In The Bikeriders, motorcycles aren’t just props—they’re characters in their own right, rolling icons of rebellion, freedom, and brotherhood. The movie, set in the 1960s, gives us a gritty, close-up look at the world of motorcycle clubs, and the machines these riders choose to roll with are as much a part of the narrative as the men and women in the leather jackets. If you’re a fan of vintage American iron, this film delivers the goods with a parade of Harley-Davidsons, Triumphs, and other classics.
The Harley-Davidson Panhead: The Star of the Show
You can’t talk about The Bikeriders without starting with the Harley-Davidson Panhead. This bike is the beating heart of the film’s portrayal of mid-century motorcycle culture. Produced between 1948 and 1965, the Panhead became the go-to choice for many early motorcycle clubs, and in the movie, it gets the hero treatment. Its iconic V-twin engine with those distinctive “pan”-shaped rocker covers isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a symbol of rebellion, a mechanical beast that screams freedom.
The Panhead, with its heavy, low-slung frame and unmistakable sound, is perfect for the film’s rough-and-tumble depiction of the biker lifestyle. It’s shown in all its glory—blacked-out and chrome, roaring down the highways, and crouched in garages being wrenched on by the characters who know their machines as intimately as they know their own brothers in the club.
The beauty of the Panhead in The Bikeriders isn’t just in its aesthetic; it’s in the way the bike represents something more than just transportation. It’s the symbol of a lifestyle where the only law that matters is your own.
Triumph Bonneville: The British Invasion
Alongside the all-American Harleys, the Triumph Bonneville makes an appearance as the outsider, much like the rebellious, free-thinking individuals who gravitated toward it in the 1960s. The Bonneville, with its 650cc parallel-twin engine, was fast, agile, and smoother than its American counterparts. Riders who chose Triumphs were often seen as a little different—more counter-culture, more rock ‘n’ roll.
In The Bikeriders, the Triumph Bonneville offers a contrast to the heavy, loud Harley Panheads. While the Harleys rumble like distant thunder, the Bonneville buzzes through scenes with a leaner, more nimble vibe. Its British engineering wasn’t just functional—it was fashionable. The Bonneville was sleek and stylish, its lines curvier than the blockier American bikes. It was, in a sense, the European sports car of the motorcycle world, and it carved out a special place in the hearts of those who wanted to stand apart from the crowd.
Harley-Davidson Knucklehead: A True OG
The Harley-Davidson Knucklehead makes its presence felt in the film as well, cementing its place in motorcycle history. Named for its knuckle-shaped rocker covers, the Knucklehead was produced from 1936 to 1947, and by the time the 1960s rolled around, it was already a relic—yet one revered by bikers. In The Bikeriders, the Knucklehead is the old-school bike, the one that shows up less frequently but carries with it an air of wisdom and experience.
Riders of the Knucklehead in the film are portrayed as veterans of the road—men who have seen it all and lived to tell the tale. The bike’s unique style, with its teardrop gas tank and unmistakable lines, serves as a reminder of where American motorcycling came from. It’s a machine for those who’ve been in the game long enough to know that sometimes, older is better.
Indian Motorcycles: The Rival
No depiction of classic American motorcycling would be complete without a nod to Indian. While Harley dominates the landscape of The Bikeriders, there are glimpses of Indian motorcycles that speak to the rivalry between these two American brands. Indian, founded in 1901, was Harley’s biggest competition for decades, and in the film, its bikes serve as a counterpoint to the Harley-dominated club scene.
Indians were known for their innovation and craftsmanship. In the movie, they appear as symbols of the rider who didn’t follow the crowd. While Harley was the go-to for most bikers, those riding Indian motorcycles were making a statement that they weren’t afraid to stand out.
Custom Choppers: A Personal Touch
Of course, no movie about bikers in the 1960s would be complete without a few custom choppers thrown in for good measure. In The Bikeriders, you’ll see stretched-out frames, exaggerated front forks, and high handlebars—the hallmarks of the chopper culture that emerged during this era. These custom bikes are as much about art as they are about engineering.
Riders in the movie show off their choppers as extensions of their personalities. These are the guys who took their stock Panheads, Knuckleheads, or even an old Indian Scout, chopped them up, and rebuilt them into something entirely their own. The message? You make your bike just like you make your life: one piece at a time, and exactly how you want it.
The Bikes That Make the Movie
In The Bikeriders, the motorcycles are the silent stars, rumbling through the film with as much character as the actors themselves. From the iconic Harley-Davidson Panhead to the sleek Triumph Bonneville, each bike adds depth and authenticity to the film’s portrayal of a time when the motorcycle wasn’t just a machine—it was a way of life. Whether you’re into heavy American V-twins or nimble British twins, this film serves up a slice of motorcycle history that’ll have you itching to hit the open road.
