There’s nothing like hearing an engine purr in a video game as the surroundings zoom past. Racing games and series that give their players mechanical mounts understand how rewarding it can be to ride around in unique and memorable vehicles, especially when it’s a motorcycle.
Motorcycles have a special kind of appeal because of the cool air of confidence they exude, the powerful presence of bikers, and their endlessly customizable designs. Alongside some of the most influential characters, scenes, and games in video game history, a handful of motorcycles have made a name for themselves, adding another layer of excitement to seeing them in action.
11 Hang-On - Hang-On
Hang-On is a 1985 arcade game by Sega where players compete in motorcycle races on a ride bike that shares its name with the game. Although it has a simple goal, Hang-On was one of the first games to use 16-bit graphics and vehicle-shaped arcade cabinets. It was also highly successful for years after its release and inspired sequels with console ports. Adding to its impressive legacy, the bike appeared in other Sega games, most notably, the Sonic Riders series.
While the red bike may have a simple design, its overall importance takes it to the next level.
10 Light Cycle - Tron
The Light Cycle is Tron’s most recognizable vehicle. They appear in all of the franchise’s video games and movies, with special appearances in two Kingdom Hearts games. However, the cycles don’t just have a stunning, futuristic design. They also show how video games and reality combine life, death, and strategy to encourage people to reach their goals.
Given that the Tron franchise uses video games as a plot point to discuss technology in its stories, the Light Cycle has a peculiar yet memorable position as a video game motorcycle.
9 Ben’s Bike - Full Throttle
Motorcycles are at the heart of Full Throttle. Created by LucasArts in 1995 and remastered by Double Fine in 2017, the point-and-click game follows a biker gang leader named Ben on a mission to clear his gang’s name after being framed for murdering one of the last domestic motorcycle producers in the country.
However, while the game features many bikes in passing and discusses the future of motorcycle production, Ben’s actions as a biker and passion for motorcycles are best represented in his stunning and well-cared-for bike.
8 Schpeltiger - No More Heroes
No More Heroes follows Travis Touchdown, an otaku assassin who gets around town using a customized white bike with a large back tire called Schpeltiger. Since he can pop wheelies on his way to odd jobs and crime scenes, Schpeltiger is never far. It is perfect for getaways while showing the importance Travis places on aesthetics.
The original Schpeltiger gets destroyed at the end of the first No More Heroes game, but Travis gets a new and improved second version to continue strolling in style throughout the series.
7 Dark Rider - Shadow The Hedgehog
Shadow the Hedgehog stands out among Sonic games for its darker tones, decisions about morality, and more direct violence with weapons. However, considering Shadow can match Sonic’s speed, one of its more interesting aspects is that it gives the black and red hedgehog a motorcycle, Dark Rider.
Although Shadow only rides his motorcycle twice during the game, Dark Rider appears in a handful of other Sonic the Hedgehog media, including the comics and racing games. Shadow may not need a motorcycle to get around, but the idea that it’s his vehicle of choice fits his edgy and aloof personality well.
6 Wario’s Bike - WarioWare
In WarioWare, Wario often wears biker clothes with goggles on top of his helmet as he works on minigames with his friends in diamond city. He uses his bike to get around frequently, so it appears in a handful of minigames.
Some of Wario’s other friends from WarioWare also use scooters or motorcycles to get around, but Wario’s bike-riding action extends into other games other as well. Most notably, Wario rides his bike in Mario Kart and uses it to attack in some Super Smash Bros. games.
5 Master Cycle Zero - Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
In an open-world fantasy game like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, mounts are a must to make travel between areas efficient without quick traveling. The game has many living mounts to appeal to players’ preferences, but one unique way to get around is with the Master Cycle Zero.
Unlike many other mounts, Link earns the cycle through a series of trials and has to place items in its tank for fuel. Riding it around Hyrule with the Master Cycle Zero may take more time and resources than others, but its design makes it worth it for many players. Due to its popularity in Breath of the Wild, the cycle is also rideable in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
4 Cavaliere - Devil May Cry 5
Dante from Devil May Cry has had a number of fascinating and powerful weapons throughout the series, including Cavaliere, a motorcycle that can split into two handheld buzzsaws. To make it even more captivating, Cavaliere is also infused with demonic armor from one of Dante’s fallen foes.
The motorcycle adds another layer of aesthetic flair to Devil May Cry 5, and since its appearance, it has become commonly associated with its rider. Cavaliere is a reliable weapon and vehicle, making it an excellent match for a busy demon slayer such as Dante.
3 Johanna - Persona 5
Makoto Niijima from Persona 5 is an honors student with complicated feelings about authority and a raging desire to be heard by others. When she awakens to her persona, Makoto’s school personality is overcome by confidence and strength. Johanna makes a stunning first appearance, marking Makoto’s determination to express her strong sense of justice.
Beyond the motorcycle’s introduction and unmatched rideable design, it is reliable in combat for having nuclear, healing, and status skills. Like other personas from Persona 5, Johanna is Makoto’s manifested sense of rebellion, so all its techniques in and out of battle are personally relevant to its rider.
2 Koraidon & Miraidon - Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet added many new features to the beloved franchise, including an open world and rideable legendary Pokemon. However, while Koraidon and Miraidon are rideable, that is not their only asset to a team. They are also two of the most powerful Pokemon in Paldea.
The mascot legendaries for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet may not be actual motorcycles, but Koraidon’s love of running and Miraidon’s two-wheel drive help players get around the open world quickly and efficiently. Seeing the motorcycle-inspired Pokemon in action can be an almost surreal experience at first, adding another layer of wonder and curiosity around them.
1 Hardy-Daytona - Final Fantasy 7
Hardy-Daytona is a realistic motorcycle that appears in Final Fantasy 7 and its HD remake. Cloud rides the cycle while helping his teammates to escape from a building, using it as a weapon alongside his sword.
Players can replay the motorcycle getaway as a minigame after it takes place in the story, but the Hardy-Daytona does not make another plot-related appearance. Despite this, Hardy-Daytona was the first motorcycle to appear in the Final Fantasy franchise, allowing other cycles, such as Fenrir and the Shiva Sisters, to follow in its tire tracks.