Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long held a prominent place in popular culture, spanning from movies to music to the preferred rides of celebrities. Here are some notable instances:
"Easy Rider" and Captain America: Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper rode Harleys throughout the iconic 1969 film "Easy Rider," with Fonda's custom Captain America bike, a modified Harley Hydra-Glide, leaving a lasting impression.
Captain America's Harley: In "Captain America: The First Avenger," Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) rides a modified Harley-Davidson WLA, reflecting the brand's historical significance during World War II.
Fonzie's Harley: While the character Fonzie briefly rode a Harley in the sitcom "Happy Days," he later switched to a Triumph TR5. Actor Henry Winkler, who portrayed Fonzie, recounted his brief motorcycle experience, including a mishap, on a talk show.
"The Wild One": Marlon Brando's portrayal of a rebellious biker in the 1953 film showcased Harley-Davidson's cultural impact, despite Brando himself riding a Triumph in the movie.
Evel Knievel's XR-750: The legendary stuntman's use of a customized Harley-Davidson XR-750 for his daring jumps solidified the bike's place in motorcycle lore.
Jason Momoa and "Fast X": Momoa's role in "Fast X" included scenes where he rides a customized Harley Pan America, reflecting his real-life passion for riding and collaboration with the brand.
Katy Perry's "Harleys in Hawaii": Perry's hit song, accompanied by a music video featuring her riding a Harley, provided significant promotional value for Harley-Davidson, reaching audiences beyond typical motorcycle enthusiasts.
"Motorcycle Mama" by Sailcat: This 1972 song celebrated the freedom of the open road, prominently featuring Harley imagery in its lyrics.
Other songs featuring Harley culture: Various artists, including Kathy Mattea, 38 Special, and Neil Young, have incorporated Harley themes into their music.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator 2": Schwarzenegger's character commandeers a Harley Fat Boy in a memorable scene from the acclaimed film.
Elvis Presley's affinity for Harleys: The King of Rock 'N' Roll was known to own several Harley-Davidson motorcycles throughout his life, highlighting the brand's enduring appeal across generations.
These examples underscore Harley-Davidson's enduring influence across generations and its deep integration into the fabric of popular culture. From the rebellious spirit of "Easy Rider" to the adrenaline-fueled stunts of Evel Knievel, and from the melodic tunes of "Motorcycle Mama" to the cinematic adventures of Captain America, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have left an indelible mark on society. As they continue to evolve, these iconic bikes remain a symbol of freedom, individuality, and the timeless allure of the open road.