Motorcycles have long since been associated with the crazy and daring stunts performed on them by some of the most daring riders in the history of motorcycle riding. Some of the most memorable moments in history involved custom motorcycles and daredevil stunts that people are sure to remember. Here are three of the most famous custom motorcycles and the daredevil stunts they inspired.

1. 1972 Harley Davidson XR750

If these custom motorcycles sound familiar, they should. These bikes were made famous by none other than the most widely known motorcycle stunt rider, Evel Knievel. This XR750 was almost identical to the 1970 XR 750, with one crucial difference. Instead of being iron barrel, it was aluminum alloy. Evel Knievel used these custom motorcycles for many jumps and these light, only about 300 pounds, custom motorcycles made breaking records easy for Evel Knievel. Every one recognizes the stars on Evel Knievel’s cape and the matching ones on the custom motorcycles seat of his bikes.

2. 1949 CZ

This was a Czechoslovakian motorcycle, literally the ceska zbrojowka, which translates to mean weapon factory in English. These custom motorcycles were made famous by the brilliant actor James Dean, who is most famous for his role in the smash hit ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. The 1948 model of the CZ was the first series of 350 ccs. It used the same frame as the 250 cc model. The motor of the 1949 CZ owned by James Dean had flat pistons, reverse flow, and a 358 cc capacity. Though James Dean died at the young age of 24, his memory has never been stronger. James Dean also had another brand of custom motorcycles. He had a British Triumph T 110 customized with “Dean’s Dilemma” on the side of it. Though he is known for his role in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and that had no motorcycle in it, he is also frequently pictured atop his motorcycle with a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth.

3. 1963 Desert Triumph

This famous motorcycle was owned by world renowned tough guy actor, Steve McQueen (The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Bullit). These custom motorcycles were 500 cc off road motorcycles. Apparently, Steve McQueen and Dennis Hopper pulled over to the side of the road to watch a couple of other guys on bikes. After seeing them, he rushed right out and bought his very own triumph.

Click here to learn more about custom motorcycles at The MotorcyclePedia.

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