The “Harley and the Marlboro Man” bike. Just the name conjures images of sun-drenched highways, rebellious spirits, and the open road. Immortalized in the культовый 1991 film starring Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson, this customized Harley-Davidson FXR has become more than just a movie prop; it’s a symbol of freedom and American motorcycle culture. But the story behind this iconic machine, particularly its distinctive exhaust, is richer and more nuanced than many fans realize.
The Genesis of a Legend: Building Mickey Rourke’s FXR
Before it graced the silver screen, the “Marlboro Man bike” began as a vision at Bartels Harley-Davidson, a legendary dealership in Culver City, California. Mickey Rourke, known for his passion for motorcycles, sought to create his ultimate ride. He entrusted Gene Thomason, Dave Fournier, and Allan Barsi at Bartels to bring his dream to life. This wasn’t just about building a bike; it was about crafting a statement.
Bartels Harley-Davidson and the Vision
Bartels Harley-Davidson was a hub for Hollywood’s motorcycle enthusiasts, catering to a clientele that included movie stars and industry figures. Bill Bartels himself understood the need for bikes that not only performed but also made a visual impact. When the project for Mickey Rourke’s FXR began, the brief was clear: create something extraordinary.
RB Racing Enters the Scene: Crafting the Exhaust
To achieve this standout aesthetic, Bartels turned to RB Racing, renowned for their high-performance and custom motorcycle exhausts. Dave Fournier, from Bartels, approached RB Racing during the movie’s planning stages with a specific request for Mickey Rourke’s FXR. Bill Bartels’ instruction to RB Racing was simple yet impactful: “Just make it stand out because there will be a movie poster of the bike”. This directive set the stage for the creation of the bike’s most recognizable feature – its exhaust system.
RB Racing responded by crafting their signature 1 1/2″ Dual exhausts. These weren’t just off-the-shelf pipes; they were custom-made to ensure Mickey Rourke’s bike would command attention. The raw, unpainted metal finish was a deliberate choice, adding to the bike’s tough, no-nonsense persona. These exhausts were designed to be seen and heard, perfectly aligning with the vision for a movie-star motorcycle.
From Custom Build to Hollywood Star: The Movie Transformation
The initial build of Mickey Rourke’s FXR was already impressive, but its transformation into the “Marlboro Man bike” involved further refinements for cinematic appeal. As the movie “Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man” gained momentum, the bike underwent stylistic changes to enhance its on-screen presence.
The Exhaust Dilemma: Crackle vs. Chrome
RB Racing initially experimented with different exhaust designs for the movie bike. One notable attempt was a set of 2-inch severe cut megaphones for Rourke’s white FXR, intended to deliver an “acres of chrome” look that would pop on a movie poster. While these megaphones were admired, a different direction was ultimately chosen. The filmmakers decided they wanted a more raw, aggressive sound for the bike.
The decision was made to revert to drag pipes with 1 1/2″ primaries, aiming for a “crackle” that would resonate on film. This choice prioritized auditory impact over visual flashiness, contributing to the bike’s rebellious image in the movie. The megaphones, while visually striking, were set aside in favor of the raw power and sound of the drag pipes.
The 1 ½” Drag Pipes and the Chase
RB Racing fabricated the 1 1/2″ drag pipes that ultimately became synonymous with the “Marlboro Man bike.” These pipes were not only visually distinct but also delivered a specific performance characteristic. As RB Racing themselves noted, these smaller pipes gave the stroker motor incredible power in first and second gear, but somewhat limited performance in third gear, being “way too small” for optimal top-end power.
The creation of these pipes led to a memorable anecdote. During a test run near RB Racing’s shop, a third-gear blast attracted the attention of the police. In a moment of classic Southern California motorcycle lore, a quick-thinking escape ensued, involving a gas station cut-through and some full-throttle maneuvers before finally resolving the situation with Mickey Rourke’s bike registration. This story adds to the rebellious spirit intrinsically linked to the “Harley and Marlboro Man” bike.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Legacy and Replicas
The “Harley and Marlboro Man” movie cemented the bike’s place in pop culture history. Its raw, custom aesthetic, and particularly its RB Racing exhausts, resonated with riders and moviegoers alike. The bike’s fame led to a surge in demand for replicas and similar custom builds.
The Original vs. Copies
The original “Harley And Marlboro Man Bike,” based on a 1989 Harley-Davidson FXR, became highly sought after. RB Racing acknowledges the numerous copies and replicas that have emerged over the years, a testament to the bike’s enduring appeal. While many try to capture the essence of the movie bike, the original, with its RB Racing-crafted exhausts, holds a unique place in motorcycle history.
RB Racing even produces limited sets of these iconic exhausts for enthusiasts looking to capture a piece of the “Marlboro Man” dream. This acknowledges the continued fascination with the bike and the desire to own a machine that embodies its rebellious spirit.
The Hollywood Connection and the Crew
The story of the “Harley and Marlboro Man bike” is intertwined with the vibrant Hollywood motorcycle scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. RB Racing’s involvement extended beyond Mickey Rourke, with custom exhausts crafted for other notable figures like Gary Busey, James Caan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bartels Harley-Davidson, under the guidance of Gene Thomason, became a go-to place for custom bikes for the Hollywood elite.
Gene Thomason, Dave Fournier, and the team at Bartels played a crucial role in shaping this era of motorcycle customization in Hollywood. Their collaboration with RB Racing on the “Marlboro Man bike” is a highlight of this period, showcasing the blend of craftsmanship, vision, and Hollywood flair that created a lasting icon.
Bike Specs and Details: A Deep Dive
For those seeking the nitty-gritty details, the “Harley and Marlboro Man bike” boasts a detailed specification sheet that reflects its custom nature and performance focus. Originally based on a 1989 Harley-Davidson FXR, the bike underwent significant modifications:
HARLEY DAVIDSON BLACK DEATH 3 GENERAL
- Owner: Bartels H-D
- Fabrication: Gene Thomason, Dave Fournier, Allan Barsi
- Year and make: 1989 H-D
- Model: FXR
- Value: 50 very big ones
- Assembly: Bartels
- Chroming: Browns/louie
ENGINE
- Year and model: 1989
- Rebuilder: Bartels
- Displacement: 80 cubic inches
- Lower end: stock
- Pistons: H-D
- Cases: factory
- Heads: H-D
- Cam: Bartels Performance BP40
- Carb: S&S Super E
- Pipes: handmade 1 1/2-inch straight (RB Racing)
TRANSMISSION
- Modifications: JayBrake forward controls
PAINT
- Molding/primer: Scott Bryan
- Special paint: handlettered by unknown
FRAME
- Year: 1989
- Type: H-D, FXR rubbermount
- Modifications: 42-degree rake 11 1/2-inch struts, chromed swingarm
ACCESSORIES
- Bars: California Design, 15-degree drag
- Headlight: FXST
- Taillight: Custom Chrome
- Pegs: JayBrake
- Electrics: Custom Chrome
- Gas tank: 5-gallon, welded together
- Oil tank: chromed
- Primary cover: H-D
- Seat: Don Crager
- Mirrors: Rick Doss
- Grips: Arlen Ness, grooved
FORKS
- Type: FLT
- Builder: H-D
- Modifications: 6 inches over, FLT sliders
WHEELS
- FRONT
- Type: H-D
- Size: 21 inches
- Tire: Continental
- Rim width: 3 inches
- Brake: Performance Machine
- REAR
- Type: H-D
- Size: 16 inches
- Tire: Metzeler
- Rim width: 4 inches
- Brake: Performance Machine
- Photos: Markus Cuff
This detailed spec list underscores the meticulous customization that went into creating “Black Death 3,” the bike that became the “Marlboro Man bike.” From the RB Racing exhausts to the hand-lettered tank and performance modifications, every element contributed to its iconic status.
Conclusion
The “Harley and Marlboro Man bike” is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a cultural artifact. Its story encompasses Hollywood glamour, custom bike craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of the open road. RB Racing’s pivotal role in crafting the bike’s distinctive exhausts is a key part of this narrative. The bike’s legacy continues to inspire custom builds and fuel the dreams of riders who seek a piece of this cinematic and motorcycle history. Explore RB Racing’s product line to discover exhausts that capture the spirit of iconic bikes like the “Marlboro Man” machine.
