Ever since his introduction in 1941, in the heat of World War II, Captain America’s name has been synonymous with the most iconic motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson. In the comic books, Captain America’s most recognisable vehicle is a custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Captain America stored his motorcycle in his van to take with him when he went on missions.
His love for the motorcycle brand is also on full display in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Captain America: The First Avenger, Cap rides a 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA Liberator into battle against The Red Skull.
In The Avengers, Captain Rogers switched to a 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim as his personal form of transportation.
However, it was relegated to a personal means of transport; it wasn’t a part of his mission equipment. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier and movies that follow in the MCU timeline, he rides a Harley-Davidson Street 750.
With the joining of two American icons on the silver screen – Harley-Davidson and Captain America – here’s a look at all the bikes that appeared throughout the superhero’s Marvel films.
1. 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA “Liberator”
Captain America acquired a significantly more contemporary vehicle in 2012’s The Avengers, yet one that formally nonetheless resembled the appearance and feel of a renowned wartime bobber. In the film, the superhero may be seen riding a black 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim motorcycle in his “personal time” (that is, when he isn’t on a mission). While the bike’s stripped-back, retro-style may slightly remind the previous year’s WLA “Liberator” ride, this particular Harley Davidson included some very current, very 2012 innovations, including as a fuel-injected engine and hydraulic valve lifters.
2. 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim
Soon after, Captain America’s motorcycle would be upgraded once more: in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, actor Chris Evans is seen zooming along on a new Harley-Davidson Street 750, which was introduced at the Milan Motorcycle Show in 2013 just a week before it blazed into mainstream consciousness in trailers for the then-upcoming film.
Harley’s Street 750 was specifically designed for agility in the urban environment, making it the perfect motorcycle for Captain America to ride while doing battle against his enemies right in the city center. The Street 750 was one of Harley-Davidson’s first motorcycles to adopt its new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled “Revolution X” platform. Design-wise, it’s also a keystone of Harley’s “Dark Custom” lineup, a fleet of motorcycles specifically designed to appeal to younger, edgier drivers.
3. 2013 Harley-Davidson Street 750
Soon after, Captain America’s motorcycle would be upgraded once more: in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, actor Chris Evans is seen zooming along on a new Harley-Davidson Street 750, which was introduced at the Milan Motorcycle Show in 2013 just a week before it blazed into mainstream consciousness in trailers for the then-upcoming film.
Harley’s Street 750 was specifically designed for agility in the urban environment, making it the perfect motorcycle for Captain America to ride while doing battle against his enemies right in the city center. The Street 750 was one of Harley-Davidson’s first motorcycles to adopt its new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled “Revolution X” platform. Design-wise, it’s also a keystone of Harley’s “Dark Custom” lineup, a fleet of motorcycles specifically designed to appeal to younger, edgier drivers.
