The "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" Bike

"Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" is an action-packed biker film featuring Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke, with a supporting cast including Daniel Baldwin, Chelsea Field, Tom Sizemore, Giancarlo Esposito, and Vanessa Williams. The iconic bike used in the film has a rich backstory, including custom exhaust work done by RB Racing for Mickey Rourke’s character. This article explores the bike’s legacy and its impact on motorcycle culture.

The "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" bike features custom exhaust pipes crafted by RB Racing. These were specially made for Mickey Rourke’s bike for the movie, which included several sets of exhausts tailored to the FXR model. The design was done under the request of Dave Fournier from Bartels Harley Davidson in Culver City, CA. When asked for something unique for the bike, Fournier insisted on a design worthy of the movie poster.

The Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man Bike

Directed by Simon Wincer with a screenplay by Don Michael Paul, the film became a cultural phenomenon despite its financial failure. With a budget of $23 million, it grossed only $7 million. However, the bike used in the film became legendary, leading RB Racing to produce additional exhaust systems for fans who wanted to replicate the bike’s sound and appearance.

The Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man Bike in action

Mickey’s Original FXR

The original exhaust system on Mickey Rourke’s FXR was designed for young riders who loved gritty, custom motorcycles. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, many prominent figures, including movie stars like Gary Busey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and James Caan, had their bikes customized by the late "Two Toes." RB Racing crafted unique exhaust systems for these high-profile bikes, further popularizing custom motorcycle culture.

After Gary Busey’s accident, a new tradition began with mandatory helmet use, a step toward ensuring safety for bikers, especially those in the movie industry.

Dual Megaphones

Mickey Rourke’s bike featured two-inch megaphones that made the bike’s exhaust system stand out, perfect for the movie poster. The chrome detailing was loved by fans, but ultimately, the pipes were reduced to 1½ inch primaries, ensuring they would sputter audibly during the bike’s powerful acceleration.

Mickey’s FXR Redone for the Movie

For the film, the megaphones and white paint were stripped from the bike, and it was transformed into a simpler, more rugged version. Dave Fournier worked on the bike’s final iteration, adding 1½ inch drag pipes. The bike’s transformation included substantial modifications, which cost around $40,000, creating a unique and iconic machine.

The Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man Bike in its final form

The original bike from the movie, also known as "Black Death 3," became a symbol of the chopper craze. It remains one of the most famous motorcycles ever built by Harley Davidson. Gene Thomason of Bartell’s Harley Davidson worked on the bike, which was later signed by Mickey Rourke with the message "Ride Hard Mickey."