tom cruise bike in top gun

Tom Cruise Once Again Rides a Kawasaki Ninja in New 'Top Gun'

The Ninja H2 Carbon is a supercharged screamer with 200 hp good for over 200 mph.

“ After more than 30 years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him,” reads the release from Paramount .” Training a detachment of graduates for a special assignment , Maverick must confront the ghosts of his past and his deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who choose to fly it.”

OMG! So exciting! And what better thing to ride—after flying an F-18 and whatever that pointy-snouted thing is in the top photo—than a Ninja?

In that scene in the original movie where he races a jet down the flightline at takeoff, Maverick rode a Kawasaki GPZ 900R Ninja. That bike was not only the first Kawasaki to bear the Ninja name, it was also Kawasaki’s first use of a liquid-cooled inline-four, the first to use the engine as a stressed member of the chassis, and the first to top 150 mph in the production street bike category. So it was the proper bike for a hero to ride.

Now, with just 36 days and eight hours (depending on your time zone) until the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick , Kawasaki has announced Cruise will once again ride its finest product in the new movie. In addition to some hijinks on his old, original GPZ, this time Maverick will pilot the Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon, a $34,000 hyperbike so quick it might rival some of Cruise’s fighter jets.

The H2 Carbon has a centrifugal supercharger—the only production bike to have any kind of forced induction—good for 200 hp. Cycle World got 190 rear-wheel hp on its dyno when it tested one several years ago. One of the bikes, with a few bolt-on pieces, hit 226.9 mph.

“Working with the Top Gun: Maverick team has been amazing,” said Kawasaki VP of Marketing Chris Brull. “When we had the chance to jump onboard and see our Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles on the big screen again, we had to be involved. We know that Maverick is a dedicated Kawasaki rider, and we made sure he had a full garage of Kawasaki models.”

A total of four supercharged Ninja H2 Carbon machines and two restored Ninja GPZ 900R motorcycles were provided to the Top Gun: Maverick production team, along with some additional surprise models that may appear in Maverick’s personal hangar featured in the film.

Buying an H2 Carbon for yourself is tough. They were only open for ordering for a limited time and that time has closed. Maybe next year. You can buy a “regular” H2 SX with the same supercharger and the insane speed but minus the carbon-fiber bits for a bargain-basement $28,490. Or any number of great Kawasakis, one of which will certainly fit in your budget somewhere.

However, if your spouse has forbidden riding (and indeed, forbidden fun of any kind) Kawasaki has partnered with Paramount Consumer Products to launch limited-edition T-shirts sold exclusively at participating Kawasaki dealers. These T-shirts feature both the iconic Ninja GPZ 900R from the original movie as well as the supercharged Ninja H2 Carbon from the new release. Visit your local Kawasaki dealer while supplies last.

See ya May 27!

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Kawasaki To Reprise One of Its Finest Roles in Top Gun: Maverick

Maverick’s iconic Kawasaki GPZ900R is replaced by the Ninja H2 Carbon.

Everything You Should Know About The Kawasaki GPZ 900 R From 'Top Gun'

Movie budgets can be absolutely mind-blowing. In February of 2023, per Forbes , "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" became the most expensive film in movie history. It cost an outrageous $446.6 million to make, and that's with tax breaks from the U.K. government. It's little surprise, then, that Hollywood often takes the opportunity to show off some truly dazzling hardware.

The "Fast and Furious" franchise alone features enough magnificent vehicles to keep petrol-heads salivating for decades. Elsewhere in the wide world of movies, though, even more intriguing examples await.

"Top Gun: Maverick," for instance, hosts the formidable SR-72 Darkstar. Lockheed Martin worked on this (sadly fictitious) aircraft, but Tom Cruise doesn't spend all his time in the air. In the original "Top Gun" movie, he rides a Kawasaki GPZ 900 R. This motorcycle, too, has carved itself a place in movie vehicle history — and it's a bike worthy of such, too.

The story of the Kawasaki GPZ 900 R

Kawasaki explains that its acclaimed GPZ 900 R rose from the ashes of the company's big early success story in the motorcycle arena: the Z1. The Z1 model debuted in 1972, and by 1980, the time was ripe for "a brand-new, high-performance, next generation motorcycle ... applying everything Kawasaki engineers had learned through their Z1 experiences."

The GPZ 900 R was, for its time, a little too high-performance — to the extent that aspects of its design had to be abandoned, reconsidered, and innovated. A DOHC quad-cylinder and quad-valve 900cc engine hadn't been utilized before with liquid cooling, but this ferocious new motorcycle simply generated so much heat that its performance demanded it. 

A body of aluminum and tensile steel lent the bike the right blend of low weight, security, and power it needed to achieve two things: to be super fast, and to handle well while doing it. This Kawasaki certainly accomplished that goal: The GPZ 900 R was the fastest motorcycle in the world at the time, with a 0 to 400m of less than 11 seconds, and hitting a 240 kmph (149 mph) top speed.

A legend is born

As powerful as it was, the relatively modest yet aesthetically-appealing body of the GPZ 900 R made it practical to ride as well. Performance and style can be difficult elements to blend together, but Kawasaki certainly knocked that out of the park with this model.

Famously, Tom Cruise took this very bike for a spin in 1986's "Top Gun," but the USS Enterprise's " Maverick " rode a model that was rather different than the one that entered production. Kawasaki branding was removed from both of the models that were used in the film (which had been supplied by a San Diego source), but it was unmistakably a 900 R Ninja . 

Those who hadn't recognized it prior to the movie's release would certainly become familiar with it afterwards. The movie was a smash, and the motorcycle was, too: it was the best-selling bike in the world during the height of its acclaim.

Tom Cruise Spotted Riding a Kawasaki Ninja H2 on the Set of Top Gun: Maverick

More than 30 years after the Ninja 900 appeared in the original Top Gun, Kawasaki is returning to the danger zone.

It looks like world-famous actor Tom Cruise isn’t the only old relic who is coming back to the new Top Gun: Maverick film. In the sequel that’s happening more than 30 years after the original movie was released, Kawasaki is also making a comeback in the shape of Cruise’s two-wheeled transportation or should we say Pete 'Maverick” Mitchell, according to this photo published by People .

In 1986, Maverick rode a Kawasaki Ninja 900 in the original film, which played a big role in making the Ninja a household name in sports bikes. Decades later, Kawasaki’s hottest street bike, the supercharged Ninja H2 , will be gracing the big screen for the first time. This bike looks like some sort of mashup between an H2 and an H2R. The exhaust and lack of reflectors make it look like the track-only H2R, but the bodywork makes it look like a street-friendly H2. Normally the biggest giveaway as to which one it is is its tail, but unfortunately, we don't get a good view of the back of the bike in this shot.

Since the H2 is a much more exclusive bike than the old Ninja 900, we have a feeling it won’t make the same impact that the old bike did in the old movie. However, it’s cool to see that Maverick is still a Ninja fanboy 32 years later.

Maverick on his old Ninja with Charlie (Kelly McGillis) on the back.

As usual, we can’t say we approve of Tom Cruise’s riding gear or lack thereof. Yeah, the guy looks really good on a motorcycle, but can someone get this guy a helmet? I suppose if you were 56 and you looked closer to 30 than 60, you wouldn’t want to cover up your face either, but still.

Top Gun: Maverick is set to release on June 26, 2020, according to IMDb starring Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, and of course, Tom Cruise. We don’t know much about the plot other than that Pete Michell will be an instructor and now we know that we can expect to see Maverick riding a Ninja H2 , hopefully into the danger zone.

Tom Cruise revives GPZ900R in Top Gun 2

The Kawasaki GPZ900R made famous in Tom Cruise’s 1986 Top Gun has a cameo revival in the the long-awaited Top Gun sequel.

This official trailer for Top Gun: Maverick shows Tom’s character  Maverick pulling an old tarp off a dusty old GPZ900R.

However, when he reprises the famous scene where he races a jet, he’s now riding Kawasaki’s supercharged H2R Carbon.

Work on  Top Gun: Maverick started in 2010 with Tom joined by his original Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer .

The release of the official trailer indicates the movie will hit our screens soon, although it says “2020”.

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The motorcycle fan recently rode a BMW R   nineT Scrambler in the  Mission Impossible: Fallout movie and is known to request a motorcycle scene in most of his movies.

Tom began riding at the age of 10 and owns several motorcycles including a Vyrus 987 C3 4V worth more than $100,000.

His first movie role with a motorcycle was Top Gun where he rode the Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R.

Since then he has ridden in many movies including  Oblivion, Knight and Day,  and Edge  of Tomorrow .

Kawasaki power

But the GPZ900R is a long way from the H2R he rides in Top Gun 2.

The GPZ900R was made from 1984 to 1996 and had a 908cc transverse four-cylinder engine capable of 86kW of power and 85Nm of torque for a top speed of 254km/h top speed.

By comparison, the street-legal Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon (about $A44,000 sprint away) has 147.2kW (200ps/197hp) of power at 11,000rpm and 133.5Nm of torque at 10,5000rpm, but the supercharger boosts that to 154.5kW (210ps/207hp) and 140.4Nm.

However, Tom is riding the powerful track-only Ninja H2R which has 228kW (310ps/305hp) at 14,000rpm and 165Nm of torque at 12,500rpm. With maximum ram air, power literally blows out to 240kW (326ps/321hp).

Top speed on the H2R is 400km/h which was claimed by four-time World Supersport champion  Kenan Sofuoglu  on the closed Osman Gazi suspension bridge, about 50km southeast of Istanbul in July 2016.

From the Top Gun: Maverick video it doesn’t look like Tom reaches anything near Kenan’s speed, but don’t discount some computer generate images to make him look a whole lot faster!

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Tom Cruise’s new motorcycle in Top Gun: Maverick was chosen for a reason

By Parth Charan

It’s hard not to picture a twenty-something Tom Cruise’s trademark grin, as he throttles towards the danger zone running alongside an F14 Tomcat, when you think of the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell was pretty vocal about his need for speed, so naturally, his on-ground set of wheels had to pack quite a wallop. Being an ace fighter pilot, one on a government servant’s salary, obviously a hyper-quick supercar wasn’t going to make much sense, so Cruise’s character was given a superbike. Not just any superbike, but a Kawasaki GPZ900R aka the first Kawasaki Ninja. The “Ninja” designation came in a bit later, primarily because the alphanumeric didn’t sit well in the American market. The GPZ900R was, at the time of the movie’s release, the fastest production bike in the world.

It featured a 908cc, 4-stroke, transverse 4-cylinder engine with a double overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder. It was also liquid-cooled which made it one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles of its time. Only a decade before, the Japanese motorcycle industry had begun to use its highly advanced and superlatively quick motorcycles as an example of the country’s manufacturing prowess. No one, not Ducati, not Triumph made motorcycles that quick. The GPZ900R made 115bhp and had a top speed of 245kph. Maverick’s now iconic motorcycle was, in real life, as close to a fighter jet as a road-legal motorcycle could get.

Thirty-six years later things haven’t changed much. We can see a suspiciously young looking Tom Cruise, grin wider than ever, astride another motorcycle, this time with a new love interest sitting at the back. The motorcycle is a Kawasaki Ninja H2, and the movie’s producers didn’t just pick the bike for the sake of continuity. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 is the genealogical successor to the GPZ900R and happens to be the present-day fastest production bike in the world (at the time of the movie’s filming). Since then, the Lightning LS-218 has taken the number 2 spot, with the number one spot going, once again, to the Kawasaki Ninja H2R. The H2 is no slouch though, it has a supercharger assisting its 1000cc, in-line four cylinder engine, putting out a massive 200bhp.

With that sort of power-to-weight ratio, it could actually go toe-to-toe against an F18 on a runway. How a helmet hating Cruise and Garner make it with their fabulous hair and facial muscles intact requires a greater suspension of disbelief than pulling an inverted, negative 4G manoeuvre on a Mig. With the Ninja H2, you’ll never really feel the need for more speed.

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Top Gun and Kawasaki: A Celebration

In both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise’s character rides Kawasakis that were and are very special in their day

It’s the sort of publicity that manufacturers can only dream about, but Tom Cruise gave Kawasaki not one but two huge doses of exposure in the two Top Gun movies. But what was so special about the GPz900 in 1985, and what makes the H2 equally as special in 2022?

Part 1: The Kawasaki GPz900

Kawasaki unveiled the GPz900 in 1984, following a six-year development. It was designed as the successor to the Z1, Kawasaki’s first production sports bike, released in 1972 as an answer to the Honda CB750.

It was the first water-cooled, 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine in the world and made the GPz900 the first production bike to exceed 150mph from 115 horsepower. If that sounds tame by today’s standards, at the time that was a power output that only full-blown race bikes could match.

The engine was a stressed member of the chassis, which enabled Kawasaki engineers to mount the engine lower which improved handling. It was also the first Kawasaki to wear the Ninja name.

Fastest Motorcycle In The World

The GPz900 was, at the time of its launch, the fastest production motorcycle in the world, reaching a top speed of 151mph. It was only toppled from its perch in 1986, with the arrival of the 160mph Suzuki GSX-R1100.

But the Kawasaki wasn’t all about top speed. In 1985, three GPz900s were entered in the Production class of the isle of Man TT races, with two finishing first and second.

Related: Tricked Out Kawasaki GPz900 Fuses with the Ninja H2R to Honor The Top Gun Movies

It Broke New Ground

If the performance was blistering, then it certainly wasn’t at the expense of rider comfort. The full fairing gave excellent wind protection and the seat, in comparison to the wooden boards of today’s litre sports bikes, was large and well-padded. The riding position also wasn’t as extreme as today’s race replica sports bikes.

The engine, despite being an inline four-cylinder, had counter-rotating balance shafts to quell secondary vibration and the suspension had new anti-dive valving in the forks.

Tom Cruise and Top Gun

With the GPx900 holding the title of fastest production motorcycle, it was the obvious choice as the choice of fighter pilot Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in Top Gun, the movie that really made a star out of Tom Cruise and featured (for the time) breathtaking flying action sequences.

In the movie, Cruise is seen riding alongside a runway as fighter jets take off, and throughout the movie, the bike is used extensively by Cruise riding solo and, later, with Kelly McGillis riding pillion.

When Top Gun: Maverick was announced, the trailer teased us with a brief glimpse of his GPz900, telling us that he still owned the bike. Then, in the movie proper, he did indeed ride the old GPz, pulling the dust cover off it in his aircraft hangar/man cave and setting off on it to go to work, wearing his old leather flying jacket and Aviator Ray Bans.

Related: Worst Biker Movies Ever, Part 2: Torque

Part Two: The Kawasaki Ninja H2

Kawasaki broke new ground in 2015, when it created a new flagship motorcycle, the Ninja H2. What made it special was the fact that it was supercharged, making the H2 the first production motorcycle to be so powered.

It comes in two versions: the road-legal H2, with a liquid-cooled, inline, four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower, and a non-road legal version, the H2R , which produces 310 horsepower from the same engine.

But It’s Not Green!

A bright lime green is Kawasaki’s traditional color but the H2 bucks this trend by being finished in mirror-coated black paint. The mirror effect is created by a layer of pure silver formed by a chemical reaction.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 is the first production motorcycle to offer the mirror-coated black paint. The paint on the fuel tank is finished with a UV coat (the only layer where robot painters are used) to protect the tank’s finish.

Electronics

One area that the H2 differs wildly from the GPz900 is in its electronics. When the GPz900 was current, electronic rider aids were unknown so the only control over the engine’s power was the rider’s right wrist.

The H2 needs all its electronics to control all the power and comes with traction control launch control, ABS and even an electronic steering damper. It was all the first Kawasaki to be fitted with a standard quick shifter.

The Fastest Production Motorcycle in the World

In 2016, five-time World Supersport champion Kenan Sofuoglu rode a Kawasaki H2R to a new world record top speed for a production motorcycle of 400km/h (248mph) on the Ozman Gazi Suspension Bridge in Turkey. It took a mere 26 seconds for Sofuoglu to reach that top speed!

Related: Five Motorcycling Movies You Have to Watch

Back to the Movies

Whilst the world record top speed was set using the non-road-legal H2R, it was obvious there was only one motorcycle for ‘Maverick’ to ride in the new Top Gun” Maverick movie. Not only would he be staying faithful to Kawasaki, but would again be riding a model that held a world record. Sort of! The bike Maverick rides in the latest Top Gun movie is actually a Kawasaki H2 Carbon, but it’s closely enough related to the H2R to still count and be the ride of choice for a fighter pilot.

Spoiler Alert: Maverick Gets The Girl… Again

As in the original Top Gun movie, Maverick once again uses his Kawasaki to help him get the girl. Again, as in the original, both rider and pillion don’t wear helmets when riding, but the girl’s hair looks remarkably neat when she climbs off and not looking like a crow’s nest!

Does she fall for our hero because of the bike? Hard to tell as she drives a rather lovely 1970s Porsche 911 and sails a not-all-that-small yacht. Maybe she likes good engineering, in which case, the Kawasaki might just melt her heart!

The Cars and Bikes in ‘Top Gun’ Might Be Even Cooler Than the Planes

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‘Top Gun’ and its sequel, ‘Maverick,’ are full of high-flying action. But these hotshot pilots have some even sweeter rides when they’re back below the hard deck.

Revving up your engine, listening to it howl and roar. “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick” are all about the planes, but the need for speed doesn’t disappear once the planes are back on the ground. Both films are filled with some ultracool metal sporting both two wheels and four.

That’s right, we’re going to take your breath away with the best rides from the Top Gun movies.

‘Top Gun’ Cool Rides

It’s hard to go wrong with the original Top Gun movie, especially with all the cool rides featured in the film.

Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R

Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell rides one of the most iconic movie motorcycles of all time: a specially painted Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R. This was the first Kawasaki Ninja, and the model was the originator of the modern sports bike.

Could the 900cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder chase down F-14s on a takeoff roll? Probably not, but with 115 horsepower, this was one of the fastest production bikes in the world when it was new.

Yes, the paintwork isn’t quite right, and it looks more like a Euro-market GPZ750R. That’s because it was repainted for the movie. Kawasaki reportedly wouldn’t give the production any bikes to use, so they were altered. Hence the lack of logos on the side.

Porsche 356 Speedster Replica

Charlie Blackwood, the civilian contractor — “You will not salute her!” —  played by Kelly McGillis, runs around Miramar in a Porsche 356 Speedster. Except that the 1950s classic sports car isn’t a real Porsche. Look really closely — you might need IMAX for this — and you might see the logo of Canadian coachbuilder Intermeccanica . That company has been building its Speedster replica since 1975.

Yes, it’s more movie budget magic. But that actually makes it easier to buy the “right car” from the movie, because Intermeccanica still makes them. They’ll even make you an E-Roadster that boasts electric power instead of air-cooled.

One of the scenes featuring the faux 356 is when Charlie is chasing after an angry Maverick, and we can’t skip over that chase without talking about the absolutely bonkers ending.

Charlie blows through an intersection (sort of, she doesn’t actually have a stop sign), cutting off half a dozen cars. Those cars are a Datsun 240Z, Fox Body Ford Mustang convertible, Pontiac Trans Am, an Aerobird Ford Thunderbird, and a very early Porsche 911. Is that the coolest intersection ever? How on earth did they end up with that grouping?

Of course, it gets even better. She immediately pulls over and stops because the intersection is in front of her house. Just walking away as everyone sits there honking. It’s more boss than anything Maverick did in the movie, that’s for sure.

Forget the Game, Check the Beach Volleyball Parking Lot

If somehow, after those vehicles, you had any doubt that there were car people behind this movie, we bring you the volleyball scene. Forget that Tom Cruise is playing with the boys while wearing jeans in the sand, look at the background.

Mazda RX-7, first-gen Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebirds, a third-gen Camaro with T-tops, another later Firebird in the distance, a Mercedes SL and, of course, the 1960 or so first-generation Chevrolet Corvette . It’s a great California backdrop of cars.

But the 1955 Chevrolet 210 that just sits there off-court for the entire scene? Absolutely perfect placement. The car belonged to an actual U.S. Naval sailor attached to Top Gun at the time, and director Tony Scott saw a photo of it on his desk. The car actually still exists, and there’s a YouTube channel  that spent six episodes restoring it.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Cool Rides

OK, so that was 1986. What about today? Tom Cruise is back, the F-14 Tomcats have been swapped for Super Hornets, and the cars (and bikes) are still cool. We haven’t been able to spend quite as much time with “Maverick” as the original, but we still found some really sweet rides.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon

The Ninja from the original makes a cameo appearance, but there is a new bike in town nearly 40 years later.

This time, though, Maverick is piloting a Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon. A supercharged 998cc bike that makes 200 horsepower and has a top speed of more than 200 mph. One of these bikes set a record around the Isle of Man TT course, getting the highest top speed on that circuit by a motorcycle.

This Kawi might be able to keep up with those fighter planes for a lot longer. And Mav’s going to want to put a helmet on this time. It’s not 1986 anymore.

1973 Porsche 911 S

Jennifer Connelly has replaced Kelly McGillis as Tom Cruise’s love interest in “Maverick,” but Penny drives a Porsche just like Charlie.

Make that, she actually drives a Porsche, because this one’s real. A 1973 Porsche 911 S model that the director thought was a great pairing with the character’s love of sailboats. It’s hard to argue the coolness of any 911, but early cars like this are absolutely not up for debate. Even if a 2.3L flat-six and 190 horsepower aren’t quite as impressive today.

What we love is that Porsche launched an ad based on the new ride, with the tagline “Porsche and Top Gun, together again.” Conveniently ignoring that the first one wasn’t really a Porsche.

1956 Aston Martin DBR1

The trailer and music video for Maverick give us a look into Pete Mitchell’s garage and, well, somebody must be getting some of that sweet, sweet defense contractor consulting money. What do we mean?

Well, forget about the brace of motorcycles, including the Ninja, from the original. We don’t mean the P-51 Mustang (that actually belongs to Tom Cruise) either, even though that’s worth mid-seven figures.

We mean the Aston Martin DBR1 tucked away off to the side. Built in 1956, these Aston Martins were meant for sports car races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans (where they won in 1959). Only five were ever built, and the last one to sell at auction brought $22.5 million way back in 2017.

Maverick had better hope the IRS doesn’t get a look in that garage, or things might need some explaining and the garage might soon look like a rummage sale.

Classic Ford Bronco

OK, last one, and this time it’s the one that leads the trailer. We don’t want to get into spoilers, but one of the characters is an odd return from the first movie. Rooster (we’re not sure that’s the best callsign) hops out of a first-generation Bronco.

The off-road icon has nearly always been cool, but with the all-new Ford Bronco making its return to dealers, the original is cooler than ever. That’s a dangerous metaphor to be placed in a movie that’s a sequel happening nearly 40 years after the original. On the other hand, Ford has clearly pulled it off, and it looks like “Maverick” did it, too.

The brief glimpse of Bronco we get shows the deep blue off-roader looking near-perfect on chunky off-road tires while sitting in a dark Nevada desert. Then again, the original Bronco looks near-perfect sitting almost anywhere, which is why it’s a great choice for this hotshot aviator.

If you want to see more of it, or any of the rest of these, “Top Gun: Maverick” is still in theatres .

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Evan Williams has been drooling over cars since the time he learned to walk. He went to school for engineering, but transitioned into a more satisfying career in automotive and outdoor media, and has been at it for nearly a decade now. Evan is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and is the Motors News Lead at GearJunkie. He spends his non-automotive time walking his dog, hiking, cycling, jogging, and trying not to be too much of a hack mechanic.

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Top Gun’s Iconic Bike: Which One Did Tom Cruise Ride?

Top Gun is one of the most iconic movies of the 80s that has held a special place in the hearts of action movie lovers for years. The movie revolves around the life of a fighter pilot, played by Tom Cruise, who joins the Top Gun Navy Pilot Academy and becomes one of the best in the business. In addition to the adrenaline-fueled action and romantic subplots, the movie features an iconic motorcycle that has since become a cultural phenomenon, leaving fans wondering: which one did Tom Cruise ride?

The Top Gun bike has been an inspiration to motorcyclists worldwide, and the real question behind its fame is not just about which one was ridden, but also how it became one of the defining symbols of the movie. From what it looks like to its sound, everything about the bike has captured the imagination of the audience. So, let’s dive deep into the world of Top Gun and explore the history and significance of this iconic bike.

Table of Contents

The History of Top Gun’s Iconic Bike

When Top Gun hit theaters in 1986, it changed the face of action movies forever. Tom Cruise, who played the lead role of Maverick, quickly became a cultural idol, and his sleek motorcycle became an iconic symbol of his rebel image. The bike, a Kawasaki GPZ900R, was chosen for its speed and agility and featured prominently in several action-packed chase scenes throughout the movie.

The Kawasaki GPZ900R, also known as the Ninja, was a top-of-the-line performance bike that had recently been released in Japan. The bike’s impressive specs, including its 115 horsepower engine and top speed of 151 mph, quickly caught the attention of Hollywood producers who were searching for the perfect motorcycle for Top Gun’s high-octane action sequences. The bike’s aerodynamic design and sleek appearance made it the perfect fit for Tom Cruise’s daredevil character, and it has since become one of the most famous motorcycles in cinematic history.

Read Also: 10 Best Multi Speed Cruiser Bikes for 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guides

The Hype and Buzz Around Tom Cruise’s Motorcycle

Tom Cruise’s motorcycle ride in the 1986 American classic Top Gun continues to evoke strong emotions and ignite hype around bikers of all kinds. This iconic scene where Cruise is seen riding his motorcycle into the edge of the airport runway has become a definitive and integral moment for fans and followers of the movie. The classic scene has inspired thousands of bikers and has helped raised the reputation and regard for BMW bikes.

From the moment when Top Gun hit theaters, there was an immediate buzz around Tom Cruise and his motorcycle. As the story goes, the director of the movie Tony Scott had originally planned for the scene to feature an old Triumph bike. Instead, Cruise stepped in and suggested using the BMW R 100 GS motorcycle from his garage, which he had bought during his filming days of Risky Business. Since then, news of the behind-the-scenes details surrounding Cruise and his bike continues to garner attention in bike circles, making it one of the most talked-about motorcycles of all time.

The Different Models of Kawasaki Ninja Used in Top Gun

In the movie Top Gun, Tom Cruise’s character Maverick and his rival Iceman both rode iconic Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles. However, what some people may not know is that there were actually two different models of the Ninja used in the film.

The first model used was the Kawasaki GPz900R, which was known as the Ninja 900 in the United States. This model was used during the famous scene where Maverick races Iceman on a deserted road. The second model used was the Kawasaki GPz750R, also known as the Ninja 750 in the U.S. This model was used in the scene where Maverick rides to Kelly McGillis’s character’s house and parks his bike outside. Both bikes were painted in the same signature black and green color scheme that has become synonymous with the Ninja brand.

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The Importance of Top Gun’s Bike in Pop Culture

Top Gun’s bike, a 1986 Kawasaki GPZ900R, became a pop culture icon after the release of the movie in 1986. The bike’s sleek design and high-speed performance perfectly embodied the film’s overall theme of power, speed, and masculinity. Fans of the movie immediately gravitated towards Top Gun’s bike and it quickly became one of the film’s most memorable elements.

The bike has since gained a cult following and is still highly sought after among motorcycle enthusiasts. Its appearance in the movie also cemented the Kawasaki brand as a major player in the high-performance motorcycle market. Overall, the bike has become an important piece of pop culture history, representing more than just a mode of transportation, but also symbolizing a time and place in American movie history.

Tom Cruise’s Involvement in the Selection of Top Gun’s Bike

Tom Cruise has always been known for his love of motorbikes and high-speed action. When it came to the iconic bike featured in the movie Top Gun, Cruise was heavily involved in the selection process. After reviewing several options, Cruise ultimately chose the Kawasaki GPZ900R for its sleek design and impressive performance capabilities.

Cruise’s involvement didn’t end there, as he also worked closely with the film’s stunt coordinator and bike builder to ensure that the bike was properly modified for the movie’s fast-paced action scenes. Cruise even performed some of his own stunts on the bike, such as the scene where he flies past a Russian MiG fighter jet. Thanks to Cruise’s passion and attention to detail, the Kawasaki GPZ900R became an integral part of Top Gun’s iconic status.

The On-Screen and Off-Screen Adventures of Top Gun’s Bike

The Kawasaki GPz900R used in Top Gun was known as “the bike that revolutionized the superbike market.” Its on-screen performance was impressive, with Tom Cruise riding it at high speeds and performing stunts. Off-screen, the bike gained even more popularity. It was featured in magazines, and fans flocked to dealerships to try to get their hands on one.

However, not all off-screen adventures were positive. A teenage boy stole a GPz900R in California and was killed in a high-speed police chase. Despite this tragedy, the bike continues to have a cult following among motorcycle enthusiasts. It is considered an iconic example of 1980s motorcycle design, and Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Maverick riding it has become a cultural touchstone.

Related Post: Are Cruiser Bikes Good for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing your First Bike

The Legacy of Top Gun’s Bike in Film Industry

The Kawasaki GPZ900R, also known as the Ninja 900, used in Top Gun by Tom Cruise’s character Maverick, is one of the most iconic bikes in film history. The bike became an instant sensation and undoubtedly helped Kawasaki establish itself as a reliable brand in the United States. The thrilling scenes featuring the bike in the movie set the benchmark for motorcycle action films to follow.

The legacy of Top Gun’s bike has proved enduring, with numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials replicating the famous scenes from the film. The Kawasaki GPZ900R also made appearances in other movies such as Bad Boys II, Mission Impossible II and TV show Miami Vice. Its continued usage, even today, is proof of the lasting impact the bike made, not just in the film industry but also, the motorcycle industry. The movie forever cemented the GPZ900R’s place in pop culture and served as an inspiration for countless motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Final Thoughts

After researching and analyzing the information available, it can be concluded that Tom Cruise rode a Kawasaki GPZ900R in the famous movie Top Gun. The bike was a popular sport touring bike in the 1980s and provided the perfect blend of speed and handling for the aerial dogfight scenes portrayed in the movie.

The Kawasaki GPZ900R became an instant sensation after the release of the movie, and its popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts skyrocketed. The Top Gun bike continues to be one of the most sought-after sport touring motorcycles, thanks to its timeless design and high-performance capabilities. Tom Cruise may have made the bike famous, but the GPZ900R’s legacy continues to live on and inspire new generations of riders.

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Top Gun: Maverick review – irresistible Tom Cruise soars in a blockbuster sequel

Cinema’s favourite ageless fighter pilot returns with all the nail-biting aeronautics and emotional sucker punches that made the original an 80s-defining hit

A nd we’re back. A full 36 years (including some Covid-related runway delays) after Tony Scott’s big-screen recruitment advert for US naval aviators became an epoch-defining cinema hit, Tom Cruise is back doing what he does best – flashing his cute/crazy superstar smile and flexing his bizarrely ageless body in an eye-popping blockbuster that, for all its daft macho contrivances, still manages to take your breath away, dammit.

From the burnished opening shots of planes waltzing off an aircraft carrier to the strains of Kenny Loggins’s Danger Zone , little has changed in the world of Top Gun – least of all Cruise. Maverick may be testing jets out in the Mojave desert, but he’s still got the jacket, the bike(s), the aviator shades and (most importantly) the “need for speed” that made him a hit back in 1986. He also has the machine-tooled rebellious streak that has prevented him rising above the level of captain – showcased in an opening Mach 10 sequence that doesn’t so much tip its hat to Philip Kaufman’s The Right Stuff as fly straight past it with a super-smug popcorn-eating grin. See ya, serious movie suckers!

“Your kind is headed for extinction,” growls Ed Harris’s forward-looking rear admiral (nicknamed the “Drone Ranger”) before admitting through gritted teeth that Maverick has in fact been called back to the Top Gun programme – not to fly, but to teach the “best of the best” how to blow up a uranium enrichment plant at face-melting velocity, a mission that will require not one but “ two consecutive miracles”. “I’m not a teacher,” Maverick insists, “I’m a fighter pilot.” But, of course, he can be both.

True to form, Maverick promptly throws the rulebook in the bin ( literally – the metaphors are not subtle) and tells his team of fresh-faced hopefuls that the only thing that matters is “your limits; I intend to find them, and test them”. Cue dog-fight training sequences played out to classic jukebox cuts, while thrusting young guns do 200 push-ups on the runway. In the local bar, an underused Jennifer Connelly serves up drinks and love-interest sass (Kelly McGillis was apparently not invited to this party) while Miles Teller ’s Rooster bangs out Great Balls of Fire on the piano, prompting a flashback to Maverick cradling Anthony Edwards’s Goose, who got famously cooked in the first film.

And therein lies what passes for the heart of the piece; because Rooster is Goose’s son, and Maverick (who still blames himself) doesn’t want to be responsible for history repeating itself. “If I send him on this mission,” Cruise emotes, “he might not come back; if I don’t send him, he’ll never forgive me. Either way I could lose him for ever.” Tough call, bro.

Cruise has described making a Top Gun sequel as being like trying to hit a bullet with a bullet – which is exactly the kind of thing that Maverick would say. Yet working with director Joseph Kosinski (with whom Cruise made Oblivion ) and scriptwriters including regular collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, he has done just that. For all its nostalgic, Miller Time sequences of shirtless beach sports and oddly touching character callbacks (a cameo from Val Kilmer ’s Iceman proves unexpectedly affecting), Top Gun: Maverick offers exactly the kind of air-punching spectacle that reminds people why a trip to the cinema beats staying at home and watching Netflix.

The plot trajectory may be predictable to the point of ridicule (like Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman , Tom is going up where he belongs) but the emotional beats are as finely choreographed as the stunts. As for the “don’t think, just do” mantra (a cheeky rehash of Star Wars ’s “Use the force, Luke”), it’s as much an instruction to the audience as to the pilots.

Personally, I found myself powerless to resist; overawed by the ‘“real flight” aeronautics and nail-biting sky dances, bludgeoned by the sugar-frosted glow of Cruise’s mercilessly engaging facial muscles, and shamefully brought to tears by moments of hate-yourself-for-going-with-it manipulation. In the immortal words of Abba’s Waterloo, “I was defeated, you won the war”. I give up.

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Top 10 bikes ridden by Tom Cruise in movies – ever!

He's the world's biggest movie star, loves doing his own stunts, and loves riding motorcycles too - here are the top ten bikes ridden on screen by Tom Cruise

IT's another year, another year of summer blockbuster movies, another Mission: Impossible flick and, with it, as has become almost inevitable, another starring role for Tom Cruise and a bike – in this case Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One and motorcycle nut Tom tearing around Rome on a stolen police BMW.

But haven’t we seen all this before? Bikes have pretty much starred in all of Tom’s recent movies, haven’t they? But which movies and which bikes exactly? To answer the question once and for all here’s our list of the Ten Best Motorcycle Moments in Tom Cruise Movies, in reverse chronological order…

Top 10 Tom Cruise movie bikes

Kawasaki GPz900R, Top Gun (1986)

Triumph Speed Triple, Mission: Impossible II (2000)

The next Tom Cruise big bike outing comes in the second of his Mission: Impossible series (we’ll gloss over his brief appearance on a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail in 1990’s NASCAR flick ‘Days of Thunder’, here) and set the staple for bikes starring in the franchise. Resurgent Brit brand Triumph got the gig this time and its then brand-new Speed Triple T509 and Daytona 595 star in a quite frankly ridiculous bike chase with Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt aboard the Speedie chasing baddie Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott) on the Daytona. Implausible pirouettes, shooting stoppies, jumps and more take place, sometimes with the bikes wearing full knobbly tyres, sometimes not. One of the bikes used is now at Triumph’s Visitor Experience Museum in Hinckley…

Triumph Bonneville, Mission: Impossible III (2006)

Another Mission: Impossible outing, although, with no significant bike chases of stunts in this third outing of the franchise, if you blink you’ll probably miss it. Again, it’s a Triumph but this time the first version of the Bonneville Scrambler , again slightly modified with full-on knobblies on which Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt arrives at an airstrip for a rendezvous with his team. No great shakes, admittedly, but enough, apparently, for one of the bikes used in the scene to be later auctioned off for a whopping $30,000!

Ducati Hypermotard, Knight and Day (2010)

Four years later Tom is back to bike stunting form with a prolonged bike stunt scene and chase. This time it’s not a Mission: Impossible flick but the one-off comedy thriller Knight and Day in which co-stars as mysterious spy character Roy Miller alongside screen siren Cameron Diaz as June Havens. The scene concerned features Tom this time on a Ducati Hypermotard with Cameron as his pillion (although some of the scenes were doubled by stunt men and women and one actually had a dummy in place of Ms Diaz). Interesting trivia: rumour has it that some of the stunts and jumps were so demanding that the bike was actually swapped for a specially prepared Aprilia Dorsoduro disguised to look like the Ducati. 

‘Honda CRF450X’, Oblivion (2013)

Triumph Thruxton, Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Another biking ‘cameo’ in a slightly oddball futuristic Tom Cruise sci-fi flick. 2014’s ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ saw Cruise star as soldier Cage alongside Britain’s Emily Blunt as Rita in a battle against aliens that he re-lives the same day over and over again. Before all that, however, Cage is seen scratching around London on a bike and, yes, it’s another Triumph, this time the old 865cc, air-cooled Thruxton café racer .

BMW S1000RR, Mission: Impossible, Rogue Nation (2015)

Right, enough of all that silliness, time for some proper, full-on, Tom Cruise and motorcycles biking action. The fifth episode of Cruise’s Mission: Impossible series, Rogue Nation, sees bikes back in the big time as Cruise’s Ethan Hunt chases after mysterious British agent Rebecca Ferguson in Morocco, with both (and more than a few baddies) this time mounted on BMW S1000RR s and fun and fast stuff it really is. Three interesting facts: One, ex-BSB racer Jenny Tinmouth did the riding instead of Rebecca; Two, Essex leathers specialists Hideout made their suits, one for standing, one for riding; and three (and nothing to do with bikes), the opening scene which sees Hunt clinging to the side of a transport plane, was shot at RAF Wittering, near Peterborough…

BMW RnineT Pure, Mission: Impossible, Fallout (2018)

The Mission: Impossible connection with BMW continued in the next outing of the franchise, Fallout, where bikes again played a starring role. This time we see Hunt this time in Paris aboard a BMW RnineT Pure, riding the wrong way around the Arc de Triomphe and more before being side-swiped by a car. (Much of the tracking footage, incidentally, was shot by ex-champion motocrosser Rob Herring.) It’s not all BMWs, though. We also briefly see co-star Henry Cavill aboard a Triumph Speed Triple and Rebecca Ferguson (again doubled by Jenny Tinmouth) on a Triumph Tiger.

Kawasaki H2, Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

If you’re starting to think by now that all Tom Cruise motorcycle movies appearances are in Mission: Impossible movies, think again. 2022 saw the long overdue sequel to 1986’s Top Gun and the return, not just of Cruise’s Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell character, ‘Ice Man’, F14 jets and so on but also of bikes – in an early scene ‘Mav’ not only memorably goes for a spin on Kawasaki’s spiritual successor to the original’s GPz, the supercharged H2 , but we also briefly see that, in his aircraft hanger/man cave, he also still has the original Ninja, too!

BMW G310GS/Honda CRF250, Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning Pt 1 (2023)

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What Was Tom Cruise’s Motorcycle In the Film “Top Gun”?

You remember the movie, don’t you? A cocky Navy fighter pilot played by Tom Cruise finds love with Kelly McGillis, an unlikely match who also happens to be one of his flight instructors. While the film , which was a big hit when it came out in 1986, mostly focused on the friendship between Cruise’s character and his best friend, Goose, as well as his rivalry with a fellow flight student, it also consisted of a romantic sub-plot which played plenty of romantic music while Cruise and McGillis either made love or rode on his motorcycle…remember that?

For the sake of this article, let’s put the rivalry and romance in this movie aside and focus on what was really important…that bike. Most of us can recall it; we recollect the way it made Cruise look more studly than his character should have been for his age, and the way it played a major roll in helping him get the girl. In fact, without that bike, he wouldn’t have been as arrogant as he was, and therefore there may have been no ‘Top Gun’ at all, if not for that two-wheeled wonder. But how many of us really know anything at all about that motorcycle other than what we saw in that flick? None of us, really.

Now the public is bracing itself for the release of ‘Top Gun 2: Maverick’. So, whether you saw the first or not, you should be scrambling to familiarize yourself with it quick if you plan to see the second installation. I know I’m going to want a refresher course if I’m going to even begin to act like the ‘Top Gun’ pro I think I am.

So, let’s check it out together, thereby getting the education all of us really want, even more that watching Cruise hit on and land a woman so completely out of his league. Let’s learn about that bike, shall we? Out of our own curiosity we decided to research all of this information and bring it to you, so the next time you tell someone about ‘Top Gun’ who hasn’t seen it, they’ll think it’s a cool movie about a really hot bike.

Let’s get started, shall we?

The Basic Question: What Kind of Bike Was It, Anyway?

Not to be gender-typical, but if you saw the movie in 1986, chances are you remember it. But what do you remember? Well, if you are a female, romantic side of that motorcycle stood out to you, when you bring the bike to mind. Did you ask yourself what Maverick was riding? Nah, you were too busy being jealous of Kelly McGillis. If you are male, however, chances are you were either wondering what he was riding or you already knew, and while McGillis was hot, she wasn’t as hot as that bike. If you don’t know, Cruise was wooing his love interest (and generally speeding around senselessly) on a Kawasaki GPZ900R, according to Financial Express, and it was one sexy piece of machinery, and perfect for someone as immature and reckless as Maverick the Navy pilot. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

The fact is, this is a really cool model bike, by pretty much all accounts. But what made it so special that it entered the annals of history? Certainly not just the movie, or the actor who rode it…no, it was special for other reasons. First, this particular model is something of the granddaddy of the modern sports bike; in other words, many of the sport bikes we see today are in its evolutionary line. Sure, we can probably give the film credit for getting the bike off the ground popularity-wise; we’ll give credit where it’s due. While fast and cool, everything and everyone sometimes needs some kind of kick to get them started (get it?).

The Model’s Release and Some Specs

Kawasaki first released the bike in 1985, and it was affectionately referred to as the ‘GPZ’, and according to Hot Cars, it was the successor to the Kawasaki Z1. It used a 908cc inline-four engine with 16 valves, which was liquid cooled and able to get raunchy 9,800 rpms. For the mid-eighties these numbers were just about unheard of, and they definitely won over many a man’s heart. It’s steel frame rolled on a 16” front wheel, with an 18-incher in the back. There was an anti-dive fork on the chassis and boasted air suspension…could it be love?

Best of all, it was an aerodynamic beauty that wasn’t just visually appealing, it was a comfortable ride as well. In fact, it is said that the bike was completely enjoyable as a road bike, and long-distance rides were surprisingly achievable, another thing that you just didn’t get with bikes made for speed. But with a top speed of 155 mph, riding around like would be a tempting thought for anyone, even on a trip that was considered long-distance. Yes, for it’s time, this was one hell of a bike, and brought out the covetous hearts of many all around the world. We don’t think it should surprise anyone that it was chosen as Tom Cruise’s two-wheeled companion for the hit film. We’re also sure Kawasaki didn’t mind contributing…they likely saw the marketing potential here clearly.

Into the Sunset?

Not quite. As we mentioned, Cruise can be seen in the release of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ to theaters. Was the final motorcycle scene in the first movie to be the last we would see of Maverick’s motorized road dog? Sort of. Maybe he stores the classic brute in a filmland garage somewhere, but he will be tooling around on a state-of-the-art Kawasaki H2, which is pretty much a new and improved version for today. After all, Maverick really wasn’t the kind of guy to get stuck in the past, now was he? Nah. But with or without the original bike, fans of the original movie will likely enjoy the action, and definitely the speed scenes. ‘Top Gun’ was a pretty good flick for the times, and so was that bike. Some good things just cannot be duplicated.

Written by  Benjamin Smith

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10 Things Most People Didn't Know About Tom Cruise's Bikes In Top Gun

Tom Cruise ditched BMWs in favor of Kawasaki for the Top Gun series. Let's find out why.

People always love movies that have gorgeous cars and bikes. They are the reason we watch these movies. Top Gun is no different, and it also features airplanes! The camera crew fled to capture the cinematic, giving the movie a realistic feel. However, Top Gun faced the tragic death of one of the stunt pilots, Art Scholl, while filming one of the scenes. Later, the movie was dedicated to his life.

Tom Cruise goes hand in hand with bikes. Therefore, we can see the famous actor on bikes in multiple movies such as Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation in which he drives the gorgeous asymmetrical headlight BMW S1000RR. Yet another BMW is the R nineT featured in Mission Impossible: Fallout . Cruise loves to drive bikes, which is why he also has some specials in his collection, such as the Vyrus 987 C3 4V. Tom Cruise almost always drives BMW cars or bikes in every Mission Impossible series, but Kawasaki is Maverick's choice here .

So why exactly does Maverick choose a Kawasaki over other brands? Well, we have prepared a list of why the Kawasaki deserved the spotlight and some facts people may be unaware of.

10 The GPZ900R Was One Of The Fastest Production Bikes Of Its Time

The producers of Top Gun knew precisely what would fascinate the crowd, and they accurately expected the notion. Tom Cruise wearing the aviators on the GPZ900R added the "wow" factor to Top Gun and helped to keep the movie at the top of the charts for months!

The GPZ900R could reach the top speed of 151 mph, making it the fastest bike of its time. The producers didn't even have second thoughts about the bike. It is the fastest, so it had to be there !

9 The First Ninja By Kawasaki Was Indeed The GPZ900R

Kawasaki debuted the GPZ900r in 1984. Kawasaki was secretly working on the GPZ900r for six years, and the suspense reaped was pretty sweet. It is the first-ever motorcycle they called a Ninja, and the predecessor of all the Ninjas offered today by Kawi.

The GPZ900r came with many technologies, which is why it was ahead of time compared to other sports bikes offered back then. It amazed every rider and non-riders by its looks and captivity, making it more worthy to inherit the legendary first Ninja tag!

Related: A Detailed Look At The Kawasaki Motorcycle That Tom Cruise Drove In Top Gun

8 The GPZ900r Had Many Firsts

The first Ninja had many firsts that will certainly amaze you. Liquid cooling and four valves per cylinder with an OHV are standard now; however, the GPZ900r was the first motorcycle to receive them. Also, it came with anti-dive forks that are a variable damping system.

Not only this, but what made the GPZ more amusing is that it came with an aircraft-inspired flush-fitted spring-mounted fuel cap rather than a traditional twist cap. Apart from this, the engine was lower to the ground and acted as a stressed member, giving the rider more stability. Now that is what we call a competition killer!

Related: Here's What Made The Kawasaki GPZ900R Special

7 Gpz900r Was The First Production Bike To Cross The 150mph Mark

Many modern bikes can go over 150 mph, but even talking about this figure in the '80s on a bike would make people think you’re bluffing. But, you would experience silence if they knew you have the GPZ900r.

The GPZ900r came with a 908-cc 16-valve inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produced 115 horsepower at about 9800 rpm. It could do a quarter mile in less than 11 seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph. This made the GPZ900r the first production bike to cross the 150-mph mark.

6 The GPZ900R Also Won By First And Second Places In Isle of Man TT

Just after the unveiling of the GPZ900r in 1983, they put three works GPZs in the Isle of Man TT race. And surprise, surprise, the Ninja came in first and second places. It seemed inevitable, considering the speed and power of the thing.

The accomplishment of the GPZ intrigued everyone since for them, it was just another motorcycle out of the garage; however, this time, it was the first Ninja, so it had to be first! This gave the GPZ900r all the glory following the feature in Top Gun .

5 Another Fastest Production Bike Of Its Time Is Used In Top Gun 2: The Ninja H2

The Ninja H2 does not need an introduction as we are a community that can't miss the update of a bike touching 250 mph in just 26 seconds! It was the H2R that is not road legal, however, that gives us clues on how powerful the H2 is as it shares the same engine.

Powered with a 998 cc inline four-cylinder supercharged engine producing about 228 horsepower and 104.9 lb-ft of torque, the Ninja H2 is impressive. This was enough reason for the directors not to consider any other options .

4 The Ninja H2 Is The First Supercharged Production Bike

Kawasaki always tries to move the floor below our feet. And yet they are successful every time doing that. They put a supercharger on a bike ! That too in a production motorcycle! So it whistles every time you give it a pump (of course, with clutch applied, cause full throttle is not an option considering the next paragraph).

Kawasaki used the centrifugal-type supercharger that creates a crazy 20.5 psi boost. It also means the impeller spins 9.2 times faster than the crank, which is equivalent to 130,000 rpm, and rams 200 liters of air every second! This is why the H2 outshines all other bikes.

Related: This Is Why The Porsches Of Top Gun Stood Out More Than The Darkstar

3 The Ninja H2 Has Self-Healing Paint

Yet another amazing fact about the masterpiece. It gets self-healing paint that removes minor scratches itself. You don't need to worry about dust scratches anymore since you have the gorgeous monster with healing paint that will keep the H2 as it is for a long time.

Though it has self-healing paint, it doesn't entertain big and deep scratches, as it is not any ‘miracle’ paint; it is science and has some limitations. However, the stunning metallic gray paint looks fabulous on the H2 and doesn't lack portraying a futuristic motorcycle.

Related: These Are The Best Cars From The Tom Cruise Blockbuster, Top Gun: Maverick

2 There Is No Warranty For Any Parts In The Ninja H2

With a crazy supercharger, self-healing paint, and scary power, the Ninja H2 has everything on offer except for any warranty on any parts. Yes, you are not dreaming. Somehow, Kawasaki decided not to give a warranty on any parts of the H2.

Coming at a price tag of $29500 for the H2 and $33,000 for the H2R, the no warranty policy might seem unfair, but Kawasaki knew how this could backfire since the H2 is the first supercharged bike. However, those who own the H2 or want to own it better take care of it as things can be expensive.

Related: What You Didn’t Know About The F/A-18 Hornet From The Top Gun: Maverick

1 Its Power To Weight Ratio Is Way Higher Than The Bugatti Chiron

The Ninja H2 weighs about 524 lbs. Though it is heavy for a sports bike, it doesn't mean it's anywhere slow. The H2 creates about 228 horsepower, making its power-to-weight ratio about 957 hp/ton, which is more than Bugatti Chiron. The Chiron creates about 750 hp/ton. However, the Ninja

The top-spec H2R sits at the top since it weighs 476 lbs and creates a crazy 326 horsepower on Ram air. Considering the figures, the H2r is enough to leave most of the machines with dust, creating more than 1400 hp/ton.

Best Motorcycles In Tom Cruise’s Collection, Ranked By Power

The great thing about being a motorcycle enthusiast is that it transcends mere genres, occupations, and societal status, as it were. There are no hard-set qualifications that one has to possess, and on the whole, it’s a very inclusive community. That’s part of why Tom Cruise, a full-blown A-list Hollywood celebrity, is drawn to some incredibly potent machines from the likes of Kawasaki , BMW , Triumph , Honda, and Ducati , among others. It’s also why he’s that much more relatable.

That said, Tom Cruise does tend to dial things up to 11 when it comes to his machines . As his rather extensive collection clearly shows, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that his enthusiasm for motorcycles borders on obsessive. It’s certainly an enviable one, with a variety of shapes and sizes, but they’re all there for a reason, and that’s to give him that buzz that’s so intrinsic to time spent riding any of these machines. This list, then, puts the spotlight on some of his best, and just to add a bit more layering, we’ve ranked them by their respective power outputs.

How We Got Our Model Selections: To compile this list, HotCars thoroughly scanned all the motorcycles that have been reported to be a part of Tom Cruise’s collection. It should be noted that this list is a mix of motorcycles that are currently in production and those that have been discontinued. Also, the entries have been organized in increasing order based on their horsepower outputs.

Why It's No Surprise Tom Cruise Sticks With Another Incredible Kawasaki In Top Gun: Maverick

Honda crf450x, maximum power: 44.8 hp.

If you thought that Tom Cruise preferred only sports bikes, you’d be mistaken. The Honda CRF450X is a seriously capable machine off the roads he can call his own.

In case you missed it, the CRF450X was also used by him in the movie Oblivion, albeit wrapped up in a different skin. The bike he used was reportedly given to him as a birthday present after the filming was over. Not bad for a day’s work.

2012 Honda CRF450X Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs )

Triumph Bonneville Scrambler

Maximum power: 54 hp.

One of the rarer bikes in his collection, Tom Cruise, owns a custom-built Triumph Bonneville Scrambler seen in Mission Impossible 3.

Another bit of interest is that the bike didn’t technically exist when the movie came out in 2005, with Triumph only starting production of the Bonneville Scramblers a year later. The one he owns is one of five that were built for filming. We’re sure he’s happy to hold on to this one as long as possible.

2006 Triumph Bonneville Scrambler Specs

Why tom cruise never wears a helmet on a motorcycle in movies, triumph thruxton, maximum power: 69 hp.

The incredibly gorgeous Triumph Thruxton is definitely one of the most appealing bikes in Cruise’s collection, and there’s a lot to like about it. In fact, it even won our best cafe racer of 2024 .

According to a few reports, Cruise personally rode the Thruxton that was intended for the movie to the set while all the film equipment was being shipped. The 865cc parallel-twin undoubtedly made it all the more fun for him.

2012 Triumph Thruxton Specs

Kawasaki gpz900r, maximum power: 108 hp.

Unless you’ve been in exile for the last few decades, it’s hard not to remember the iconic Kawasaki GPz900R Cruise used to devastating effect in the original Top Gun movie.

At the time, it was the fastest production motorcycle in the world, and the movie featured a memorable scene of Cruise riding the GPz900R down a runway with a fighter jet running parallel. The movie undoubtedly did a world of good for the GPz900R, but even without it, this was a gem of a motorcycle, something that’s reflected in the value that used examples of the iconic Kawasaki demand today.

2000 Kawasaki GPz900R Specs

Bmw r ninet scrambler, maximum power: 110 hp.

As you might have guessed by now, Cruise isn’t partial to any one motorcycle manufacturer, especially in his films. The gorgeous BMW R nineT Scrambler had a cool, if ultimately, unfortunate (spoiler: he crashes it) role in Mission Impossible: Fallout.

The R nineT Scrambler is a beautiful take on the scrambler format of the past, mixed in with a healthy dose of modern internals. The 1,170cc boxer-twin engine makes a good amount of grunt and seems perfect for some of Cruise’s antics in the film.

2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler Specs

10 coolest cars and bikes tom cruise ever drove on screen, triumph speed triple.

One of the older bikes on this list is the 1999 Triumph Speed Triple that Tom Cruise was seen riding in Mission Impossible 2. It's one of the sickest hooligan bikes around .

Its 955cc inline 3-cylinder engine puts out a credible 110 hp and 71.5 lb-ft of torque, which was, and still is, a fair bit for a bike like this. It was put through the ringer in the movie, but unfortunately, it was done without a helmet, which was indicative of the time.

1999 Triumph Speed Triple Specs

Confederate hellcat, maximum power: 121 hp.

One of the more valuable motorcycles in Cruise’s collection, and one of the more powerful, is the incredible Confederate Hellcat.

In case you missed it, Confederate is an American company specializing in limited-edition bikes that tend to cost a fair bit. This particular one features a massive 2,163cc V-Twin carved from a 400-pound block of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, all for structural integrity. Only a few have been made, so if Cruise ever decides to sell it, expect it to go for more than just a pretty penny.

Confederate Hellcat Specs

Ducati 999r, maximum power: 139 hp.

One of the more powerful machines in Cruise’s collection is the incredible Ducati 999R . And it’s a rarity: only 200 units were built, one of which went straight to Cruise for his 46th birthday.

It features a 999cc L-Twin that puts out 139 hp and 79.7 lb-ft of torque and has a manic reported top speed of 174 mph. Remember that this is 2003, and the stats get even more impressive. It can also manage to knock off the quarter-mile run in a blistering 10.6 seconds.

2003 Ducati 999R Specs

Tom cruise's mission impossible stunt will give you the chills, ducati desmosedici rr, maximum power: 200 hp.

By this point, a 200 hp road-legal MotoGP bike shouldn’t be surprising as part of Cruise’s collection, but that’s exactly what the Ducati Desmosedici RR is.

This is, again, a limited-run affair, with only 1,500 examples made by Ducati, and is understandably one of the most coveted machines made by Ducati. It's powered by a 989cc engine that puts out a bonkers 200 hp and 85.5 lb-ft of torque to boot. The top speed was a wild 188 mph, with a 0-60 mph run coming in a very short 3.2 seconds.

2006 Ducati Desmosedici RR Specs

Vyrus 987 c3 4v, maximum power: 211 hp.

Topping this list is another Ducati. Well, kind of. For the time, the 2010 Vyrus 987 C3 4V was the world’s fastest, most powerful production motorcycle. It was first showcased at the 2009 EICMA show in Milan and featured a 1,198cc L-twin from Ducati.

A lot of work later, the Virus was available in three separate versions: one with 170 hp, one with 184 hp, and the range-topping supercharged version that puts out 211 hp.

Vyrus reportedly hand-builds these machines and custom-builds them to customers’ measurements and preferred parts. The jewel in his crown? Definitely.

2010 Vyrus 987 C3 4V Specs

• Source for features: Respective manufacturers' websites
• Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs

Screen Rant

Top gun 3's biggest maverick twist would avoid tom cruise's $4 billion franchise curse.

Top Gun 3 could use a shocking Maverick twist to pull off something that even Tom Cruise's most successful franchise has never been able to do.

• Top Gun 3 could replace Tom Cruise's beloved character, Maverick, with Miles Teller's Rooster as the new hero.
• Mission: Impossible failed to replace Cruise's Ethan Hunt, making Top Gun 3's potential twist unique.
• Killing off Maverick may be necessary for the franchise's longevity, as Cruise's presence dominates the series.

While Top Gun 3 may want to steer clear of one risky twist, this surprising reveal would allow the series to do something that Tom Cruise’s other franchise has never managed. For the longest time, it seemed like Top Gun would never spawn a profitable franchise. The original movie was a huge hit in 1986 and became a cult classic in the decades that followed, but its sequel spent an almost unprecedented 30 years in Development Hell before pre-production began in earnest. It was another six years before Top Gun: Maverick arrived, so hopes of the movie spawning another sequel were muted.

However, by Top Gun: Maverick ’s triumphant ending , it was clear that Tom Cruise had another huge series on his hands. Inevitably, Top Gun 3 was soon confirmed , although no release date has been announced for the sequel yet. Top Gun: Maverick ’s historic box office success proved that Maverick’s lengthy absence from the multiplex didn’t harm his popularity one bit, while the comparative under-performance of 2023’s Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One reaffirmed that the sequel was something special. Top Gun 3 ’s story could ensure that the series lasts a lot longer, but this will be risky.

Killing Off Maverick Would Let Top Gun Replace Him

Miles teller’s rooster could become the franchise’s new hero.

Top Gun 3 killing off Tom Cruise’s Maverick could allow the series to replace him , something that the actor’s other blockbuster franchise has never managed to pull off. Maverick dying wouldn’t be a huge shock in Top Gun 3 , especially after the original movie killed off Goose and Top Gun: Maverick killed off Iceman. These deaths proved that life as a Navy test pilot was risky and that Maverick’s age was catching up with him, two things that will still be true when Top Gun 3 brings Cruise’s antihero back to screens. Furthermore, Maverick isn’t exactly a risk-averse character.

Maverick’s Darkstar test flight was so dangerous that some viewers even hypothesized that he secretly died in Top Gun: Maverick ’s opening scene and the remainder of the movie was his dying dream. While this theory is a little extreme, there is no doubt that Maverick’s death would make perfect sense in Top Gun 3 . There is no reason for Top Gun 3 to rush into production while Cruise is still making Mission: Impossible sequels, and the character’s death grows more likely the older he gets. Meanwhile, Top Gun 3 already has a perfect Maverick replacement lined up in Miles Teller's Rooster.

Tom Cruise’s Other Major Series Couldn’t Replace Him

Mission: impossible failed to dethrone ethan hunt.

If Top Gun 3 does kill off Cruise’s character, this would be the first time that one of the actor’s blockbuster movie franchises has successfully replaced him. Cruise was technically replaced by Alan Ritchson in the role of Jack Reacher, but this only worked because the franchise changed from theatrical movies to an unrelated streaming series. In contrast, when Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol tried to establish Jeremy Renner’s Agent Brandt as a potential replacement for Cruise's Ethan Hun t, this effort ended in failure. Top Gun 3 could avoid this fate by killing off Maverick, something the Mission: Impossible movies never tried.

Killing off Maverick would ensure that Miles Teller’s Rooster could fill his role as the next movie’s protagonist. Much like Top Gun: Maverick ’s Iceman death gave Maverick a reason to grow and change, Maverick’s death could be the conduit for Rooster becoming a leader. One of the main reasons that Renner’s Brandt failed to convince as an action hero in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol was that Cruise’s Hunt remained a more interesting, dynamic character throughout the sequel. To give Rooster a real shot at headlining the series, Cruise’s character couldn’t remain a presence in the franchise.

Top Gun 3 Can’t Replace Maverick Without Killing Him

Cruise’s best franchises couldn’t make him a supporting star.

Cruise is a leading man and, as such, Mission: Impossible and Top Gun would both be unable to replace him without killing off his character. Since Top Gun: Maverick gave Maverick a happy ending , Top Gun 3 could always retire the character and see Rooster replace him as a teacher for young recruits. However, it would be hard to get viewers invested in Rooster’s story if Cruise’s Maverick was still around. Maverick is the center of the Top Gun franchise’s universe, with both of the original movies focusing on his character arc.

This means that Top Gun 3 killing off Cruise is the only way to replace Maverick . However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the series needs to take this approach. Maverick could remain the star of the series, especially given how enduringly popular the Mission: Impossible movies are. Although the franchise’s most recent outing underperformed financially, the series remains a critical darling. As such, Top Gun 3 may end up keeping Cruise around thanks to his persistent popularity.

Top Gun: Maverick