The Iconic Harley Davidson Marlboro Man Bike: A Closer Look at a Legend

The Harley Davidson Marlboro Man Bike. The name itself conjures images of Hollywood cool, rebellious spirit, and the open road. Immortalized in the 1991 культовый film “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man,” this custom FXR Harley-Davidson became an instant icon, representing a raw and powerful aesthetic that resonated with motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. But behind the movie magic and Mickey Rourke’s on-screen persona, there’s a fascinating story of custom bike building and the quest for the perfect exhaust note, courtesy of RB Racing.

RB Racing, renowned for their high-performance motorcycle exhaust systems, played a pivotal role in crafting the Marlboro Man bike’s signature look and sound. As they recall, the journey began with a request from Dave Fournier, then at Bartels Harley-Davidson, a legendary dealership in Culver City, California. Bartels himself, Bill Bartels, had a clear vision: the exhaust needed to be visually striking, something that would jump off the movie poster.

RB Racing delivered, creating their now-famous 1 1/2″ Dual exhaust system. These weren’t just for show; they were the real deal, the same pipes RB Racing used when they needed to make a quick getaway from the authorities, as they jokingly (and perhaps not entirely jokingly) mention.

The movie propelled the bike to unforeseen levels of fame. RB Racing still produces a limited number of these exhaust systems for enthusiasts seeking to capture a piece of that cinematic dream. However, they offer a candid insight into the performance of these movie-star pipes: while the 1 1/2″ diameter provided exhilarating low-end power, it somewhat restricted the engine’s breathing at higher speeds, a trade-off for the desired “crackling” sound and visual impact. It’s important to note, as RB Racing emphasizes, the pipes were originally bare metal, not the black finish often seen on replicas.

Before the movie fame, there was Mickey Rourke’s personal FXR. RB Racing developed the initial exhaust designs on this very bike. Time flies, as RB Racing humorously notes, the child pictured on the seat has since pursued academics, earning a PhD in physics – a far cry from greasy motorcycle parts!

The late 1980s and early 1990s Hollywood scene, as RB Racing vividly describes, was a melting pot of personalities, from movie stars to producers and everyone in between, all converging at RB Racing for custom motorcycle work. Figures like Mickey Rourke, Gary Busey, James Caan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were part of this scene. RB Racing recounts anecdotes of those days, painting a picture of a bygone era of Hollywood motorcycle culture.

Interestingly, the iconic drag pipes weren’t the first exhaust concept for the movie bike. RB Racing initially crafted a set of 2-inch severe cut megaphone exhausts for Rourke’s white FXR. The aim was “acres of chrome” to maximize visual impact on the movie poster. While these megaphones were admired, the decision was ultimately made to go with the more aggressive, raw look of 1 1/2″ drag pipes, prioritizing a “crackling” sound and a tougher aesthetic. The bike pictured with the megaphone exhausts isn’t the movie bike itself but serves to illustrate this earlier design phase.

RB Racing also mentions that Bartels Harley-Davidson, and later even Hooker Headers, produced copies of their distinctive exhausts, a testament to the design’s popularity and influence.

The white paint and megaphone exhausts were replaced. The bike underwent a transformation, embracing a “raw” and less polished look, a deliberate move away from the prevalent flashy, custom paint jobs of the time. Dave Fournier, instrumental in the bike’s creation, oversaw its final form before RB Racing fabricated the 1 1/2″ drag pipes. RB Racing recalls a near run-in with the law while test-riding the completed bike, a story that adds to the bike’s rebellious lore. A quick escape from the police, facilitated by the bike’s agility, ended with a humorous explanation involving Mickey Rourke’s registration and understanding law enforcement officers – a far cry from today’s less forgiving climate, as they point out. After filming wrapped, RB Racing created a set of 2″ drag pipes for the bike, perhaps for improved performance after its movie duties were done.

Gene Thomason and Dave Fournier from Bartels Harley-Davidson were central to this project. RB Racing pays tribute to Gene Thomason (left), who passed away in 2021, highlighting his role in connecting Hollywood’s elite with custom EVOs and RB Racing’s bespoke exhausts. Dave Fournier (right), the builder of the Marlboro bike, continued his passion for locomotives after retiring from motorcycle work.

The Harley Davidson Marlboro Man bike, also known as “Black Death 3,” transcends mere movie prop status. It ignited the “chopper craze” and remains an enduring symbol of motorcycle cool. Acquired in 1997 from Gene Thomason, the bike, with its tank initialed and signed by Mickey Rourke, is a genuine piece of cinematic and motorcycle history.

Harley Davidson “Black Death 3” – Marlboro Man Bike Specifications:

The Harley Davidson Marlboro Man bike remains more than just a motorcycle; it’s a symbol of an era, a testament to custom bike building artistry, and a legend fueled by Hollywood and RB Racing’s distinctive exhaust note. Its enduring appeal confirms its place in motorcycle history.