The 5 Most Memorable Harley-Davidson Movie Moments
Over the years, Harley-Davidsons have become a steadfast symbol of the American cinema. And why not? For here we find a signature brand that appears as sleek as it is phallic, conjuring images of the outlaw gunner, crushed-black leather and denim, the wind through your sails, the open road in a dream.
Conceding Easy Rider as the most enduring Harley-Davidson epic (i.e., Peter Fonda streaming out upon his chopper), the list below represents five other Harley-Davidson moments; minor sequences from motion pictures that remain as memorable for what they depicted as the renegade culture they present.
5. Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (The Biker Bar Scene).
“Tequilla!” Both fun and entertaining. Note the Harley Knucklehead featured after 1:25.
4. The Wild One (The Opening Credits).
The camera angle, the skid n burn, the look that launched a thousand poseurs … The Wild One recalls a tale of public prejudice released at a time when America was largely skeptical of just about everything.
“What are you rebelling against, Johnny?” “Whatdaya got?” It’s kitsch and it’s camp and it’s hardly breakthrough cinema, but it still retains a certain biker charm.
Also, note the Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide, which is featured from the headlight up during the final minute of this clip.
3. Mask (Rocky Dennis’s Poem).
Note there are no Harleys featured in this scene. Also note there does not need to be.
2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (The L.A. motorcycle chase).
Arnold Schwarzenegger in what has become his most iconic role, directed by James Cameron prior to Titanic and Avatar. Has this location been used an exorbitant amount of times? Sure.
Has it ever been used quite this effectively? One would argue not. Notice the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Schwarzenegger is mounted upon as he roars his way onto the scene.
1. A Bronx Tale (Several Bikers Disrespect Sonny’s Bar).
Sure. The bikers lose, but what a ride. Note the Harley emblem which appears at 3:20. How’s that for product placement? Message overwhelmingly received.