Motorcycles are badass. The speed, the style, the effortless cool. We’re talking specifically vintage-style motorcycles that have a strong sense of character and style that endures the decades as they pass.
Here are some individuals with the coolest vintage motorcycles.
Keanu Reeves - 750 Norton Commando
Keanu Reeves, co-founder of ARCH Motorcycle, has a deep passion for riding and owns an impressive collection of bikes. His collection includes classics like a 1974 BMW R75/6, a 1973 Norton Commando 850 MK2A, and rare models like the 2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition. Interestingly, Reeves didn’t start riding until the late ’80s, when he learned while filming in Munich, and now admits he feels withdrawals when he’s off his bike for too long.
Jason Statham - Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Jason Statham recently shared photos posing with a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 in the eye-catching “Mr Clean” chrome finish. This bike, a popular middleweight model from Royal Enfield, features a 648 cc air-cooled engine delivering 47 bhp and 52 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. With its classic chrome tank, black stripe, and gold pinstripes, the Continental GT 650 perfectly complements Statham’s action-star image, bringing a cool edge to the Royal Enfield lineup.
Pamela Anderson - Triumph
One of the most famous vintage motorcycles, the Triumph has made many appearances on screen and in the garages of enthusiasts. Above, Pamela Anderson takes centre stage on the 1995 Triumph Thunderbird 900 in “Barb Wire” (1996).
Below, some other recognisable faces who got the chance to cruise on a vintage triumph.
1965 Triumph T100C Tiger ridden by Ann Margret (1966)
1967 Triumph 650 Bonneville ‘Desert Sled’ starring in “Stay Away Joe” with Elvis (1968)
1999 Triumph Speed Triple 955i and Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible II” (2000)
David Beckham - Custom Built 93 Knucklehead
David Beckham, a long-time motorcycle enthusiast, recently shared his love for riding, posting a photo of himself on his custom-built “Super Vintage” bike by Garage Company. This unique bike, completed in 2011, features a rugged patina finish, a 93” S&S Knucklehead motor, and a frame styled after 1940s designs, with parts like a 1934 Harley-Davidson front end. Beckham’s collection includes other iconic models, such as a Confederate F131 Hellcat Combat and a Triumph Bonneville, all reflecting his preference for a rugged, worn aesthetic.
Steve McQueen - 1966 Métisse Mk3 Desert Racer
Steve McQueen famously customised a 1966 Rickman Métisse Mk3 motorcycle for desert racing with his friend, stuntman Bud Ekins. This rugged bike featured a Triumph 650cc engine, Ceriani forks, and a unique chromoly frame designed to keep the engine cool, making it perfect for harsh desert conditions. McQueen’s love for the bike led to its revival in 2008, when his son Chad released 300 limited-edition replicas, all bearing McQueen’s signature on the fuel tank.
Brigitte Bardot - Harley Davidson
Brigitte Bardot rehearses for her hit song “Harley Davidson” 1967.
Brad Pitt - BMW Motorcycle
Brad Pitt recently received a custom-built BMW Bobber motorcycle from Sony Pictures as a thank-you for his role in Bullet Train. He picked up the 1985 R80 bike, built to Roughchild’s classic Bobber specifications, in Los Angeles. Featuring a two-tone black finish, high-end Ohlins suspension, and a rebuilt 1000cc TwinSpark engine, the bike blends vintage charm with modern performance.