Harley Davidson – The Motorcycle of Choice For Celebrities

By Todd Hardy

Mention the word motorcycle and chances are the first thing that comes to your mind is a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Think of motorcycle-riding celebrities and for sure among the things that you will think about are Harley-riding celebrities like Elvis Presley and Peter Fonda.

The Harley motorcycles are considered an iconic brand that it can stand alone even without a celebrity endorser. However, it is the celebrities themselves who show off their Harleys making them in effect unofficial endorsers of the motorcycle.

Harleys is the favored motorcycle brand among favourite actors and politicians. Here are some favourite personalities who have been seen riding or just photographed with a Harley.

Bill Clinton
Who can beat the Harley when even the President of the United Says has been shown astride the famous motorcycle? The pic of former President Bill Clinton astride the favourite motorcycle brand while he was still Arkansas governor is enough advertising pitch for Harley Davidson. And when he became President, Clinton was even photographed hugging a Harley employee during a visit to the Harley plant.

Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley has been identified with the Harley motorcycles which were featured in some of his films. The King of Rock and Roll is however a real-life Harley fan and has in fact owned several Harley motorcycles. Even after his death, Elvis is still being linked to the motorcycle brand with his favorite Harley now on display at the Harley Museum. The company has also released 30 limited edition replicas of the favorite Harley motorcycle of Elvis to commemorate his 30 years death anniversary in 2007.

Jay Leno
Jay Leno is another certified Harley Davidson fan but unlike other celebrities who just love to ride their motorcycles, Leno, whose first job is that of a mechanic, is noted for being a hands-on Harley owner as he takes care of his motorcycle’s repair and maintenance. He owns several Harley motorcycles and adores to get on top and under his Harleys too.

Elizabeth Taylor
If you think that Harleys are favourite only among male celebrities then Elizabeth Taylor’s fondness for the motorcycle will establish you wrong. The legendary star does not however own just an ordinary motorcycle but a Purple Passion Harley to match her eyes from pal Malcolm Forbes who himself owns more than fifty Harleys.

Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper
It might have been taken years ago but pictures of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper astride their Harley motorcycles in the 1969 motion picture Simple Rider is still in demand today. This pic is a classic Harley poster that has been etched in the minds of motorcycle lovers through the years.

Brigitte Bardot
This 1950s bombshell is not just famous for her vital statistics but also for her romance with the Harley motorcycle. Next to the pic of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, it is probably the pic of Bardot astride a Harley wearing a leather crown that is partially unzipped as well as hot pants that will always remain in the memories of riders loyal to the brand. Even her debut single which became a hit had the Harley Davidson title.

The list of celebrities who have at one time in their lives owned and rode a Harley motorcycle is endless. It is perhaps Harley’s timeless appeal that makes it a favorite among people from all walks of life and from all economic status. Celebrities, after all, are just humans who could not resist the HD charm.