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What was the motorcycle in top gun?

What was the Motorcycle in Top Gun?

The iconic 1986 film Top Gun has left an indelible mark on popular culture, and one of the most memorable scenes is the encounter between Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Charlie (Kelly McGillis) at the beachside bar, where Maverick rides a distinctive motorcycle. But what is this motorcycle, and why is it so significant to the film?

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The Motorcycle Revealed

The motorcycle in Top Gun is a Evel Knievel Honda CBX 1000, a rare and custom-built bike that was lent to the film’s producers by the legendary stunt performer Evel Knievel. The bike was chosen specifically for its unique design, which featured a distinctive silver and black paint job and a high-performance engine that could reach speeds of up to 150 mph.

A Brief History of the Bike

The Honda CBX 1000 was a motorcycle produced by Honda from 1978 to 1982. It was designed to be a high-performance bike, with a unique inline-six cylinder engine that produced 105 horsepower and 65 lb-ft of torque. The bike quickly gained a reputation for being fast and agile, and it became popular among motorcyclists who wanted a bike that could handle high-speed cornering and hard acceleration.

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Evel Knievel’s Connection to Top Gun</hassistant<|end_header_id|>>

Evel Knievel’s Connection to Top Gun

Evel Knievel, the legendary stunt performer, had a close relationship with the film’s director, Tony Scott. In the early 1980s, Knievel was in the process of building a new motorcycle business, and Scott was one of his biggest fans. When Scott approached Knievel about lending a bike to the film, Knievel was more than happy to oblige.

Knievel’s Custom-built Bike

Knievel customized the Honda CBX 1000 to create the bike that appears in the film. He added a unique paint job, fitted the bike with high-performance tires, and made various other modifications to make the bike more aggressive and stylish. The bike was dubbed the "Knievel Special" and was driven by Maverick in the film.

Significance to the Film

The motorcycle played a significant role in the film, serving as a symbol of Maverick’s rebellious and adventurous personality. The bike’s performance and handling were also put to the test in the film’s iconic beach chase scene, where Maverick and Charlie ride the bikes at high speeds along the beach.

Impact on the Motorcycle Industry

The motorcycle in Top Gun had a significant impact on the motorcycle industry, with many enthusiasts wanting to own a bike that looked like the one used in the film. Honda even released a limited edition CBX 1000 model in the late 1980s, dubbed the "Top Gun Special", which featured a unique paint job and other customization options.

Conclusion

The motorcycle in Top Gun is more than just a prop; it’s a symbol of the film’s themes of rebellion, adventure, and high-performance. The bike’s unique design and customization options make it a standout in the film, and its connection to Evel Knievel adds an extra layer of significance to its role. Whether you’re a fan of motorcycles or just enjoy the film, the Evel Knievel Honda CBX 1000 remains an iconic and memorable piece of movie history.

Some Interesting Facts

  • The Evel Knievel Honda CBX 1000 is one of the rarest and most valuable motorcycles in the world, with a price tag of over $100,000.
  • The bike was originally intended for use in a separate project, but Knievel was so impressed with the film’s script that he agreed to lend it to the production.
  • The bike’s paint job is a unique combination of silver and black, with subtle stripes and graphics that reflect Knievel’s style.
  • The bike has been exhibited at various motorcycle shows and events over the years, and is now considered a piece of automotive history.

Table: Top Gun Motorcycle Specifications

SpecificationsEvel Knievel Honda CBX 1000
Engine1,000cc inline-six cylinder
Power105 horsepower
Torque65 lb-ft
Top Speed150 mph
Weight470 lbs
ColorsSilver and black with stripes and graphics
Year1978-1982

Bullet Points: Key Takeaways

  • The motorcycle in Top Gun is a custom-built Evel Knievel Honda CBX 1000.
  • The bike was lent to the film’s producers by Evel Knievel, who customized it specifically for the film.
  • The bike’s unique design and performance made it a standout in the film.
  • The bike has become one of the rarest and most valuable motorcycles in the world.
  • The film’s use of the motorcycle helped to popularize the bike and increase its desirability among motorcycle enthusiasts.

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