Wildguzzi.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: sign216 on August 18, 2019, 05:14:18 PM

Title: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: sign216 on August 18, 2019, 05:14:18 PM
In an idle moment, brought on by the death of Peter Fonda, I looked up what motorcycle film icon Billy Jack rode.

A Triumph.  Which makes sense, and I applaud (a Guzzi would be stretch too far). 

Steve McQueen in The Great Escape also rode a Triumph. 

But I appeal to the community.  Did Guzzi ever have a presence in the American media?

Joe 
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on August 18, 2019, 05:19:11 PM
Magnum Force - Clint Eastwood. All of the cop bikes are Guzzi Ambassadors, until the end when one magically changes into a Triumph and goes for a swim.
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: slopokes on August 18, 2019, 05:19:26 PM
Up in smoke—-chp rode a v700 or ambassador . 👍
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: oldbike54 on August 18, 2019, 05:20:28 PM
  The Ann Margaret video , a few more . I'm not a movie buff .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on August 18, 2019, 05:21:11 PM
 I one of the Dirty Harry movies some of the cops rode Motoguzzi.  Clint Eastwood rode a Guzzi that morphed into a Triumph when it needed to make a jump.
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Dave Swanson on August 18, 2019, 05:41:10 PM
Tom Laughlin was cool.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Cx1scctN/billy-jack.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

But he couldn't beat the king of cool.

(https://i.postimg.cc/k4xQ2z6n/IMG-E5035.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dkVkXWjX)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: yogidozer on August 18, 2019, 05:45:09 PM
Yes Dave Swanson, Steve McQueen was the real deal.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: LowRyter on August 18, 2019, 05:45:20 PM
I thought Billy Jack rode a Yamaha in the first movie, Born Losers.  Didn't care for the other ones.

(https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/images/reviews/190/1251414928_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Ncdan on August 18, 2019, 05:48:41 PM
Yea but Prince rode a 750 Honda with a vetter fairing 😂
(https://i.ibb.co/MR3Ngqy/DCE695-D9-267-E-4-CEB-9-B76-06-C4-F9-DABC7-C.png) (https://ibb.co/MR3Ngqy)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: oldbike54 on August 18, 2019, 05:56:26 PM
Yea but Prince rode a 750 Honda with a vetter fairing 😂
(https://i.ibb.co/MR3Ngqy/DCE695-D9-267-E-4-CEB-9-B76-06-C4-F9-DABC7-C.png) (https://ibb.co/MR3Ngqy)


 Pretty sure that was a 400 Hondamatic .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: bad Chad on August 18, 2019, 05:56:58 PM
Close but no cigar, Prince rode a honda 450 with a Vetter!
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: bad Chad on August 18, 2019, 05:59:19 PM
Whoops, Dusty is right, Hondamatic.  After all he was only 3 feet tall.   Prince that is, not Dusty!
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: guzzinka on August 18, 2019, 06:21:17 PM
In the Muppet Movie, the Muppet bus gets pulled over by a LEO on a Goose - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jenP3kvXUa4  - 37 seconds in
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: TodkaVonic on August 18, 2019, 07:17:45 PM
Pretty sure that was a 400 Hondamatic .

 Dusty

1) FYI you can sit on Prince's motorcycle. It's in the museum of pop culture in Seattle. There aren't even any ropes around it. Def a Honda. I don't know enough about them to say which Honda though.
2) Look, I'm as big a fan of Steve McQueen as anyone, but, well....https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_jAb0kWJHxY
3) Regarding Peter Fonda (RIP), here's a nice short article about Captain America. https://www.npr.org/2014/10/11/354875096/behind-the-motorcycles-in-easy-rider-a-long-obscured-story

Nate
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Ncdan on August 18, 2019, 07:53:21 PM
Pretty sure that was a 400 Hondamatic .

 Dusty
Darn you Dusty, you are right again:( but in my defense when I saw the movie 35 some odd years ago I was so distraught about it being a Honda I didn’t note the exact model. 😂
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Matteo on August 18, 2019, 07:58:01 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/cy9qfgM/EE2-B2748-BB77-4-E8-C-822-A-3-BE9-C783-F3-E9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cy9qfgM)

You can keep the rest😉
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: LowRyter on August 18, 2019, 08:02:23 PM
I like Peter Fonda and Hopper,  Jeremy Slade, and Billy Jack's first girlfriend.  But if I wanted to watch anyone ride a motorcycle (or do anything else),

I'd rather watch Ann Margret.   :drool:
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Robert on August 18, 2019, 08:47:59 PM
Eastwood - -
It seems that in one of his movies, he 'appropriates' a motorcycle (Triumph) to roar through the park in pursuit of ???
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Bulldog9 on August 19, 2019, 06:52:26 AM
2) Look, I'm as big a fan of Steve McQueen as anyone, but, well....https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_jAb0kWJHxY

Nate

I've always heard of that movie, never seen it.  Ann Margaret has to be one of the most beautiful women God ever created... ever.

As for cool, check out these guys... ;-)
(https://i.ibb.co/KxnJnhw/i983232.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KxnJnhw)
 
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: tazio on August 19, 2019, 07:04:19 AM
"Harold and Maude" '69 V750 Police Special
"Rush Hour" 1100 Sport
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: mtiberio on August 19, 2019, 09:31:27 AM
Magnum Force - Clint Eastwood. All of the cop bikes are Guzzi Ambassadors, until the end when one magically changes into a Triumph and goes for a swim.

Right after the "Guzzi" was kick started...
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: rocker59 on August 19, 2019, 09:38:38 AM
Taken during filming of The Wild One, though in the film his ride was a bobbed Matchless.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Xsnfm4vCAs/TfWRoFd2-_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/KxJxMitJ8dc/s640/marlon-brando-the-wild-one.jpg)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: sign216 on August 19, 2019, 04:37:40 PM
Taken during filming of The Wild One, though in the film his ride was a bobbed Matchless.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Xsnfm4vCAs/TfWRoFd2-_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/KxJxMitJ8dc/s640/marlon-brando-the-wild-one.jpg)

Rocker,

Is that photo legitimate?  In that era the film was black n white, and when I looked I didn't see any Guzzi singles there at all. 

Joe
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: JJ on August 19, 2019, 05:15:25 PM
Taken during filming of The Wild One, though in the film his ride was a bobbed Matchless.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Xsnfm4vCAs/TfWRoFd2-_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/KxJxMitJ8dc/s640/marlon-brando-the-wild-one.jpg)

Actually, TWO BIKES -
(https://i.ibb.co/rxdsMQ2/Screen-Shot-2019-08-19-at-3-13-37-PM.png) (https://ibb.co/rxdsMQ2)

(https://i.ibb.co/gW5Cskj/Screen-Shot-2019-08-19-at-3-13-21-PM.png) (https://ibb.co/gW5Cskj)

(https://i.ibb.co/5kv2PDg/Screen-Shot-2019-08-19-at-3-12-31-PM.png) (https://ibb.co/5kv2PDg)
 :thumb: :cool: :wink: :smiley:

Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: LowRyter on August 19, 2019, 08:18:28 PM
Rocker,

Is that photo legitimate?  In that era the film was black n white, and when I looked I didn't see any Guzzi singles there at all. 

Joe



Psssst Joe,

That is Rocker.
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: guzzi771 on August 19, 2019, 08:43:11 PM
Clint Eastwood on a BSA
(https://i.ibb.co/dj1RPdJ/4fed6f6713788714cbb5f6ca8c9b7459.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dj1RPdJ)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: JJ on August 19, 2019, 09:07:55 PM
Clint Eastwood on a BSA
(https://i.ibb.co/dj1RPdJ/4fed6f6713788714cbb5f6ca8c9b7459.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dj1RPdJ)


Look closer...it's a NORTON!!  :thumb: :wink: :cool:
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: rocker59 on August 19, 2019, 09:30:25 PM
Rocker,

Is that photo legitimate?  In that era the film was black n white, and when I looked I didn't see any Guzzi singles there at all. 

Joe

The photo is legit.  It was taken at the studio with color still camera film.  It's not a frame from an outtake from the movie.

I've never seen an explanation for the photo, but it's been public for as long as I can remember.  Maybe it was his bike, or a friend's bike at the studio.  Who knows?  Like you, I don't recall seeing a Guzzi single in the movie.  But, then, there were a lot of supporting bikes in that movie.

Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: rocker59 on August 19, 2019, 09:32:17 PM
Actually, TWO BIKES 

Ah, yes.  The Speed Twin!  I forgot that one!
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: sign216 on August 20, 2019, 04:57:23 AM
The photo is legit.  It was taken at the studio with color still camera film.  It's not a frame from an outtake from the movie.

I've never seen an explanation for the photo, but it's been public for as long as I can remember.  Maybe it was his bike, or a friend's bike at the studio.  Who knows?  Like you, I don't recall seeing a Guzzi single in the movie.  But, then, there were a lot of supporting bikes in that movie.


A color still taken in the studio?  Interesting.  Perhaps it was intended for promotional materials.  It'd be great if the studio made that into a poster. 

Joe
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Rough Edge racing on August 20, 2019, 10:27:07 AM
   


           (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5e/36/09/5e360999c3f43149cc3cdac71ebd40f6.jpg)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: sign216 on September 11, 2019, 07:10:46 AM
The photo is legit.  It was taken at the studio with color still camera film.  It's not a frame from an outtake from the movie.

I've never seen an explanation for the photo, but it's been public for as long as I can remember.  Maybe it was his bike, or a friend's bike at the studio.  Who knows?  Like you, I don't recall seeing a Guzzi single in the movie.  But, then, there were a lot of supporting bikes in that movie.

On an Italian Facebook page the photo was discussed.  An American, Steve Freeman, said "It’s genuine. Still photos for advertising are taken separately to the “moving” reel film. When it came to taking a still for The Wild One” Brando saw the Guzzi belonging to a crew member and decided that it looked better then the Triumph."

Interesting.  Guess that solves the question.
Joe

P.S.  Can someone w skills examine the photo to see if it's "photo-shopped?"  Point out the discrepancies. 
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: kidsmoke on September 11, 2019, 07:57:55 AM
1971. Diamonds are Forever

(https://i.imgur.com/H3CVmTi.png)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: LowRyter on September 11, 2019, 09:19:30 AM
   


           (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5e/36/09/5e360999c3f43149cc3cdac71ebd40f6.jpg)

winner winner, chicken dinner
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: ken farr on September 11, 2019, 09:24:14 AM
   


           (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5e/36/09/5e360999c3f43149cc3cdac71ebd40f6.jpg)

Quite the photo.
Keenan Wynn was quite the motor rider.  He did a low budget police bike film, he did all the riding.  Code 3, I think.  My dad rode with him a few times.
Andy Devine was also quite active back then.
James Coburn.  He was the real deal.  The saying was, Marlon Brando was an actor playing a tough guy, but James Coburn was tough guy who happened to act.
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: sign216 on September 11, 2019, 10:23:01 AM
Taken during filming of The Wild One, though in the film his ride was a bobbed Matchless.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Xsnfm4vCAs/TfWRoFd2-_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/KxJxMitJ8dc/s640/marlon-brando-the-wild-one.jpg)



On an Italian Facebook Guzzi page (MG World Club) some say the above photo is "photoshopped."  That the pictured handlebar isn't correct for a Guzzi.  They also offer this analysis done on another Italian Guzzi site.  Sadly this is in Italian.  Can anyone give me the gist of it?




(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48716886258_f689d845f3_b.jpg)   
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: kidsmoke on September 11, 2019, 10:43:55 AM
On an Italian Facebook Guzzi page (MG World Club) some say the above photo is "photoshopped."  That the pictured handlebar isn't correct for a Guzzi. 

They sure went to a lot of trouble. Here's another, shows a bit more of the bike.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZbkfGzR.png)
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: RinkRat II on September 11, 2019, 01:18:42 PM
   
As a minor point of clarification, the gent next to Keenan Wynn is Lee Marvin. AKA Chino  in The Wild One. :bike-037:

           (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5e/36/09/5e360999c3f43149cc3cdac71ebd40f6.jpg)

        Paul B :boozing:
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: bobrebos on September 11, 2019, 01:36:26 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/cy9qfgM/EE2-B2748-BB77-4-E8-C-822-A-3-BE9-C783-F3-E9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cy9qfgM)

You can keep the rest😉

Bingo!   :bow:
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Moto on September 14, 2019, 09:52:41 PM
The motorcycle Brando rode in The Wild One was his own personal bike, a 6T (650cc) Triumph Thunderbird, not a Speed Twin. To my recollection he never rode a Matchless in the film, though there was at least one in it. It's a great showcase for a variety of contemporary bikes.

Moto
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: JukeboxGothic on September 14, 2019, 11:52:21 PM
Someone posted a picture of Clint Eastwood on a Norton. If I remember correctly he bought it from the factory and there was a lot of trouble as he wasn't meant to ride during filming. I think it was during the filming for,   Where eagles dare. As for Guzzis on film police Falcones in the original Italian Job. One really forgettable one was, "1990 the Bronx warriors" Moto Guzzi Californian.    https://youtu.be/BgUoPOW4nW8
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Mr Pootle on September 15, 2019, 09:36:11 AM
 Let's get into 2018, and British television. Google "Killing Eve motorcycle. I can't work out how to post it here, but I'm sure someone will manage it.
Title: Re: Guzzi is Cool, but Billy Jack rode a Triumph
Post by: Dave Swanson on September 15, 2019, 11:59:24 AM
Let's get into 2018, and British television. Google "Killing Eve motorcycle. I can't work out how to post it here, but I'm sure someone will manage it.

Nice V7  :wink:

(https://i.postimg.cc/W1xSVT60/killing-eve-t.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/d168hYdH/killinf-eve.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PpLL70SY)