Top 10+ Iconic Harley-Davidson Motorcycles in Movies and TV

If cinema is America's art form, Harley-Davidson is its motorcycle. Since 1919, when Buster Keaton rode a Harley-Davidson Model J in "The Scarecrow," Hollywood and the Milwaukee manufacturer have shared a storied connection.

From the rebellious 1950s with "The Wild One" to the countercultural "Easy Rider" in the 1960s, and blockbusters like "Pulp Fiction" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," Harley-Davidson motorcycles symbolize freedom and excitement. Television shows like "Sons of Anarchy" have showcased these bikes across multiple seasons, amplifying their cultural impact.

Despite economic challenges and foreign competition, Harley-Davidson’s tie to the American spirit endures. Below are 10 of the most iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles in film and television history.

Zed's Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide Chopper — Pulp Fiction

In "Pulp Fiction," Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) escapes a chaotic ordeal on "Grace," a customized Harley-Davidson FXR Super Glide. Featuring ape hanger handlebars, a custom tachometer, and a Fat Bob tank, this chopper stands out. Butch calls it a chopper, not a motorcycle, highlighting its distinct style.

Produced from 1986 to 1993, the FXR Super Glide has an 81.6 cubic inch V2 engine, delivering 57 horsepower and a top speed of 105.6 mph. Two bikes were used in filming, distinguishable by a dual carburetor on one.

Chino's Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide — The Wild One

In the 1953 film "The Wild One," Lee Marvin’s Chino rides a Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide, contrasting Marlon Brando’s Triumph Thunderbird. Launched in 1949, the Hydra-Glide features a 74 cubic inch V2 engine, producing 55 horsepower and reaching 100 mph, with hydraulic front forks for enhanced comfort.

Inspired by the 1947 Hollister riot, the film sparked a cultural shift, cementing Harley-Davidson’s rebellious image despite triggering a moral panic and a UK ban until 1967.

Johnny Blaze's Harley-Davidson Panhead — Ghost Rider

In "Ghost Rider" (2007), Nicolas Cage’s Johnny Blaze rides a custom Harley-Davidson Panhead chopper, paying homage to "Easy Rider." With chromed exhausts, a flame-painted tank, and an electric start, this modern chopper had only 70 miles post-filming.

Peter Fonda, as Mephisto, acknowledges the bike’s legacy, saying, “Nice bike.” It’s available for rent at the Volo Museum for $4,000 per day.

T-800's Harley-Davidson Fat Boy — Terminator 2

In "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) rides a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, iconic in a Los Angeles River chase. Launched in 1990, the Fat Boy’s 1,337 cc V2 engine produces 67 horsepower, emphasizing torque for cruising.

The film boosted Harley-Davidson’s sales, contributing to over $1 billion in revenue in the early 1990s. A Fat Boy from the movie sold for $480,000 at auction in 2018.

Wyatt's Harley-Davidson Captain America Chopper — Easy Rider

The Captain America Chopper in "Easy Rider" is perhaps the most famous Harley-Davidson ever. Built from four ex-LAPD Panheads by Clifford Vaughs and Ben Hardy, it features a stars-and-stripes tank and 43-degree raked forks, globalizing chopper culture.

One of the four bikes, restored after damage in filming, sold for $1.35 million in 2014, highlighting its cultural significance.

Rocky Balboa's Harley-Davidson FLH 80 — Rocky III

In "Rocky III," champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) rides a Harley-Davidson FLH 80, powered by a 1,337 cc engine with 67 horsepower. The bike features in a reflective Philadelphia cruise after his trainer’s death.

The FLH 80 also appeared in a Barbara Walters interview, with Stallone nervously riding it, showcasing its broader cultural reach.

Jax Teller's Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide — Sons of Anarchy

"Sons of Anarchy" showcases Jax Teller’s (Charlie Hunnam) 2003 Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide, with a 1,449 cc V-twin engine. Featured in six of seven seasons, this 660-pound bike gained massive exposure, rivaling "Easy Rider’s" fame.

In season seven, Jax rides a restored 1946 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead, a nod to classic Harley heritage.

Hobbs' Harley-Davidson Softail — Hobbs and Shaw

In "Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw," Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) rides a custom Harley-Davidson Softail, built in England with a twin-cam 110 engine and 16-inch wheels. Its rugged design reflects Hobbs’ American masculinity.

Testers compared its ride to a “giant Sportster,” noting its heft suits riders of Johnson’s stature.

Captain America's Harley-Davidson WLA Liberator — Captain America: The First Avenger

The Harley-Davidson WLA Liberator, a World War II icon, embodies American strength. In "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011), a modified Cross Bones mimics a 1942 WLA, with period-accurate details like an ammunition box, aligning with the comic’s patriotic imagery.

The WLA’s wartime role reinforces Harley-Davidson’s all-American legacy.

Fonz's Harley-Davidson Knucklehead — Happy Days

In "Happy Days," the Fonz (Henry Winkler) begins with a 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, evoking Marlon Brando’s "The Wild One" persona. Its 989 cc engine produces 40 horsepower, reaching 95 mph. Though later switching to a Triumph, the Knucklehead defined Fonzie’s cool.

In 2023, the restored Knucklehead was displayed in Milwaukee, delighting fans of the iconic sitcom.