What Motorcycle Was in Top Gun?
The iconic 1986 film Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, revolved around the life of ace fighter pilot Maverick and his experiences at the U.S. Navy’s fighter weapons school. While the movie focused primarily on the aviators, a memorable addition to the film was Maverick’s sleek and stunning motorcycle. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of motorcycles in Top Gun and answer the question: What motorcycle was in Top Gun?
Background
Top Gun was a massive commercial success, grossing over $356 million worldwide and cementing Tom Cruise’s status as a Hollywood superstar. The film’s success led to a franchise with subsequent sequels, including 1988’s Top Gun: Beyond the Clouds, a television special, and 2020’s Top Gun: Maverick. Since its release, the iconic motorcycle featured in the first film has become an important part of its nostalgic allure.
The Motorcycle: Eddie Lawson Special
The motorcycle that stars in Top Gun is Eddie Lawson Special. The Eddie Lawson Special is not a production bike, but rather a custom-built Husqvarna WR750, modified to resemble Eddie Lawson’s 1983 WR500 Championship-winning motorcycle. 1 Lawson, a talented American professional motorcycle road-racer, rode for Kenny Roberts’ Kamon Racing team during this period.
Here are the key specifications of the bike:
| Feature | Eddie Lawson Special |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Husqvarna WR750 |
| Engine | 750 cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled V-twin |
| Color | Black and silver scheme, inspired by Lawson’s championship-winning bike |
| Modifications | Custom-built fork, modified frame, tank, and seat |
1 Source: Husqvarna Motorcycles Ltd.
Design and Manufacturing
The motorcycle was customized by Rick Perry at Perry’s Motorcycles in California. Perry created the Eddie Lawson Special to resemble Eddie Lawson’s victorious 1983 WR500, incorporating its distinctive look, including the black and silver color scheme. Due to the limited availability and high demand for the bespoke motorcycle, only about 100 units were made.
