Seven Best Motorcycle Movies - a nonprofessional critic's list

Motorcycle Entertainment

I enjoy a good motorcycle related movie or documentary.  I am NOT talking about shows that include motorcycles in it but isn't about motorcycling i.e. Mission: Impossible-Fallout or CHIPS.  

I have watched quite a few, but by no means all of them.  Upon reflection I probably have not watched even a majority of the possible motorcycle movies and/or documentaries, but I have seen enough to make my "Best Motorcycle Movies" list.

With the greatly scaled back social life due to restrictions and respect for health concerns of others I had addition time to watch more shows, movies and documentaries, exceeding my yearly average.  There are some I had seen before and I watched again because I enjoyed them and of course many I had not seen.  The older documentaries have a difficult time living up to the newer one in production and visual quality.

Types of motorcycle movies

I watched movies that were "based on a true story" as well as straight fiction movies.  Documentaries recorded "as it happened" and historic documentaries were part of my viewing catalog. Sometimes the subject of the show was a rider, an event, a brand. a racing season or fictitious characters.  Each one had its own positives and negatives, although some had a lot of negatives :)

I enjoyed the variety of purposes of the movies/documentaries.  Sometimes just entertainment was the focus of the show, other times education was the focus and some seem to have a combination of purposes.

My list of favorite motorcycle related movies and/or documentaries may surprise you, either by the inclusion or exclusion of certain movies.  There is at least two motorcycle movies that are considered classics, and they are classics, but are not shows I want to watch again, so I did not include them on my "Best Motorcycle Movies" list.  In the comments you can let me know if notice which movies are missing and share some of your favorites with us.

My List of the Best Motorcycle Movies

Here is my list of seven motorcycle movies and documentaries I would recommend and I would watch again:

Out of Nothing - Released in 2014 this documentary follows four determined men on their journey to build a land speed record setting motorcycle and to run it at the Bonneville Salt Flats.  We get insights into their motivation, thought process and depth of relationships.  We get to see their runs on the salt, both the good and the bad.  It is a fun movie and has raised my interest in goin to Bonneville even more.      1hr 33min.  -  Trailer                    

Wild Hogs - This 2007 movie uses stereotypes and misinformation to tell an outrageous and, at times, totally unrealistic tale of four friends' cross-country motorcycle trip.  I know it does not help the "motorcycle image" but it is funny.  Not cerebrally funny, more like slap-stick funny.  I mean how else would we have learn about the fun game of "Slap the Bull?"   The underlying truth of  how fun and refreshing a long trip with friends can be is something riders understand.  It also seem each riding group I know has a "Dudley" in the group.   2hr 32min  Trailer    

Harley and the Davidsons is a 2016 three episode miniseries based on the true story of the beginning Harley Davidson motorcycles.  Great action shots of motorcycle races and quality time-period setting.  The docudrama chronicles some of the early advancements and challenges that were face.  There are some obvious Hollywood speculation and dramatization, but the series is solid and well worth the time.  4hrs 6min Trailer   

Fastest - Even if you are not a motorcycle racing fan the 2011 MotoGP documentary is exciting and enlightening.  Watching riders hit 200mph and take hairpin corners at amazing speeds, sliding the rear end and/or raising the front wheel all within inches of each other is a testament to riders' abilities and the machines' amazing performance.  All the riders compete trying to win the world championshipe and be the fastest.   1hr 50min  Trailer

Hitting the Apex - This is another great film from the world of street bike racing. The documentary highlights six MotoGP riders during the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons.  It shows the intensity, the talent and the tragedy of the three seasons.  Watching these men ride $1,000,000  machines at breathtaking speeds is intense 2015.  You don't have to love racing to enjoy this movie.      2hr 19min  Trailer    

World's Fastest Indian - Based on a true story with some Hollywood flair and great acting by Anthony Hopkins, this show is great!  The adventure of New Zealander Burt Munro's journey to Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats is both entertaining and heartwarming.  Burt's dream of setting a land speed record on his 1920 Indian motorcycle drives him to come to American for a opportunity for rewrite the record books.  This is a fun and family friendly movie.   2006   2hr 7min  Trailer     

Why we Ride - Released in 2013 Why We Ride is more than just a documentary.  It comes as close to explaining to a non-rider why riders ride.   The thrill, challenges, adventures and joy of riding is told by professional racers, builders, and everyday riders providing the audience with insights to the passion and love of motorcyclists worldwide.  When you are asked "why do you risk so much and ride a motorycle?" have that person watch this movie.    1hr 29min  Trailer  

I realize my taste in movies is different than a lot of riders and your Best Motorcycle Movies list is probably different.  I love motorcycle movies and I realize I have a lot more to watch and then my list will probably change. 

I hope you will leave a comment and share your favorite motorcycle movies.  I am always looking for something to good to watch that isn't Hollywood glam and propaganda or politically charged nonsense.  

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AGV K1 Rossi Helmet Review

Comfort and Brain Protection

My son on a ride and discussing helmets

This past fall it was time to replace my Arai Profile helmet.  I had enjoyed the comfort, performance and durability of the Arai Profile for several years.  I had no complaints and was planning to replace it with another Arai helmet.  

When I started looking I called my Bell Qualifier into service.  The Bell is a great helmet, but the road noise is noticeably louder and airflow less evident. It is an adequate backup helmet, but I wanted another helmet with low road noise, good airflow and was comfortable.

 

Partnership Perk!

Earlier in the summer my blog and I had developed an affiliate partnership with Dainese and AGV.  To my surprised, about the time I was to beginning to look for a new helmet, Dainese/AGV sent me an email providing me with an affiliate "perk."  I was provided with an affiliate partner 25% off code for one item!

Well, with that "perk" I had to at least look at the options available to me.  I looked at all the AGV helmets, read professional and amateur reviews and visited some shops to try on some AGV's.  After quite a bit of research and though I decided to order the K1 Rossi Mugello helmet.  

The AGV sitting on my VFR

Disclosure

It is important to note I did receive a discount, but I am under no pressure or agreement to provide a review of any kind, especially no agreement or pressure to provide a positive review.  The following are completely my honest thoughts of the helmet.

                                                             

Riding and Testing the AGV K1

The Mugello paint scheme is from the 2015 MotoGP season.  It is clearly a Valentino Rossi helmet, the number 46 is prominently displayed on the crown of the helmet and a smaller 46 is on the right side of the helmet.  The silver, blue and neon green make the helmet highly visible. 

DOT approved K1 Rossi Mugello

AGV states that the K1 is "Aerodynamic shape, racing-developed front air vents and wind-tunnel engineered aero spoiler maximize performances while providing stability at higher speed."  

At 1,600 g/3.527 lbs. it is one of the heavier AGV street helmets, but when I wear the AGV it does not feel as heavy as the Arai Profile.  When riding at a spirited pace the rode noise is low, but maybe just a little louder than the Arai Profile.  I use Bose earbuds plugged into my Sena 20s Bluetooth communication system and listen to my music.  I noticed no difference in the music volume between the Arai and AGV helmets.

The Sena 20s works great

The AGV comes Pinlock(c) ready, but I have not added insert. 190 degree horizontal view increases visibility.  The five large vents provide good airflow which is important to me considering the warmer weather in Texas.  A "micro-opening system" is part of the helmet.  a "quick-action" button on the chin bar lifts the visor a small amount which increases airflow. I really like this feature!

The AGV micro-opening system is very useful

The base of the helmet is contoured which is reduce the possibilities of helmet impact with the collarbone in a crash situation.  AGV also states the helmet's impact protection has "4 Densities EPS Max protection in every area.  Hopefully I will not have to report on the efficiency of  the design or the impact protection.   

Contoured base profile increases safety

The interior cheek and crown pads are removeable and washable.  They are made with a dry-comfort fabric.  They are comfortable and soft, although the Arai interior fabric was softer.  On first ride I found the comfort to be on par with the Arai.  T
he K1 uses a standard double D helmet strap, but the helmet is not what I would call "standard."  

Comfortable and removeable interior pads

One aspect I like a lot better than the Arai is the easy of exchanging the visor.  At the time of purchase I also ordered a tinted visor.  I use the tinted visor during daylight savings time.  The visor mechanism is intuitive and works smoothly  during the visor exchange. 

The visor exchange system is quick and smooth

Final Thoughts

I like the K1.  It is comfortable, provides good airflow, has superior visibility and keeps road noise on the lower end.  I love the contoured base and the spoiler on the back of the helmet.  The paint job is very visible and my favorite so far, but I am a Rossi fan.

Photo from Motorionline

Have now purchased and used three really good helmets.  All three I would wear on a multiday trip with no reservations, but how would I rank them?

1) Arai Profile

2) AGV K1

3) Bell Profile

A high quality helmet is worth the investment.  What has been your favorite helmet?  Let us all know by leaving a comment.

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Best Motorcycle Podcasts

 

In the Fall of 2019 my work commute was 45 minutes, if traffic was good and could be much longer if someone had a fender bender.  I listened to a lot of radio, especially talk radio as the political campaigns were ramping up.  I found all the negativity, name calling, hyperbole and hypocrisy put me in a bad mood by the time I got to work and/or when I arrived home.

I knew I needed to get some "positive" input for my brain so I decided to try listening to podcasts. I listened to some financial, investment and spiritual podcasts and enjoyed them, Podcasts were new to me but I was getting the hang of it.  I tried a couple of different podcast apps.  Each one had some features the other one did not have.  I experimented with both podcast apps, but ultimately decided I like the Google Podcast app.  I really liked the ability to change the replay speed.  I could set the replay speed of the broadcast and hear more over less time.  At 1.5X normal speed I could get through most shows without having to listen to the "pregnant" pauses or other moments of silence. 

I I decided to add motorcycle related podcasts to my listening portfolio.  With a simple Internet search I found there were a lot of podcasts from all over the world.  I did find when I listened to some of the British podcasts I had to slow down the speed of the broadcast - my Texas-speak ears needed more time for the Brits. :) 

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To begin I did a simple search through the app for "motorcycles" and subscribed to a few podcasts.  I later searched the Internet for "Best Motorcycle Podcasts."  I cross referenced some websites and subscribed to the podcasts which appeared on multiple sites.  I figured if two or three people liked the podcast it would be good - not necessarily, I learned.  

I listen to multiple episodes before eliminating a podcast from my list. Some broadcast just stopped producing new episodes without explanation while at least one announced the end and concluded with a final show.  A few appear to be very sporadic with episodes months apart so they may or may not still be going.  Some are sponsored by large companies, but most are sponsored by listeners and smaller companies.

I loosely group the various shows into the following five categories:

Racing News & Commentary - Professional racing of all types with race reviews, predictions and interviews of current or former racers

Industry News/Opinion - Manufacturer news about bikes, gear, accessories & interviews of riders or industry experts

Women's - Specifically for women and/or by women - interviews and information specifically designed to educate and motivate female motorcycle riders.

Builders/Garage/Mods - Information about vintage and modern bikes, modifications and DIY information

Reviews/Information - Random reviews of bikes, gear, accessories and at times interviews of riders (professional and nonprofessional)

A couple of the "top rated" podcast were just guys talking and joking about motorcycles, politics, etc.  I found them to be just opinionated ramblings with some coarse joking and overrated, but you need to decide for yourself.

The following podcasts I found to be entertaining and informing (I am a big fan of MotoGP and other roadracing series and a novice fan of motocross, supercross).  I recommend you listen to two or three episodes of the following shows:  (Alphabetical order)

Adventure Rider Radio - Information, stories and interview dealing with adventure riding

Girl on a Moto - "Girl on a Moto is a podcst for women by women, to empower one another in the motorcycle community" - I do not listen to this now, but it is highly recommended by female riders

Greg's Garage - Racing news and interviews - MotoAmerica, WSB, MotoGP, Flat track, Supercross and more

Highside Lowside - sponsored by Revzilla, all topics of the motorcycle world covered

MotoAmerica Off Track - Information and interviews about MotoAmerica racing series

MotoWeek - Expert review of MotoGP and other series, great insights and interviews

Paddock Pass Podcast - motorcycle racing series covered and racer interviews

The Full Tank Motorcycle Podcast - motorcycle news and stories discussed

Throttled Motorcycle Podcast - "We discuss the news and tell semi-true stories from the world of motorcycling."

I have greatly enjoyed the variety in the podcasts I have listened to.  There are professional broadcasters, everyday riders, big sponsored, listener sponsored, lifetime industry members, racers, enthusiasts, experts, novice and everything in between.

Full discloser - I do not know or have any connection professionally or personally to any of the podcast members or companies, but sure would love to meet some of them!  

I hope you enjoy listening, learning and being entertained.  If you have a favorite podcast please let me know in the comments.

Check out Tuesday Trivia about motorcycles

             

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Update

Page changed to "Motorcycles Facts, Trivia and History" from Tuesday Trivia after two years of posting.

The Ordinary Biker Oz Motorcycles Facts, Trivia and Historypage is now 1 year old!  The first entry was made January 14, 2020 concerning a German engineer named Gottlieb Daimler. A new installment has been added each week, except for the week of June 30th (I was leading a week of riding in the Rocky Mountins of Colorado for some friends) and the week of Thanksgiving (I was in rural Mississippi visiting the in-laws and eating great country cooking).

I have learned a lot and learned I have a lot yet to learn.  The history of motorcycles and the men and women who have help to advance motorcycle technology, riding, racing, usage and enjoyment is interesting and creates a spirit of thankfulness to those who have ridden ahead of us.

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The number of "failures" and disappointments are far greater than the successes and exuberant moments which make it to the "history books."  I often wonder how many versions of the first KTM motorcycle failed before the R100 was released (see September 22 post).  

How many riders died before T.E. Lawrence's death and Sir Hugh Cairns decided to develop safety motorcycle helmets (See July 14th's Trivia) and the development of rider safety gear that followed.

I look forward to learning, sharing and adding more Tuesday Trivia in 2021.  I hope you enjoy it and learn something new and interesting. 

It has also been a year of my affiliate relationships with Dainese and Duke Cannon.  As an affiliate, if a reader follows a link from here to the affiliate site and makes a purchase I get a small commission.  I have ordered and used products of both companies before becoming an affiliate and I still am a customer to both.  I enthusiastically recommend both companies and would even if I wasn't an affiliate partner with them. 

Thank you to the readers who have followed a link and made a purchase!  

Be safe and enjoy the ride and when not riding visit Tuesday Trivia, my most read review posts, my recommended venders page or the latest post at Ordinary Biker Oz.      Be sure to leave a comment and/or question.  I love hearing from you.

       

Connect and follow on social media

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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