Top Gun is a classic action-drama movie, starring Tom Cruise as Maverick, a pilot in the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school. The movie features several exciting motorcycle scenes, with Tom Cruise riding a variety of different bikes. In this article, we’ll explore which bike Tom Cruise rides in Top Gun, and what makes it so special.
The Iconic Yamaha V-Max
The iconic bike featured in several scenes of Top Gun is a Yamaha V-Max. This bike was originally released in 1985 and quickly became one of the most popular bikes ever released by Yamaha. The V-Max was one of the first production motorcycles to feature a liquid-cooled V4 engine, and it was also the first production bike to feature a 16-valve cylinder head.
The Yamaha V-Max also featured a unique chassis design. The frame was made from a lightweight aluminum alloy, which helped keep the bike’s weight down. The bike also featured a single-sided swingarm, which allowed the bike to be more nimble and maneuverable.
The Yamaha V-Max also featured a wide variety of features, such as an adjustable suspension, dual front disc brakes, and a five-speed transmission. The bike was powered by a liquid-cooled 998cc V4 engine, which produced a maximum of 135 horsepower at the crank.
Tom Cruise Rides the Yamaha V-Max in Top Gun
In Top Gun, Tom Cruise rides the Yamaha V-Max in several scenes. The bike is seen in several shots throughout the movie, most notably in the scene where Maverick and Goose chase a MiG-28. The bike is also seen briefly in the beginning of the movie, when Maverick is riding to the base.
The Yamaha V-Max was chosen for its unique styling, power, and agility. The bike is perfect for the fast-paced action scenes featured in Top Gun, and it’s able to keep up with the MiG-28 in the chase scene.
The Legacy of the Yamaha V-Max
The Yamaha V-Max is an iconic motorcycle, and it’s still popular today. The bike was released in 1985, but it still looks modern and stylish. The V-Max is still in production, and it’s available in a variety of different styles and colors.
The Yamaha V-Max is also popular among custom bike builders. The bike’s unique chassis design and powerful engine make it a great platform for custom builds. Many custom bike builders have used the V-Max as a starting point for their creations, and the bike has been featured in several custom bike shows.
The Yamaha V-Max in the Movies
The Yamaha V-Max has also been featured in several other movies, including Terminator 2: Judgement Day, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. The bike is also featured in several video games, including Grand Theft Auto V, Ride to Hell: Retribution, and Road Rash.
Conclusion
The Yamaha V-Max is an iconic motorcycle, and it has been featured in several films and video games. The bike was featured in the classic action-drama movie Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise as Maverick. The bike was chosen for its unique styling, power, and agility, and it was able to keep up with the MiG-28 in the chase scene. The Yamaha V-Max is still popular today, and it’s still in production.