In the world of cult cinema, George A. Romero’s Knightriders stands out as a true oddity—a gritty blend of medieval chivalry and roaring motorcycles. This 1981 film, often overshadowed by Romero’s more famous work in horror, is a tale of loyalty, rebellion, and jousting knights mounted not on horses but on motorcycles.
The motorcycles here aren’t just props—they’re central to the story, symbols of a fiercely individualistic, renegade lifestyle. Two standout bikes in the film are the Honda XR250 and the mighty Honda CBX 1050, a six-cylinder marvel. Each one plays a unique role in creating the film’s distinct mix of fantasy and raw power.
Honda XR250: The Workhorse in Armor
The Honda XR250 in Knightriders represents rugged functionality. Known for its off-road capabilities, the XR was a favorite of dirt bike riders in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, delivering reliable performance in rough conditions. The bike’s design perfectly suited the jousting sequences, where these warriors-on-wheels needed a machine as tough as they were.
With its single-cylinder, 249cc engine and relatively lightweight frame, the XR250 could handle the punishing terrain of makeshift jousting fields, tearing through dirt with the kind of agility usually reserved for motocross races.
In Knightriders, the XR250’s off-road toughness is put to the test in the staged battles that take place throughout the film. These scenes are all about controlled chaos, with riders charging at each other at full throttle, lances in hand, aiming to knock their opponents from their steel mounts. And while the riders, adorned in medieval armor, play their part, it’s the XR250 that brings the show home.
Where other bikes might have wavered under the movie’s harsh conditions, the XR250 stood strong. It was a workhorse—reliable, maneuverable, and surprisingly resilient.
Honda CBX 1050: A Six-Cylinder Masterpiece
While the XR250 captures the film’s spirit, the Honda CBX 1050 is its heart and soul. The CBX, introduced by Honda in 1978, was a behemoth of a motorcycle. With its six-cylinder, 1,047cc engine, the CBX wasn’t just powerful—it was iconic. The bike was Honda’s answer to performance enthusiasts, a motorcycle that pushed the limits with its speed, smoothness, and distinctive engine growl.
In Knightriders, the CBX 1050 is more than a motorcycle; it’s a statement. It’s the kind of machine you imagine a modern-day knight riding, embodying power, prestige, and a touch of mystery. With its six cylinders firing in smooth harmony, the CBX brought an energy and presence to the film that’s hard to forget.
The CBX is also a symbol of ambition. Just as King Billy dreams of preserving his utopian ideals in a world that’s closing in on him, Honda aimed high with the CBX, challenging the norms of motorcycle engineering. With its six-cylinder engine, the CBX broke the mold, offering a level of smoothness and acceleration that few bikes could rival at the time.
In the film, the CBX’s power mirrors Billy’s inner conflict—his desire to hold onto a chivalric code while battling forces that threaten to upend it.
Machines as Characters
What makes the XR250 and the CBX 1050 so significant in Knightriders is that they aren’t just tools for action—they’re characters in their own right.
The XR250s, with their resilience, reflect the troupe’s lifestyle. They’re as tough as the riders who push them to the limit, enduring every dusty crash. Meanwhile, the CBX 1050, with its six-cylinder roar, is a force of nature, representing the allure of power, freedom, and ultimately, the weight of leadership.
Knightriders is more than just a movie about knights and motorcycles; it’s a meditation on ideals, loyalty, and the machines that carry us through life’s battles. Yes, it’s pretty absurd, but it may just catch you off guard.
