In the realm of iconic duos like Mac and cheese, Batman and Robin, and lightning and thunder, another pair that effortlessly meshes is Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Fat Boy Harley-Davidson, a standout model from the esteemed motorcycle manufacturer. Sequels often struggle to surpass their predecessors, yet James Cameron achieved this feat not once but twice, first with "Aliens" in 1986 and then again with "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" in 1991. What's more, the film has undergone a remastering for a fresh viewing experience.
While Schwarzenegger and Robert Patrick undoubtedly delivered captivating performances, it was Harley-Davidson's Fat Boy that stole scenes, contributing to the movie's impressive box office success of nearly $205 million (via IMDb).
One unforgettable moment features a stark-naked Schwarzenegger arriving at The Corral, a biker bar. As he surveys the parked vehicles, his heads-up display reveals information on various Harleys, including the "382 SLSTS '91 Fatboy." This scene sets the stage for his memorable rampage through the bar, epitomizing the phrase "bad to the bone," as George Thorogood's music aptly underscores.
Contrary to the Terminator's heads-up display, the actual bike featured in the film is a 1991 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy. Equipped with a two-cylinder, air-cooled, 1338cc V-Twin engine producing 48 horsepower, this motorcycle boasted notable features such as a manual five-speed transmission, full disc wheels, and chromed front forks. However, the bike used in the movie underwent significant modifications.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's personal stuntman, Peter Kent, revealed in an interview with Motorcycle News that upon reading the "T2" script, they promptly acquired five Fat Boys for filming. Two of these underwent enhancements to improve speed by tweaking exhaust, carbs, and valves. Kent, who spent six weeks practicing with one of the bikes before filming commenced, attested to their commitment to authenticity.
Reports suggest that only four Fat Boys were utilized in the film, with one possibly retained by Kent. Another resides in the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, alongside Peter Fonda's modified "Captain America" Harley from "Easy Rider." Furthermore, a third bike fetched $480,000 at a Hollywood auction in June 2018, surpassing initial estimates and solidifying its status as Schwarzenegger's on-screen ride.
As for the whereabouts of the remaining bikes, they remain as enigmatic as the anonymous buyer who acquired one at auction. Let's hope they haven't met a fate akin to termination.