1950s. As the man whose gyrating hips and curled lip started a rebellion; Presley’s classic cool was the perfect fit for Harley. Counterculture never looked so good.

An avid biker throughout his life, his Harley collection was a varied and valuable one. He owned a 1956 Harley-Davidson KH, 1957 FLH Hyrda-Glide, 1958 FLH Duo-Glide, 1965 and 1966 FLH Electra-Glide, 1966 Harley-Davidson Chopper, 1971 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra-Glide, 1975 Harley-Davidson FLH 1200, and countless others.

Several of his Harleys have has gone on to set records at auction. Additionally, his 1956 Harley KH is part of the permanent collection at Harley-Davidson Museum.

But, despite evidence to the contrary, Elvis was still a mere mortal. And as such, even The King ran into mechanical trouble.

A Little Less Conversation…

According to Elvis Presley Music, Elvis and Ann-Margret first met before shooting Viva Las Vegas. Director George Sidney introduced the two at MGM studios. It was no more than a handshake and a few pleasantries. But both were hooked.

“That we both possessed the devil, no one knew,” Ann-Margret would later recall in her 1994 book “Ann-Margret: My Story.”

By the time the cameras started rolling, the two were a formidable duo. “Once the music started, neither of us could stand still,” she recalled. “When Elvis thrust his pelvis, mine slammed forward too.” When the film wrapped, the two became inseparable.

…A Little More Action

One of their favorite activities was riding Harleys around Los Angeles. Not only did Ann-Margret love Elvis, she also loved Harley-Davidson; and was quite a good rider herself.

But one fateful ride fizzled out when Presley forgot the basics of riding: Check the tank! Elvis had swung by to pickup his go-go gal at MGM Studios. After only riding a few blocks, the Harley sputtered, and ran out of gas.

Thankfully, they were near a gas station. But, there was just one little problem. Elvis had no money on him. Needing to borrow a few bucks from his date, he explained the situation. She replied “Neither have I!”

The two had a good laugh at their ride gone south. However, the gas station attendant was more than happy to help. It was Elvis and Ann-Margret, for the love of Pete! He filled them up, and received autographed photos in return.

But, being a Harley man, Elvis knew the importance of good will on the road. He sent his road manager to the gas station the next day to pay his tab.

That hiccup aside, the two continued sizzling; and remained close friends for many years.

We love a good Harley-Davidson story, and this one is a gem. It also has a bit of a moral. It doesn’t matter if you are a rock star, actor, or none of the above. Find yourself someone who can ride as well as laugh at the slings and arrows of motorcycle life.