The Bikeriders, the new film by Jeff Nichols released on 19 June 2024, set in the 70s and inspired by the book of the same name by Danny Lyons, is in Italian cinemas. Austin Butlerthe Elvis actor, plays one of the Vandals, a group of bikers led by his friend Johnny (Tom Hardy). The double interview with Butler and Jeff Nichols reveals their relationship with two wheels, especially Harley-Davidsons. The director admits that he had never approached that culture before the film, not expecting that riding a motorbike would become one of his biggest temptations. The American actor, born in 1991, is instead a great enthusiast and has his own private collection of classic two-wheelers, from the Harley Softail to the Triumph Bonneville, which he would like to take to one of the most beautiful places that our country can offer: the Dolomites .
Jeff, how much do you love motorcycles to make a movie like The Bikeriders?
“The answer is not simple: “Not that much” (laughs). The truth is that motorbikes scare me a little. I didn’t grow up with motorbike culture. It’s a fear that I had to face. When I started writing the project I got my license so that I wasn’t completely an impostor. From that moment on I started driving, and it’s quite intoxicating a husband and a father of a 13 year old son and this feeling is always close If I were to give in every time I would still be on the bike.”
Austin, what was it like driving 70s racing cars on the set?
“It was incredible, fantastic. Every bike has its own personality. I rode a 1965 Harley Panhead. These bikes are demanding, you know, you have to love them, like horses. You can’t just force them, you have to create some kind of relationship with them.”
We know you have a Harley Davidson. Which model and which trips do you like to do with your motorbike?
Austin:
“I have a 1966 Shovelhead, a new Harley Softail, a very nice Triumph Boneville. Driving on the Pacific Coast Highway, in California, looking at the sea, the sunset is beautiful. And on that road you can also push. A trip I’ve always wanted to do, and that some of my friends have already done, is in the Dolomites. I’ve heard that it’s one of the most beautiful places to travel on two wheels”.
What was your first motorcycle?
“My father’s motorbike, which I don’t remember which one it was. It wasn’t a Honda Rebel, but something similar. I remember he had Suzukis and Kawasakis. I’d have to ask him what they were exactly.”
What was the first bike you rode on Jeff?
“My older brother Ben’s. He was the one who gave me Danny Lyon’s book (which inspired The Bikeriders, ndr). He is an avid driver, he drives BMWs. He had a BMW Touring, but I think the first bike he bought was a 1973 BMW. He used to let me get on the back.”
Austin: “I’ve always wanted to have a BMW Cafe Racer.”
Austin, do you have a dream bike?
“One day I saw a guy who refurbished motorbikes, I think his name is Roughchild. He makes these spectacular BMW Cafe Racers. There’s a place in Los Angeles called Powerplant, where they take old motorbikes, strip them down and customize them. Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead actor, ndr) I think has a beautiful converted Shovelhead. It looks great. It has push button start. Very convenient!”.
