It's another year we are home celebrating World Motorcycle Day as the pandemic continues to restrict our travel. But hey, from adversity comes opportunity, and that's what we plan to do this year. While riding a motorcycle may be restricted for a while, it's a good time to binge on some great content around - any guesses? - motorcycles, of course. Over the years, there have been some fantastic movies and documentaries made around two wheels and now's a good time as any to catch them. So without waiting any longer, we present our top six best motorcycle documentaries and movies you must watch this World Motorcycle Day 2021.
Also Read: World Motorcycle Day 2021: Tips On Becoming A Better Motorcyclist
This documentary staring Steve McQueen recently celebrated its 50th anniversary
This Bruce Brown moto film recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and it has managed to stand the test of time. On Any Sunday is possibly one of the most iconic motorcycle films every made and is absolute visual experience for motorcyclists. The 96-minute feature film is centred around riding buddies Malcolm Smith, Mert Lawwill, and a certain star Steve McQueen. It's captures the simple pleasures of riding together, jumping dunes, pulling wheelies for the camera, and riding off into the sunset. No matter the era you were born in, On Any Sunday will resonate with you and its impact travels beyond celluloid even today.
Watch it for the love of life, death, motorcycles and everything in between
Based on the races held at the Isle of Man in Ireland, Closer to the Edge is absolutely fantastic show of all's that's at stake when it comes to competing in the race there. It also dives deeper into the lives of the motorcycle racers that have attempted to conquer this island circuit. The 104-minute documentary is a worth watch for motorsport aficionados and has a tremendous repeat value.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride from London to New York on BMW Motorcycles remains an iconic travel documentary
It's been over 15 years since this series starring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman released but Long Way Round continues to be a favourite for motorcycle travellers. It documented the Ewan and Charley's ride from London to New York on BMW Motorcycles, paired with a support crew and a doctor. If you do like adventure travel stories from these two, do check out the documentary sequels Lock Way Down (2007) and the latest Long Way Up (2020) that cover their adventures on two-wheels in other parts of the world. Has that travel bug bitten you too?
Also Read: World Motorcycle Day: Must Have Riding Gear
Gaurav Jani astride his Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Campus
This documentary almost works in the same way as ASMR if you watch without any distractions. Gaurav Jani's visual time capsule witnesses motorcyclist/filmmaker starting his ride from Mumbai, going all the way up to the Changthang Plateau in Tibet, astride the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. It's exactly the old-school, no-nonsense travel story that you can revisit time and again. We know we do.
Road. The Dunlop Family Story offers a closer look at the Dunlop family synonymous with racing in Ireland
If you liked Closer to the Edge then you have to watch Road. It's based on the Dunlop family, who have arguably won and lost the most competing in the Isle of Man TT. Joey Dunlop was of the first generation to race on the island's closed country circuit only to be succeeded by the next generation. For fans of racing, this is a documentary that you have to watch.
Bringing the superstars of MotoGP for your viewing pleasure
Hitting the Apex is the story of six of the fastest motorcycle racers of all time. It's the kind of high octane action you'd expect, only with real people and no retakes. The film manages to move beyond its MotoGP narrative and focus on the superstars of the sport. It also does a good job of conveying the technicalities of MotoGP without feeling too pedantic. And that quality makes it accessible to a wider audience, and not just MotoGP fans.
