Fall Frenzy, Empty Gas Tank: Why Motorcyclists Shouldn’t Hold Their Breath for New Movies

The fall movie season is in full swing, with entertainment writers buzzing about which films will make a splash. Meanwhile, motorcyclists have been waiting with bated breath for some much-needed attention on the world of motorcycles.

New movies often fail to deliver when it comes to motorcycles – or worse, perpetuate tired stereotypes and inaccuracies that have become a hallmark of Hollywood’s approach to two-wheeled vehicles. The entertainment industry still has much to learn about capturing the essence of motorcycling. With the rise of motorcycle culture in recent years, from the resurgence of classic marques like Triumph and Harley-Davidson to the increasingly mainstream appeal of adventure touring, one would think filmmakers would take note.

However, the industry’s approach often feels more focused on style over substance. Take action movies, for instance, which have become notorious for their absurd stunts, conveniently placed hero bikes, and disregard for basic motorcycle safety protocols. This recipe for disaster has been seen before in films like The Devil’s Ride (2012) and Hell’s Angels (2008), both of which perpetuated stereotypes rather than delivering an authentic biker drama.

Despite these misfires, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon. Motorcycle-centric streaming services like Rev’ It and Motorcyclist On Demand have gained popularity, leading to more attention paid to creating high-quality content that caters specifically to motorcyclists. While major studios continue to dabble in bike-themed films, it’s clear they still have much to learn from smaller, niche counterparts.

Motorcycle enthusiasts should remain cautiously optimistic as the fall movie season gets underway. Rather than pinning hopes on Hollywood blockbusters that often fail to deliver, enthusiasts would do better to focus on independent creators and smaller production houses genuinely passionate about capturing the spirit of motorcycling. With a growing appetite for motorcycle-centric content, opportunities are arising for enthusiasts to get involved – whether as producers, writers, or stars. Collaborations between established brands like Harley-Davidson and up-and-coming creators who are pushing the boundaries of motorcycle storytelling can be expected in the future.