Sons of Anarchy, the FX hit series that aired from 2008 to 2014, captivated audiences worldwide with its raw portrayal of a motorcycle club’s life, loyalty, and lawlessness. Central to the show’s appeal was the culture of motorcycle riding, showcased through impressive riding scenes and a stunning array of bikes. For fans, the motorcycles weren’t just props; they were characters in their own right, extensions of the personalities and roles within SAMCRO. Among these two-wheeled stars, Jax Teller’s bike stands out as the most iconic, representing his journey, his rebellion, and his deep connection to the club.
Many of the actors, including Charlie Hunnam who played Jax Teller, were genuine motorcycle enthusiasts, which added authenticity to the series’ riding sequences. This real passion translated onto the screen, making the motorcycle action feel visceral and believable. From cruisers to custom builds, Sons of Anarchy featured a diverse collection of bikes, each telling a story. Let’s explore some of the most memorable motorcycles from the show, focusing on the ride synonymous with its protagonist: Jax Teller’s bike.
10. John Teller’s Knucklehead
Harley Davidson Knucklehead
The 1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead of John Teller, Jax’s father, was more than just a motorcycle; it was a symbol of SAMCRO’s origins and Jax’s heritage. This vintage machine, rented from Harley-Davidson for the show, served as a shrine in the clubhouse, a constant reminder of the club’s founder and his ideals. The Knucklehead’s presence in the pilot episode immediately established the deep history and legacy that weighed upon Jax and the club.
In the storyline, John Teller’s suicide on this very bike gives it a tragic significance. Its subsequent restoration by SAMCRO became a tribute to his memory. Though destroyed later in the series, its final rebuilt appearance in the finale cemented its iconic status, representing the cyclical nature of legacy and violence in Sons of Anarchy.
Model Specifications
| Engine | Type 74 Knucklehead |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1207cc |
| Power | 53 hp |
| Torque | No Specified |
9. Jax’s Dyna Super Glide Sport
Sons of Anarchy Jax Motorcycle
Jax Teller’s primary ride, the Dyna Super Glide Sport, is arguably the most recognizable bike from Sons of Anarchy. This motorcycle became synonymous with Charlie Hunnam’s portrayal of Jax, embodying his character’s agility, his leadership, and his outlaw spirit. Equipped with a potent 1450cc V-Twin engine, Jax’s Dyna was modified to enhance its performance and reflect his personal style. These tweaks included upgraded handlebars, suspension, and disc brakes, making it perfect for navigating the chaotic world of SAMCRO.
Throughout most of the series, Jax is seen maneuvering this Dyna through intense chases and tight spots, highlighting its handling and power. While he ultimately rides his father’s Knucklehead in the series finale, it’s the Dyna Super Glide Sport that most fans picture when they think of Jax Teller’s bike. Interestingly, Charlie Hunnam himself is a motorcycle enthusiast and kept some of the bikes from the show, including his iconic Dyna.
Model Specifications
| Engine | 4v air-cooled V-twin |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1450cc |
| Power | 65 hp |
| Torque | 81 lb-ft |
8. Bobby’s Custom Chopper
Bobby Custom Chopper
Bobby Munson, the level-headed and dependable member of SAMCRO, is known for his various rides, including a Dyna Street Glide and a Fat Boy. However, his custom chopper stands out as a testament to his character’s dedication and craftsmanship. Bobby painstakingly built this bike from the ground up, using a hard-tail frame, mini ape hangers, and an Evolution engine.
This custom build, with its chopper aesthetic enhanced by lace wheels and raked springer forks, became a source of both pride and amusement within the club. Bobby’s persistent work on the bike, his refusal to give up on it despite its quirks, mirrors his unwavering loyalty and dedication to SAMCRO.
7. Chibs’ VP Edition Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob
Chibs Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob
Like many SAMCRO members, Chibs Telford starts with a Dyna Street Bob. As his character evolves and he rises to the position of VP, his bike undergoes its own transformation. Chibs’ 2007 Dyna Street Bob is customized with unique symbols that reflect his heritage and affiliations. A small cross of St. Andrew pays homage to his Irish roots and ties to the IRA, while the anarchy symbol on the tank represents his loyalty to SAMCRO and his Californian life.
The Dyna Street Bob itself draws inspiration from the post-WWII bobber movement and the custom choppers of the ’70s. Chibs’ bike, powered by a stock air-cooled Twin-Cam 96 engine, visually represents his journey and his complex identity within the club.
Model Specifications
| Engine | Twin-Cam 96 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1800cc |
| Power | 67 hp |
| Torque | 81 lb-ft |
6. Piney’s Harley-Davidson Electra Tri-Glide
2022 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra
Piney Winston, Opie’s father and a founding member of SAMCRO, stands out with his Harley-Davidson Electra Tri-Glide. Due to his declining health, the trike is not just a stylistic choice but a necessity, allowing him to remain an active part of the club’s rides. The Tri-Glide provides stability and comfort, essential for Piney, and even accommodates his oxygen tank, illustrating that passion for riding transcends physical limitations.
Harley-Davidson’s history with trikes is extensive, dating back to pre and post-World War II models. These historical models can be seen at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, a must-visit for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Model Specifications
| Engine | Twin-Cooled(TM) Milwaukee-Eight(TM) 114 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1868cc |
| Power | Not Specified |
| Torque | 121 lb-ft |
Harley Davidson Museum 5. Opie’s Hand-Me-Down Harley-Davidson Panhead
Harley Davidson 1949 Panhead
Opie Winston, Piney’s son, rides two significant bikes in Sons of Anarchy: a Dyna Street Bob, mirroring other club members, and a 1949 Harley-Davidson Panhead, inherited from his father. While Opie uses the Dyna for everyday tasks and showcases its agility in various situations, the Panhead represents his connection to his father and the club’s history.
The 1949 Panhead, released during the post-war economic boom, features a two-cylinder, four-valve push-rod V-twin engine. This hand-me-down bike symbolizes Opie’s deep roots within SAMCRO and the legacy passed down through generations.
Model Specifications
| Engine | 61 C.I.OHV twin |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1208cc |
| Power | 50 hp |
| Torque | 62 lb-ft |
4. Clay’s Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide
Clay Sons of Anarchy Dyna Super Glide
Clay Morrow, Jax’s stepfather and former president of SAMCRO, rides a Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide. As JT’s best friend and right-hand man, Clay’s bike reflects his authority and long-standing position within the club. His Dyna Super Glide is powered by a Twin Cam 96 Push-rod V-twin engine, delivering substantial torque.
In 2006, the Dyna Super Glide received upgrades including a new chassis and a six-speed transmission, along with an anniversary edition honoring the original 1971 Super Glide. Clay’s choice of the Dyna Super Glide places him firmly within the SAMCRO aesthetic, while also reflecting his seasoned rider status.
Model Specifications
| Engine | Twin cam push-rod V-twin |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1584cc |
| Power | Not Specified |
| Torque | 92 lb-ft |
The cast of American Chopper 3. Alvarez’s Harley-Davidson Road King
Alvarez motorcycle sons of anarchy
Marcus Alvarez, the president of the Mayans MC, a rival club that evolves into an uneasy ally for SAMCRO, rides a Harley-Davidson Road King. As the leader of the Mayans, Alvarez’s bike needs to project power and authority. While Mayan members often ride Heritage Softails, Alvarez’s Road King sets him apart.
The 2008 Road King featured in the series includes an optional Brembo ABS braking system. Finished in a distinctive dark green, Alvarez’s Road King is fitting for the head of the Mayans MC. Interestingly, the Road King used in the show belongs to Emilio Rivera, the actor who plays Alvarez, adding a personal touch to the portrayal.
Model Specifications
| Engine | 4v V-twin |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1584cc |
| Power | 65 hp |
| Torque | 91 lb-ft |
2. Mayan MC Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail
Mayans MC Motorcycles The Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail is the signature motorcycle of the Mayans MC. Instantly recognizable, the Mayan members’ 1996 Heritage Softails, much like SAMCRO bikes, are customized to reflect individual styles within the club’s unified aesthetic.
The Heritage Softail, originally conceived and patented by Bill Davis before being sold to Harley-Davidson, debuted in 1983. With a V-twin engine, the Softail combines classic looks with solid performance. Mayan MC Softail Deluxe models in the series showcase modifications like whitewall tires, ape hangers, and fishtail tips, further distinguishing their club’s visual identity.
Model Specifications
| Engine | 4v V-twin |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1449cc |
| Power | 67 hp |
| Torque | 81 lb-ft |
1. TO’s Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Road King
2001 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic parked on the road.
Taddarius Orwell, or TO, breaks the SAMCRO mold by riding a Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Road King, diverging from the Dyna-dominant trend. As the first African-American member of SAMCRO, TO’s character is significant in the show’s exploration of race and belonging. His choice of the Screamin’ Eagle Road King makes a statement, setting him apart while still firmly establishing him as a powerful presence within the club.
TO, a transfer from the Grim Reapers, is portrayed as a loyal and valuable member of SAMCRO. His Road King symbolizes his unique position and his refusal to conform entirely to established norms.
Model Specifications
| Engine | Twin Cam 103 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1690cc |
| Power | 72.8 hp |
| Torque | 84.4 lb-ft |
In conclusion, the motorcycles of Sons of Anarchy are far more than just transportation; they are integral to the show’s identity, reflecting the characters’ personalities, allegiances, and journeys. From John Teller’s symbolic Knucklehead to the Mayan MC’s uniform Heritage Softails, each bike contributes to the rich tapestry of the series. However, it is Jax Teller’s bike, the Dyna Super Glide Sport, that truly captures the essence of Sons of Anarchy. It represents his rebellious spirit, his leadership, and the enduring allure of the open road, forever linking Jax Teller and his iconic ride in the minds of fans.
