16 Classic Motorcycles Owned by Celebrities
When Hollywood stars and music legends aren’t busy entertaining millions, many of them can be found tinkering with engines, polishing chrome, or roaring down country roads on some of the world’s most coveted motorcycles. These celebrities don’t just collect any bikes – they gravitate toward classics that combine history, craftsmanship, and that indefinable cool factor that made these machines legendary in the first place.
From Steve McQueen’s racing-bred Triumphs to Jay Leno’s museum-worthy collection, these famous folks understand that classic motorcycles represent more than just transportation. Here is a list of 16 remarkable classic motorcycles that belong to some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Jay Leno’s 1931 Henderson Four
The former Tonight Show host owns over 100 motorcycles worth more than $10 million, and his 1931 Henderson Four stands out as a rare piece bought from a private collector who restored it over five years. Henderson motorcycles were known for their smooth four-cylinder engines and impressive reliability during the 1920s and 1930s.
Leno’s example represents the pinnacle of American motorcycle engineering from that era, complete with the distinctive inline-four layout that made Henderson bikes so desirable among riders who wanted something different from the typical V-twin setup.
Steve McQueen’s 1934 Indian Sport Scout
This circa 1934 Indian Sport Scout sold for a world record $177,500 at auction, making it one of the maker’s most successful models in the 1930s and a favorite marque of Steve McQueen. The Sport Scout was Indian’s answer to performance-hungry riders who wanted speed without sacrificing reliability.
McQueen owned this particular machine during his peak Hollywood years, and it perfectly captured his rebellious spirit. Steve McQueen had over 200 motorcycles in his collection, but this Indian held special significance as one of his most prized possessions.
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Jay Leno’s Brough Superior SS100
Known as the ‘Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,’ this bike is a prized item among collectors. The Brough Superior SS100 was the superbike of its day, hand-built in England and guaranteed to reach 100 mph – hence the name.
Every SS100 was individually tested and came with a certificate showing the actual top speed achieved. Lawrence of Arabia famously owned several Brough Superiors, and Leno’s example continues that tradition of attracting notable owners who appreciate mechanical excellence.
Keanu Reeves’ Norton 850 Roadster
If you keep your eyes peeled, you may see the ‘John Wick’ star riding around on a Norton 850 Roadster. The classic British-made bike is on the wishlist of many motorcycle enthusiasts and has developed a huge fan base over the years.
Originally produced in 1973, the 850 was the larger, improved version of the 750, with a larger engine, and featured Norton’s new Isolastic frame design that isolated the swingarm and the engine from the frame of the bike. This engineering innovation helped reduce vibration, making the 850 much more comfortable to ride than earlier Norton models.
Brad Pitt’s Ecosse Titanium Series XX
The Ecosse Titanium Series XX, owned by Brad Pitt, is worth over $300,000. This ultra-exclusive motorcycle represents the absolute pinnacle of modern motorcycle engineering, with only a handful ever produced.
The titanium construction keeps weight to a minimum while providing incredible strength, and the carbon fiber bodywork showcases advanced materials typically found in Formula 1 racing. Pitt’s ownership of this machine demonstrates his appreciation for cutting-edge engineering wrapped in timeless design.
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Steve McQueen’s 1963 Triumph Bonneville Desert Sled
Steve McQueen was known for racing Triumph motorcycles, and his 1963 Triumph Bonneville Desert Sled was one of his classic rides. The Desert Sled was Triumph’s answer to off-road racing in the American Southwest, where riders needed bikes that could handle sand, rocks, and extreme heat.
McQueen used machines like this to compete in grueling desert races including the Baja 1000, proving that his love for motorcycles went far beyond Hollywood glamour into serious competitive riding.
Ewan McGregor’s BMW R1150GS
Ewan McGregor’s rugged BMW R1150GS became famous through his adventure riding documentaries. McGregor is so passionate about riding that he took his good friend Charlie Boorman on no less than three record-breaking trips on their respective bikes, and it was all documented on camera for what has come to be known as iconic adventure documentaries: The Long Way Round, The Long Way Down and The Long Way Up.
The R1150GS was BMW’s flagship adventure touring machine, designed to handle everything from European highways to African dirt roads with equal competence.
Tom Cruise’s Vyrus 987 C3 V4
Tom Cruise owns several motorcycles including a Vyrus 987 C3 V4 worth over $100,000. The Vyrus represents Italian engineering at its most exotic, featuring a hub-center steering system instead of traditional forks.
This innovative design provides incredible stability and handling precision, making it the perfect choice for an actor known for performing his own stunts. The bike’s aggressive styling and advanced technology reflect Cruise’s taste for cutting-edge machinery.
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Steve McQueen’s 1951 Triumph Thunderbird
This 1951 Triumph Thunderbird was powered by its 650cc engine. Its striking headlight and the luggage grid on top of the fuel tank distinguished this bike. The Thunderbird was Triumph’s flagship model during the early 1950s, designed to compete with larger American V-twins.
McQueen rode this particular machine while exploring British countryside during filming breaks, and its distinctive styling with the prominent headlight nacelle made it instantly recognizable as a classic British twin.
Ryan Reynolds’ Honda CB750 Café Racer
Ryan Reynolds owns a collection of rare custom-built motorcycles that include: Honda CB750 Café Racer by Raccia Motorcycles. The bike, reminiscent of the first motorcycle that Reynolds learned to ride on, took seven months to build and has a unique construction that sets it apart from the standard-built Honda CB750s.
This custom café racer combines the reliability of Honda’s revolutionary four-cylinder engine with the stripped-down aesthetic that defines the café racer movement.
Ewan McGregor’s Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
McGregor also has a favorite: Moto Guzzi, the oldest European manufacturer in continuous production. He owns a Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, which he once called ‘one of the most beautiful bikes ever built.’
The V7 Sport was Moto Guzzi’s sportiest offering during the 1970s, featuring the distinctive transverse V-twin engine layout that became the Italian company’s signature. Its elegant lines and purposeful stance made it a favorite among riders who appreciated understated European style.
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Brad Pitt’s BMW R75
Among his extensive collection of bikes, Brad Pitt is the owner of a BMW R75, a World War II-era motorcycle that’s now a rare collector’s model. The R75 was originally designed for military use, featuring a sidecar and sophisticated drive system that could handle the worst battlefield conditions.
Today, these machines are incredibly rare and represent a fascinating piece of both motorcycle and military history. Pitt’s ownership reflects his interest in historically significant machinery.
Pink’s Triumph Bonneville T100
Pink enjoys rolling around in style and you’ll often see her riding on her Triumph T100 – featuring a classic cream colour option. The T100 represents Triumph’s modern interpretation of their classic parallel twin formula, combining vintage styling with contemporary reliability and performance.
Pink’s choice of the cream color scheme gives her bike a distinctly retro aesthetic that perfectly matches the Bonneville’s timeless design language.
Norman Reedus’ Honda CB750
Walking Dead star, Norman Reedus, was once a motorcycle engineer. This skill is often incorporated into the characters he plays when acting. Reedus owns a few bikes including a Honda CB750.
The CB750 was Honda’s game-changing superbike that revolutionized motorcycling when it debuted in 1969. With its four-cylinder engine, disc brake, and electric starter, it set new standards for performance and reliability that other manufacturers scrambled to match.
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Steve McQueen’s 1933 Matchless Silver Hawk
Bonhams records this 1933 Matchless Silver Hawk as being part of Steve Mcqueen’s collection and having sold for $46,000 in 2005. The Matchless brand started in 1899. The Silver Hawk was powered by a 592cc engine, with reported top speeds of 85 mph.
The Silver Hawk was Matchless’ attempt to create a sophisticated touring machine that could compete with the best European motorcycles of its era. Its narrow V-twin engine and refined styling made it a gentleman’s motorcycle, perfect for covering long distances in comfort and style.
Bradley Cooper’s Triumph Thruxton
Known best for his A-class acting in pictures like the Hangover, A Star is Born and Limitless, Cooper is often seen on two wheels. As a well-known Triumph Motorcycles enthusiast, the star is regularly snapped by the paparazzi on his Red Thruxton.
The Thruxton pays homage to the café racers of the 1960s, when riders would modify their bikes for high-speed runs between London cafés. Cooper’s red example captures that rebellious spirit while providing modern reliability and performance that makes it perfect for navigating Los Angeles traffic.
The Legacy Lives On
These classic motorcycles represent more than just celebrity possessions – they’re rolling pieces of automotive history that connect today’s stars with the golden age of motorcycling. Whether it’s McQueen’s racing heritage, Leno’s preservation efforts, or Reeves’ hands-on involvement in motorcycle manufacturing, these celebrities understand that classic bikes aren’t just about looking cool.
They’re about experiencing the pure mechanical connection between rider and machine that modern technology sometimes overshadows. Each of these motorcycles tells a story not just of Hollywood glamour, but of the enduring appeal of well-engineered, beautifully designed machines that continue to captivate riders decades after they first rolled off the production line.
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