Yes Fink, something about a woman in leather on a bike! Thanks for that Panuno, there's loads of great YT clips of bikes. I even watch some just to get touring tips and the like.
Here's what I would class as the ultimate biker song; freedom, red haired woman in leather, love and death.
Just working through some of your suggestions. Always got time for Elvis. I remember that story, how he was rich enough to buy off the police, so him and his buddies could tear it up. There's an idea that interests me in that Richard Thompson song> why do we believe that certain motorbikes have a soul?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyYz9iV25Fg
Here's the clip from IF, I hadn't remembered any of this.
I think in the 70's UK motorbikes were seen as an economy transport. It was Alejandro de Tomaso(he owned Guzzi and Benelli, and is an interesting character) who saved the Italian Motorcycle industry by forcing the government to impose tariffs on cheap Japanese imports. Italian motorbikes had the same prestige as sports cars in Italy.
I've not seen this whole film, The Prophet. But Ann Margret on a Moto Guzzi. And cheeky way to get money for a tank of petrol!
Okay this is just another piece of pure self indulgence. There is a motorbike at 16 secs in. There is a woman in leather. A character who did more for; equality, style, glamour and pure sexuality than any other(in mine and about 20 million other peoples opinion I'm sure), Emma Peel>
Watch The Italian Job again, Guzzi 500 Falcone police bikes join in the chase.....at least one Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry film (Magnum Force) has lots of V7/850 Guzzi police bikes throughout...i have a copy saved of The Leather Boys if anybody would like a copy....belissima
Sidestepping from films to documentaries and amateur films for a moment there are quite a few featuring 1960s Rockers, proper diy clip-on, rearset caff racers. This one makes me smile, country scenes are on the A6 Matlock to Whatstandwell but I dont recognise the urban location. What's interesting about my reaction is that I'd join in with this lot but regard their modern day equivalents on scooters and quad bikes with abhorrence. Time and my nostalgia goggles perhaps making the difference.
SlowlyDuzlt> Hey all footage is valid. I'm not sure if biking is an obsession(or an addiction). If I'm not riding, I'm watching footage, or riding a virtual bike. Great footage of those classic racers.
There was a massive mutual respect between British car and motorbike designers and their Italian equivalents. So I remember some footage where they asked some of the designers at Ferrari, which cars inspired them, Jaguars(E-type). I saw some footage the other day, top Italian motorbike designer, when the BSA Goldstar was mentioned, he was obviously moved. I like this clip(bit long) but it's all about the aesthetics and passion. Interesting that Japanese collectors buy modern copies of the Gilera Saturno, because they realise that their industry had sucked the soul out of motorcycles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3uc70R7vz4 (only for aficionados, and much of the last part is ropy)
Motorcycles do often feature in Bond films. Making for some exciting chase scenes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHRLX8jRjq8
I like Daniel Craig, (but can't help but feel some envy). Not only has he travelled the world having fun making the films, he's worked with some of the most glamorous women, and other fine actors. He has cracked a £100M from Bond, but to top it all he marries Rachel Weisz.(give the rest of us a freakin chance Daniel!)
Is that the clip 12 posts up^. This is an exciting sequence, Carrie-Anne Moss on a Ducati. If you really want to hone your skills(commit suicide!), drive into oncoming traffic on motorway(I only do it in GTAV).
Great song by The Shangri Las(plus good sound effects), with clips from The Wild One.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37UTpnPTvIk
I was thinking that it was these bikesploitation films(60-70's), that fabricated the stereotype of bikers. Who as we know are just ordinary people who choose a different form of transport. Funny watching the Butch types play up to that stereotype!