Tom Cruise has been a prominent face in Hollywood for several years now. He has played several iconic roles in movies such as Mission: Impossible, Jack Reacher, and Top Gun. The actor, who is known for doing his own stunts, often uses motorcycles in his films, which has gained a tremendous fan following.
With the upcoming release of Top Gun: Maverick, fans are eagerly waiting to know what bike Tom Cruise will be riding in the film. The movie, which is a sequel to the 1986 classic, has already generated a lot of buzz, with fans waiting to see their favorite actor back in action. In this article, we take a closer look at Tom Cruise’s on-screen motorcycle and everything you need to know about it.
The Top Gun 2 Bike: A Modern Classic
The highly anticipated sequel to the 1986 classic, Top Gun: Maverick, features Tom Cruise reprising his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. In various trailers and promotional material, Cruise is seen riding a sleek and stylish motorcycle that has piqued the interest of many fans. The bike is a Kawasaki H2R, which is a modern take on the classic sports bike.
The Kawasaki H2R is a track-only motorcycle that boasts a 998cc engine and can reach speeds of up to 300km/h. Despite being built for the track, the bike’s design draws inspiration from classic sports bikes, and its sleek silver and black design perfectly fits Maverick’s cool and confident demeanor. The H2R is a staple for Kawasaki, known for its powerful acceleration and smooth handling, making it an appropriate choice for the high-flying action sequences expected in Top Gun 2.
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The Making of a Movie Motorcycle: Tom Cruise’s Top Gun 2 Ride
Tom Cruise is known for performing his own stunts in his action-packed movies, and Top Gun 2 is no exception. For this film, Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, rides a specially designed motorcycle that was made for the movie. The team behind the scenes worked closely with Cruise to create a bike that would fit his character’s personality and be a great addition to the film.
The bike was customized by BMW Motorrad and was specifically designed to be a do-it-all bike that could handle any terrain. The motorcycle is based on the BMW R nineT, but with a unique design that includes a small windscreen, a set of crash bars, and a custom design paint job. To make the motorcycle appear more aggressive, the team made modifications to the handlebars, seat, and footpegs, making it lighter and more maneuverable for the intense action scenes that are sure to be a highlight of the film.
The Specs: A Closer Look at Tom Cruise’s Top Gun 2 Motorcycle
Tom Cruise’s on-screen motorcycle in Top Gun 2 is the Kawasaki Ninja H2R. This bike from the Japanese manufacturer is a supersport model of the Kawasaki Ninja series. It is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 998cc engine that churns out a massive 310 horsepower. This makes it one of the most powerful motorcycles that is commercially available.
The bike features technological advancements such as traction control, launch control, and a quick-shifter that allows for seamless gear changes. With a top speed of around 249 mph, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R is a great choice for an action-packed movie like Top Gun 2. The bike also features a unique carbon-fiber fairing that gives it a striking look. It is no wonder that Tom Cruise chose this motorcycle to feature in his latest movie.
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The Perfect Match: Tom Cruise and the Top Gun 2 Bike
Tom Cruise and his motorcycle have always been a match made in heaven – from his iconic ride in Top Gun to his thrilling chase scenes in Mission Impossible. When it comes to Top Gun 2, Tom Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, is seen cruising on a Kawasaki Ninja H2R.
This beast of a bike is considered one of the fastest production motorcycles, with a top speed of over 200 mph. Its sleek design, featuring a carbon-fiber fairing, adds to the overall aesthetics of the film’s action-packed chase sequences. Cruise’s love for the thrill of speed and adrenaline is perfectly reflected in his choice of the Kawasaki Ninja H2R, making it the perfect match for his on-screen persona.
The Legacy Continues: Top Gun 2 and Tom Cruise’s Motorcycle
The release of Top Gun: Maverick has sparked a renewed interest in the iconic film series and its central character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Tom Cruise, who plays Maverick, has been known to be an avid motorcyclist, both on and off-screen. The sequel, which hit theaters in 2021, brings with it a new addition to Maverick’s character: a Kawasaki H2R.
The Kawasaki H2R is a high-performance motorcycle that was specifically customized for the film. The intense, all-black bike was chosen to reflect Maverick’s persona – fast, daring, and on the edge. The H2R boasts a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest bikes to ever make an appearance in a Hollywood film. As fans of Top Gun eagerly await the release of the sequel, they can look forward to watching Maverick back in action, this time on his blacked-out H2R.
Behind the Scenes: The Role of Tom Cruise’s Top Gun 2 Motorcycle
Behind the scenes, the motorcycle that Tom Cruise rides in Top Gun 2 serves two main purposes: to enhance the realism of the film and to showcase the actor’s love for high-speed action. Prior to filming, Cruise spent months preparing for his role as Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, which included learning how to ride a motorcycle like a pro.
The motorcycle he rides in the movie is a Honda CRF450R, a lightweight motocross bike that’s designed to handle rugged terrain. While it may not be the most practical choice for cruising around town, it’s the perfect vehicle for Maverick to zip around the military base in Top Gun 2. And because Cruise performs many of his own stunts, the motorcycle allowed him to add an extra layer of authenticity and adrenaline to his scenes.
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Iconic Scenes: Top Gun 2 Motorcycle Stunts and Action Sequences
In Top Gun 2, Tom Cruise can be seen riding a Kawasaki Ninja H2R throughout the film. Apart from showcasing the bike’s sleek design and extraordinary speed, the movie also features a handful of iconic motorcycle stunts and action sequences that are bound to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
One of the most memorable scenes involves Tom’s character, Maverick, taking the Ninja H2R for a spin on an empty runway, reaching an eye-watering 200 mph. Another thrilling moment is when Maverick weaves through the busy streets of San Diego on his bike, in pursuit of a target. The action-packed scene features him jumping over parked cars, dodging oncoming traffic, and performing some daring stunts to save the day. These adrenaline-fueled moments featuring the Ninja H2R are just a few examples of why Top Gun 2 is a must-watch for fans of high-octane action movies and motorcycles alike.
Verdict
Tom Cruise, the iconic actor, and producer, has once again made headlines with his adrenaline-packed film, Top Gun 2. Besides the thrilling plot, another aspect that has kept the audience on their toes is the Harley Davidson motorcycle he rode throughout the film. The bike’s sturdy frame and classic look highlighted Cruise’s fearless character and added to his on-screen charisma. As the movie continues to make waves, one thing is sure – Tom Cruise’s Harley Davidson will go down in history as one of the most iconic bikes in cinematography.
In conclusion, Tom Cruise’s talents as an actor are undeniable, and his choice of vehicles in Top Gun 2 only adds to his legacy. While the film industry continues to evolve, Cruise’s iconic portrayal of Maverick reminds us of a time where gritty action sequences and roaring engines ruled the silver screen. The Harley Davidson in Top Gun 2 was a perfect match for Cruise’s character, and it will go down in cinematic history as a testament to that fact. The film may be over, but the excitement and inspiration that it left behind still lingers, and we can’t help but look forward to Cruise’s next adventure.