There’s something ubiquitously cool about motorbikes, dangerously alluring and utterly glamorous, with a hint of jeopardy. Whether you’re speeding along the coastal roads of the French Riviera or weaving in and out of traffic through central London, riding a motorbike gives you a feeling of freedom. And perhaps that’s why these celebrities love nothing more than donning leathers and riding along the open road.
Old Hollywood
Harking back to the golden era, Hollywood-heartthrobs of yesteryear were often seen on motorbikes. Perhaps the most famous was Steve McQueen. Known for his love of bikes, he reportedly had over 100 motorcycles. And of course, his use of a motorbike in the Great Escape made him and his bike a true icon of his time.
Famed for riding motorbikes in several of his films, Clint Eastwood is the epitome of dashing and daring in equal measure. Owning a Triumph, Eastwood would often roar through the Hollywood Hills.
Another Triumph fan was Marlon Brando. A true Hollywood-heartthrob, Brando rode a 1950 Triumph 6T Thunderbird in the film The Wild One, as well as owning his own bikes. And in the early years of his career was often seen driving around the streets of New York in the middle of the night.
Modern-day men
The allure of a motorbike didn’t end after the 1950s, far from it in fact. Nowadays everyone from pop-Royalty to actual Royalty has been spotted riding a bike.
Perhaps most famed for his dare-devil movie stunts, actor Tom Cruise is often seen riding a Vyrus 987 C3 4V worth over $100,000. And with a top speed of 192 mph, it’s the perfect getaway vehicle for escaping the paparazzi. Tom started off riding his bikes at the age of 10, and is often seen in his movies riding one, including Mission Impossible. Amassing a collection of classics, as well as sportier models, including the BMW S1000 RR, Cruise has a bike for every occasion.
It seems Tom isn’t the only actor who likes to show off his skills in films. In The Place Beyond the Pines, Ryan Gosling can be seen riding his bike everywhere, including a robbery getaway. In real-life, Gosling often rides around Los Angeles on his very own custom dirt bike.
Similarly, his childhood friend, Justin Timberlake enjoys taking his custom bike out. Timberlake is often spotted out on his custom built Harley Davidson, which suggest it’s either his favourite – or only bike.
Ultimate biker chicks
Wearing leather and riding around on two wheels isn’t just reserved for men. There are plenty of leading ladies who make riding a motorbike look positively chic. Getting the taste for biker life while on the set of Lara Croft riding a CM 604, Angelina Jolie now owns an impressive collection of machines, including a BMW F650GS and an MV Agusta. She even performed her own stunts in the thriller Salt.
Not to be outdone, the singer Pink is not only an unbelievable singer and entertainer, she’s also a massive motorcycle fanatic. She’s been riding bikes for around 16 years and has amassed quite a collection, thanks in part to her professional freestyle motocross competitor husband, Carey Hart. Amongst her favourites are a Triumph Bonneville T100 and a Harley Davidson Sportser XL Iron 883N.
