Tom Cruise and two wheels – it’s a cinematic bromance for the ages! From soaring alongside fighter jets in “Top Gun” to gravity-defying stunts in “Mission: Impossible,” Cruise’s love for motorcycles has fueled some of the most iconic movie moments. Let’s ignite the throttle and revisit ten epic rides that cemented Cruise’s status as Hollywood’s ultimate biker badass (in reverse chronological order):
1. Kawasaki H2 in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022):
Maverick returns, and so does the legendary GPz900R’s supercharged successor – the H2. Not only does Cruise tear up the tarmac, but the original Ninja makes a nostalgic cameo, proving this love affair with speed endures.
2. Custom Honda CRF250 & BMW G310GS in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023):
Rome’s rooftops become Cruise’s motocross playground on a tricked-out CRF250. And wait, there’s more! A daring train chase on a police BMW G310GS leads to a jaw-dropping cliff jump with a parachute finish – arguably the greatest movie bike stunt ever!
3. BMW R nineT Pure in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018):
Parisian pandemonium unfolds as Cruise weaves through traffic on a sleek R nineT Pure, even defying the Arc de Triomphe’s one-way street rule. Bonus points for Henry Cavill’s Triumph Speed Triple cameo and Rebecca Ferguson’s stunt double on a Tiger.
4. BMW S1000RR in “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015):
Morocco becomes a high-octane playground as Cruise and Rebecca Ferguson (doubling by ex-BSB racer Jenny Tinmouth) engage in a breathtaking BMW S1000RR chase. Fun fact: the opening plane scene was shot near Peterborough, England!
5. Triumph Thruxton in “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014):
Before reliving the same day over and over, Cruise rocks London’s streets on a classic Triumph Thruxton café racer. It’s a brief cameo, but the timeless style adds a cool factor to this sci-fi flick.
6. “Honda CRF450X” in “Oblivion” (2013):
This futuristic space thriller isn’t all spaceships and lasers. Cruise’s character rides a high-tech “space bike” rumored to be based on a modified Honda CRF450 motocrosser.
7. Ducati Hypermotard in “Knight and Day” (2010):
Cameron Diaz clings on as Cruise unleashes gravity-defying stunts on a Ducati Hypermotard in this action-comedy. Rumor has it some jumps were so intense, a disguised Aprilia Dorsoduro took over!
8. Triumph Bonneville in “Mission: Impossible III” (2006):
Though brief, Cruise’s arrival on a knobbly-tired Triumph Bonneville Scrambler for a rendezvous adds a touch of motorcycle swagger to this spy thriller.
9. Triumph Speed Triple in “Mission: Impossible II” (2000):
The Triumph Speed Triple T509 and Daytona 595 star in a wild bike chase, featuring ridiculous spins, stoppies, and jumps. One of the bikes ended up in Triumph’s museum!
10. Kawasaki GPz900R in “Top Gun” (1986):
It all started here. Cruise’s Maverick and his GPz900R became an iconic duo, riding alongside an F-14 jet and later whisking Kelly McGillis away. The legend lives on, even with a replica cameo in “Maverick.”
So, buckle up, movie fans! With Tom Cruise in the driver’s seat and a motorcycle between his legs, we’re sure to witness many more heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping rides in the years to come.