The Prince Purple Rain motorcycle is a legendary piece of pop culture history that has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans for decades. This iconic motorcycle was featured prominently in the 1984 film, Purple Rain, which starred Prince as a talented musician struggling to make it big in Minneapolis.
The bike itself is a custom-made creation that was designed specifically for the movie by Peter Fonda’s company, Easy Rider Inc. The motorcycle was built using a Honda CM400A frame and engine as its base, but it underwent extensive modifications to transform it into the stunning machine we see on screen.
One of the most notable features of the Prince Purple Rain motorcycle is its striking purple paint job. The color was chosen by Prince himself as an homage to his hit song “Purple Rain,” which serves as both the title track for his album and the name of his fictional band in the movie.
In addition to its eye-catching appearance, this motorcycle also boasts several unique design elements that set it apart from other bikes on the road. These include custom handlebars with an integrated speedometer and tachometer, a modified fuel tank with extended sides, and custom wheels outfitted with oversized tires.
Despite being over three decades old now, interest in this iconic vehicle shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Fans continue to flock to auctions where replicas or actual versions are sold off at astounding prices making them one-of-a-kind collectors’ items.
Overall then, there’s no denying that whether you’re a fan of classic motorcycles or simply adore all things related to music legend Prince; The Purple Rain Motorcycle remains an enduringly popular symbol representing them both!
Prince’s love for motorcycles
Prince was not only a musical genius, but he also had a deep passion for motorcycles. He owned several bikes during his lifetime and was known to be an avid rider. Riding motorcycles was anything but just a hobby for him; it was his way of expressing himself and connecting with the world around him.
One of Prince’s iconic moments on a motorcycle is undoubtedly the scene from his movie “Purple Rain,” where he rides down the highway on his custom-made purple Honda CB400A Hawk motorcycle. The bike became famous almost overnight and has since been inextricably linked to Prince’s legacy.
However, Purple Rain wasn’t just any motorcycle. It was customized to match Prince’s flamboyant style, complete with purple metallic paint job, custom chrome accents, and even a special handlebar that allowed him to play guitar while riding.
But this wasn’t the only motorcycle Prince owned or rode throughout his life. He had numerous bikes from different brands like Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, BMW, etc., all customized according to his taste.
Apart from being an individualistic expression of himself through customization and design choices made by him on these machines; riding motorcycles were also therapeutic for Prince as it gave him time alone on the road away from everything else going around in daily life pressures/events- much needed peace & solitude.
Through riding these powerful machines at high speeds or cruising slowly along scenic roads without any particular destination – he found solace in the freedom they provided allowing focus solely upon oneself rather than external factors such as status/wealth/class which plagued other areas of society due too excessive consumerism seen today more prominently than ever before.
In conclusion: For someone who expressed himself through music as well as fashion statements both onstage/offstage & never shying away from taking risks- motorcycling represented another avenue where he could do just that using customized designs/colors/styles etc., signifying his individualistic flare. Prince’s love for motorcycles was not just about machines and speed; it was a way of life that allowed him to connect with himself, his music, and the world around him on a whole new level.
The Creation of the Purple Rain Motorcycle
Prince’s iconic motorcycle, featured in his 1984 film “Purple Rain,” was custom built by California-based designer and builder, Dave Barr. The motorcycle started as a Honda CB400A that Barr transformed into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Barr repainted the bike with a purple metalflake paint job and added custom chrome accents throughout. The handlebars were also customized to fit Prince’s smaller stature, making it easier for him to maneuver on stage during performances. Additionally, Barr installed an extended front end and fender, giving the motorcycle its distinctive chopper look.
The motorcycle was not only functional but also served as part of Prince’s larger-than-life persona. When he rode it onto stage during his concerts or in the film “Purple Rain,” fans went wild for both him and his ride. In fact, such was its popularity that after Prince died in 2016, replicas of the Purple Rain motorcycle were made available for purchase at auction houses across America.
Despite their widespread availability however none could match up to the original machine which remains an iconic symbol of Prince’s music career even today
Design and features of the iconic motorcycle
The Prince Purple Rain Motorcycle was a custom-made bike that was built specifically for the legendary musician, Prince. The motorcycle was designed by Tim Cramer, who is a well-known motorcycle designer in the industry. The design of the bike was inspired by both vintage motorcycles and futuristic designs.
One of the key features of this iconic motorcycle is its striking purple color scheme. The bodywork is finished with high-gloss purple paint, which gives it a unique and eye-catching look. To complement this bold color choice, there are also silver accents on various parts of the bike.
In terms of performance, the Prince Purple Rain Motorcycle is equipped with a powerful V-twin engine that delivers impressive power and acceleration. This engine is paired with a 5-speed transmission system that makes it easy to maneuver at high speeds.
Another notable feature of this bike is its custom-made handlebars. These handlebars were designed specifically for Prince’s comfort and riding style. They provide excellent grip and control while also contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the bike.
Finally, safety features were not overlooked when building this iconic motorcycle. It comes equipped with front and rear disc brakes as well as an anti-lock braking system (ABS). These safety features make it easier for riders to stop quickly in emergency situations or when traveling at high speeds.
Overall, there’s no denying that the Prince Purple Rain Motorcycle is an incredibly unique and special machine. From its bold design choices to its impressive performance capabilities, it truly stands out from other motorcycles on the road today.
Significance of the motorcycle in the Purple Rain film
The motorcycle featured in Prince’s 1984 film, Purple Rain, played a significant role both on and off screen. The bike was a customized Honda CM400A Hondamatic that was painted purple to match Prince’s signature color.
In the film, Prince’s character “The Kid” is seen riding the motorcycle throughout Minneapolis as he struggles with personal and professional issues. The bike represents freedom and escape for him, as well as his rebellious spirit.
Off screen, the motorcycle became just as iconic as it did on screen. It quickly gained popularity among fans of Prince and his music, becoming an emblem of his unique style and individuality. Many fans even went so far as to customize their own motorcycles in tribute to him.
The bike also played a role in promoting the film itself. In interviews leading up to its release, Prince often mentioned the motorcycle as being integral to both his character and the overall aesthetic of Purple Rain. This helped generate buzz for the movie before it even hit theaters.
Today, many fans consider owning a replica of the Purple Rain motorcycle to be one of ultimate tributes they can pay to Prince’s legacy. While it may seem like just another prop from a classic ’80s movie today, there’s no denying that this particular bike left an indelible mark on popular culture – much like its owner did.
The motorcycle’s impact on popular culture
Motorcycles have been a part of popular culture for decades, with their iconic designs and alluring freedom. They have appeared in countless movies, TV shows, music videos, and advertisements. One of the most famous motorcycles in pop culture history is undoubtedly the one ridden by Prince in his hit 1984 movie “Purple Rain.”
The motorcycle used in the film was a custom-made Honda CM400A Hondamatic painted in purple metal flake paint. It became synonymous with Prince’s character “The Kid” and helped cement his status as an icon of both music and style.
But Prince wasn’t the only musician to incorporate motorcycles into his image. In fact, many famous rock stars such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Jimi Hendrix were known for their love of motorcycles.
Beyond music icons, motorcycles have also influenced fashion trends over the years. The leather jacket-wearing biker has become a staple of rebel style while vintage motorcycle apparel has now become high-end fashion items.
In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage bikes that reflect classic styles from past eras such as cafe racers or choppers. These motorcycles are often seen at car shows or festivals celebrating these older styles that represent an earlier era when motorcycling was more about personal expression than practical transportation.
Regardless of how they’re used today though it’s clear that motorcycles continue to be an inspiration for artistry across multiple mediums – from music to fashion to advertising – thanks largely due to their unique place within our collective cultural consciousness.
Ownership and Auction History of the Purple Rain Motorcycle
The iconic Purple Rain motorcycle was owned by Prince, the legendary musician and performer. The bike was custom-made for Prince in 1981 by Honda as part of a promotional partnership with his movie, “Purple Rain.” The motorcycle featured a purple metallic flake paint job, customized handlebars, seat and tailpipes.
After being used in the movie “PurpleRain,” the bike became one of Prince’s most prized possessions. He often rode it around Minneapolis as well as on tours during his concerts. In fact, he loved it so much that he even wrote a song about it called “Ride.”
In 2016, seven months after Prince’s death, the iconic motorcycle went up for auction at Profiles in History auction house located in Calabasas Hills CA. Bidding began at $100k but quickly skyrocketed to $450k due to its incredible historical significance.
The winning bidder turned out to be an anonymous buyer who paid $468k which included premium fees added by Profiles in History auction house making this sale one of their highest grossing items ever sold!
Since then there have been rumors that Jay Leno has acquired ownership of this cultural icon; however no official announcement or confirmation has been made yet regarding any new ownership status updates or plans for future display purposes publically known thus far based off reports available online at present time.
Conclusion and legacy of Prince’s iconic motorcycle
In conclusion, Prince’s purple Honda CM400A motorcycle has become an iconic symbol of the artist and his 1984 film “Purple Rain.” The bike was featured prominently in the movie as well as on the album cover for “Purple Rain.” It was also used during live performances and music videos throughout Prince’s career.
The motorcycle was auctioned off in 2016 by Profiles in History, where it sold for $75,000 to a private collector. Its new owner plans to preserve the bike’s legacy and keep it on display for fans to enjoy.
Prince’s love for motorcycles extended beyond just this one purple bike. He owned several other motorcycles throughout his lifetime, including a custom-made Yamaha that he rode while filming the music video for “Batdance.”
Prince passed away in 2016 at age 57, but his impact on music and pop culture continues to be felt today. His purple motorcycle remains a beloved piece of memorabilia among fans worldwide.
In addition to its cultural significance, Prince’s purple Honda CM400A also represents a notable moment in motorcycle history. The bike is part of Honda’s line of automatic transmission motorcycles from the early ’80s – an innovation that made riding easier and more accessible to people who might have otherwise been intimidated by manual transmissions.
Overall, Prince’s iconic purple motorcycle has left behind a lasting legacy both within pop culture and within the world of motorcycles. Its influence can still be seen today through its continued representation in popular media and through its preservation by collectors who recognize its historical significance.