Top Gun is one of the most iconic movies of the 80s that has held a special place in the hearts of action movie lovers for years. The movie revolves around the life of a fighter pilot, played by Tom Cruise, who joins the Top Gun Navy Pilot Academy and becomes one of the best in the business. In addition to the adrenaline-fueled action and romantic subplots, the movie features an iconic motorcycle that has since become a cultural phenomenon, leaving fans wondering: which one did Tom Cruise ride?
The Top Gun bike has been an inspiration to motorcyclists worldwide, and the real question behind its fame is not just about which one was ridden, but also how it became one of the defining symbols of the movie. From what it looks like to its sound, everything about the bike has captured the imagination of the audience. So, let’s dive deep into the world of Top Gun and explore the history and significance of this iconic bike.
The History of Top Gun’s Iconic Bike
When Top Gun hit theaters in 1986, it changed the face of action movies forever. Tom Cruise, who played the lead role of Maverick, quickly became a cultural idol, and his sleek motorcycle became an iconic symbol of his rebel image. The bike, a Kawasaki GPZ900R, was chosen for its speed and agility and featured prominently in several action-packed chase scenes throughout the movie.
The Kawasaki GPZ900R, also known as the Ninja, was a top-of-the-line performance bike that had recently been released in Japan. The bike’s impressive specs, including its 115 horsepower engine and top speed of 151 mph, quickly caught the attention of Hollywood producers who were searching for the perfect motorcycle for Top Gun’s high-octane action sequences. The bike’s aerodynamic design and sleek appearance made it the perfect fit for Tom Cruise’s daredevil character, and it has since become one of the most famous motorcycles in cinematic history.
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The Hype and Buzz Around Tom Cruise’s Motorcycle
Tom Cruise’s motorcycle ride in the 1986 American classic Top Gun continues to evoke strong emotions and ignite hype around bikers of all kinds. This iconic scene where Cruise is seen riding his motorcycle into the edge of the airport runway has become a definitive and integral moment for fans and followers of the movie. The classic scene has inspired thousands of bikers and has helped raised the reputation and regard for BMW bikes.
From the moment when Top Gun hit theaters, there was an immediate buzz around Tom Cruise and his motorcycle. As the story goes, the director of the movie Tony Scott had originally planned for the scene to feature an old Triumph bike. Instead, Cruise stepped in and suggested using the BMW R 100 GS motorcycle from his garage, which he had bought during his filming days of Risky Business. Since then, news of the behind-the-scenes details surrounding Cruise and his bike continues to garner attention in bike circles, making it one of the most talked-about motorcycles of all time.
The Different Models of Kawasaki Ninja Used in Top Gun
In the movie Top Gun, Tom Cruise’s character Maverick and his rival Iceman both rode iconic Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles. However, what some people may not know is that there were actually two different models of the Ninja used in the film.
The first model used was the Kawasaki GPz900R, which was known as the Ninja 900 in the United States. This model was used during the famous scene where Maverick races Iceman on a deserted road. The second model used was the Kawasaki GPz750R, also known as the Ninja 750 in the U.S. This model was used in the scene where Maverick rides to Kelly McGillis’s character’s house and parks his bike outside. Both bikes were painted in the same signature black and green color scheme that has become synonymous with the Ninja brand.
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The Importance of Top Gun’s Bike in Pop Culture
Top Gun’s bike, a 1986 Kawasaki GPZ900R, became a pop culture icon after the release of the movie in 1986. The bike’s sleek design and high-speed performance perfectly embodied the film’s overall theme of power, speed, and masculinity. Fans of the movie immediately gravitated towards Top Gun’s bike and it quickly became one of the film’s most memorable elements.
The bike has since gained a cult following and is still highly sought after among motorcycle enthusiasts. Its appearance in the movie also cemented the Kawasaki brand as a major player in the high-performance motorcycle market. Overall, the bike has become an important piece of pop culture history, representing more than just a mode of transportation, but also symbolizing a time and place in American movie history.
Tom Cruise’s Involvement in the Selection of Top Gun’s Bike
Tom Cruise has always been known for his love of motorbikes and high-speed action. When it came to the iconic bike featured in the movie Top Gun, Cruise was heavily involved in the selection process. After reviewing several options, Cruise ultimately chose the Kawasaki GPZ900R for its sleek design and impressive performance capabilities.
Cruise’s involvement didn’t end there, as he also worked closely with the film’s stunt coordinator and bike builder to ensure that the bike was properly modified for the movie’s fast-paced action scenes. Cruise even performed some of his own stunts on the bike, such as the scene where he flies past a Russian MiG fighter jet. Thanks to Cruise’s passion and attention to detail, the Kawasaki GPZ900R became an integral part of Top Gun’s iconic status.
The On-Screen and Off-Screen Adventures of Top Gun’s Bike
The Kawasaki GPz900R used in Top Gun was known as “the bike that revolutionized the superbike market.” Its on-screen performance was impressive, with Tom Cruise riding it at high speeds and performing stunts. Off-screen, the bike gained even more popularity. It was featured in magazines, and fans flocked to dealerships to try to get their hands on one.
However, not all off-screen adventures were positive. A teenage boy stole a GPz900R in California and was killed in a high-speed police chase. Despite this tragedy, the bike continues to have a cult following among motorcycle enthusiasts. It is considered an iconic example of 1980s motorcycle design, and Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Maverick riding it has become a cultural touchstone.
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The Legacy of Top Gun’s Bike in Film Industry
The Kawasaki GPZ900R, also known as the Ninja 900, used in Top Gun by Tom Cruise’s character Maverick, is one of the most iconic bikes in film history. The bike became an instant sensation and undoubtedly helped Kawasaki establish itself as a reliable brand in the United States. The thrilling scenes featuring the bike in the movie set the benchmark for motorcycle action films to follow.
The legacy of Top Gun’s bike has proved enduring, with numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials replicating the famous scenes from the film. The Kawasaki GPZ900R also made appearances in other movies such as Bad Boys II, Mission Impossible II and TV show Miami Vice. Its continued usage, even today, is proof of the lasting impact the bike made, not just in the film industry but also, the motorcycle industry. The movie forever cemented the GPZ900R’s place in pop culture and served as an inspiration for countless motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
Final Thoughts
After researching and analyzing the information available, it can be concluded that Tom Cruise rode a Kawasaki GPZ900R in the famous movie Top Gun. The bike was a popular sport touring bike in the 1980s and provided the perfect blend of speed and handling for the aerial dogfight scenes portrayed in the movie.
The Kawasaki GPZ900R became an instant sensation after the release of the movie, and its popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts skyrocketed. The Top Gun bike continues to be one of the most sought-after sport touring motorcycles, thanks to its timeless design and high-performance capabilities. Tom Cruise may have made the bike famous, but the GPZ900R’s legacy continues to live on and inspire new generations of riders.