Motorcycle Movies for Mechanics – Wrenching Inspiration (Not That You Need It)

If you Google “motorcycle movies,” you will come up with quite a few different lists of motorcycle films, documentaries, etc.  The first time I did a search, I was actually shocked by how many motorcycle movies exist. 

The quantity, however, started to make more sense when I realized that most of the films were made pre-1980 and/or only feature motorcycles peripherally (sorry, but one list including Terminator 2: Judgement Day. 

Sure, Arnold Schwarzenegger rode a motorcycle in the movie, but in my opinion that doesn’t make it a motorcycle film – fyi, there is a picture of the T2 motorcycle in my post on the Harley-Davidson museum). 

Additionally, some of these movies seemed to have ridiculous titles: “Werewolves on Wheels” and “Chopper Chicks in Zombietown.”  Okay, so enough of bashing other peoples’ lists.  What about a list of motorcycle movies for mechanics?

As you know, this website is dedicated to the weekend mechanic/DIY repair guy.  Therefore, this list is my list of the top 5 motorcycle movies for mechanics – essentially motorcycle movies that inspire you to pick up a wrench and start tinkering. 

To be honest, it was a little tough to come up with a list this long with such specific criteria.  However, I promise that if you watch one of these films tonight, it will be physically painful to keep yourself out of the garage tomorrow.

Motorcycle Movies for Mechanics:

#5

Title:  Dust to Glory

Synopsis:  This film is a documentary covering the Baja 1000 race, which is an off-road race that takes place each year in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.  The race is open to anyone and includes motorcycles, ATVs, trucks, buggies etc.  To be honest, I fast forwarded through the parts that weren’t about motorcycles (what can I say, I am a purist), but watching this film made me want an off-road motorcycle really bad.

Availability:  Free on Netflix

#4

Title: One Week

Synopsis: This film is a little sad (you have been warned) and is not inspiring for the same reasons as the others, but is inspiring nonetheless.  I promise it will still get you out to the garage.  The movie follows the story of a young man who decides to take a motorcycle trip from Toronto across Canada to Vancouver Island.

Availability:  This movie I believe is available for free from Netflix and is available for streaming on Amazon Video.

#3

Title: Harley and the Davidsons (Discovery Channel)

Synopsis: This is actually a three part mini-series that aired on the Discovery Channel in early September 2016.  It covers the birth of this iconic motorcycle company from the production of their first model through the Great Depression.

Availability:  This is available free with most TV subscriptions (Cox, Direct TV, etc.) through Discovery Go (Discovery Channel online streaming).

#2

Title: Why We Ride

Synopsis: This is an award winning documentary and its focus is pretty self-explanatory.  This was a recent find for me on Amazon Prime, and I really loved it.  Honestly, it almost got the #1 slot.

Availability:  Available for free streaming on Amazon Video.

#1

Title: World’s Fastest Indian

Synopsis: This movie features the story of Burt Munro (played by Anthony Hopkins), a mechanic and motorcycle racer from New Zealand, who came to the United States multiple times during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s to set multiple land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah on highly customized Indian motorcycle.

Availability: I believe this movie is free on Amazon Video for streaming

Okay that is it – my list of motorcycle movies for mechanics.  Now go get some popcorn and watch something! If you like this post, please shave via social media.  Also, feel free to share any comments below.

Didn’t find what you needed in this particular post?  Check out the HappyWrench Motorcycle Repair Link Database.  It is a one-stop shop for all your DIY motorcycle repair information needs.

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