Released in 1971, Werewolves on Wheels is a cult classic that meshes biker culture with horror film tropes in a way that only the ‘70s could pull off.
The movie, directed by Michel Levesque, follows a gang of motorcycle-riding outlaws who stumble upon a satanic cult and find themselves cursed to transform into werewolves. But aside from the lupine horror, what truly steals the spotlight in this film are the motorcycles roaring through the desert. Let’s take a closer look at the bikes featured in this unusual, genre-bending ride.
Harley-Davidson Choppers: The Stars of the Pack
The most prominent motorcycles in Werewolves on Wheels are a collection of Harley-Davidson choppers. In the 1960s and 1970s, customized Harleys were the go-to ride for rebellious biker gangs in movies, and this film is no exception.
These choppers featured extended front forks, high handlebars, and stripped-down frames designed for aesthetics over comfort. The bikes’ distinctive designs reflect the counterculture spirit of the era and emphasize the outlaw persona of the motorcycle gang known as “The Devil’s Advocates” in the movie.
Triumph Motorcycles: A Dash of British Iron
Although Harley-Davidsons dominate the screen, you can spot a few Triumph motorcycles among the pack.
These British bikes, known for their parallel-twin engines and unique styling, were often favorites for customizations and bobbing, even among American riders. Their presence on-screen offers a subtle contrast to the rumbling Harleys and adds a touch of variety to the gang’s fleet.
The Custom Touches and Modifications
It’s worth noting that most of the motorcycles featured in Werewolves on Wheels were heavily modified to reflect the chopper craze of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Long front ends, “ape hanger” handlebars, custom paint jobs, and stripped-down aesthetics were common features.
These modifications weren’t just for show; they were emblematic of the rebellious, individualistic ethos that defined biker culture during that era.
More Than Just Bikes: A Time Capsule of Biker Culture
The motorcycles in Werewolves on Wheels do more than provide transportation for the characters; they serve as a visual representation of the freedom and rebellion associated with motorcycle gangs of the time.
This was a period when biker films were gaining popularity, and motorcycles were used to symbolize anti-establishment sentiment. The choppers, with their loud engines and bold customizations, scream defiance and grit, capturing the spirit of both the biker and horror genres combined in this film.
Behind the Scenes: Real Bikers and Authenticity
To add to the authenticity of the biker experience, many of the extras in the film were real bikers, riding their own machines.
This lends a gritty, realistic edge to the scenes of the gang cruising through the desert highways, and it ensures that the film’s depiction of biker culture wasn’t just an exaggerated Hollywood creation.
A Howl at the Moon with Classic Iron
Werewolves on Wheels isn’t just a quirky mash-up of horror and biker culture; it’s a film that captures a snapshot of motorcycle history. The choppers and modified rides seen in the movie showcase the wild spirit and individualism that marked an entire era of motorcycle culture.
For fans of vintage motorcycles, the film offers a glimpse into a past where two-wheeled machines were more than transportation—they were an expression of freedom, rebellion, and even a touch of darkness. Whether you’re a fan of classic Harleys or curious about the blending of genres in ‘70s cinema, Werewolves on Wheels delivers a howl of a ride—fueled by gasoline and full moons.
