If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead like me, then I’m sure one of the first things that you’re going to want to feature in any Apocalypse plot is someone in leather wielding a crossbow as some sort of hero. For those who are unfamiliar, Daryl Dixon from AMC’s new take on zombies embodies this image perfectly.
However, it is the flashiest of a long line of motorcycles. Daryl, a fascinating individual known for his ability to thrive in challenging situations, has gained recognition for the iconic design of this motorcycle. This blog post discusses the Daryl Dixon motorcycle—what it is, how it works, and why it is so iconic to the show.
The Birth of the Daryl Dixon Motorcycle
In 2014, a brand-new motorcycle roared onto the screens of The Walking Dead, yet it ended up becoming one of the audience’s most popular rides. It wasn’t just any bike; rather, it was a specially made motorcycle for the character of Daryl Dixon, who is really all about tough survival in a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic world.
The incredible team at Classified Moto, a fantastic custom motorcycle shop located in Richmond, Virginia, built the bike. The actor who plays Daryl Dixon, Norman Reedus, was already a fan of Classified Moto’s work, having gotten them to build him a custom Yamaha XV920R in the past. Reedus was so impressed with their work, he brought them to his motorcycle shop to show Walking Dead’s showrunner Scott M. Gimple what they could do. Showrunner Scott Gimple requested a new bike from Classified Moto after Daryl’s old one broke apart.
The Making of Daryl Dixon’s Motorcycle
The project wasn’t a one-off motorcycle build either; the production team required two identical bikes to be able to alternate filming between both of them. Enter Classified Moto, which was tasked with creating a duo of bikes that would not only have the right look but could also perform in quite demanding filming circumstances.
Daryl Dixon’s bike is a 1992 Honda CB750 Nighthawk. The bike in question is a 2015 Honda CB1100, built by Jade Motorcycle. We chose this classic bike with extreme caution and uncertainty for customization. After assembly in the workshop, we swapped out the front end hardware—wheel and brakes included—from a Yamaha YZF-R6 to give it a more aggressive stance better suited for cornering.
For The Walking Dead, the tires were Kenda Big Blocks to suit its ruggedness and post-apocalyptic feel. We fitted a set of Progressive Suspension 970 piggyback shocks to effortlessly handle the bike terrain and high-speed chases.
Custom Features of Daryl Dixon’s Motorcycle
The fuel tank on Daryl Dixon’s motorcycle, a copy of a cobbled-together design from multiple versions of Yamaha XS650 tanks, serves as a wonderful example of this. The tank had an old-school feel, and we selected it to go with the look of the show. The hand-built feel goes a little further up front with the tank and that custom leather saddle made by Roy Baird of Richmond, VA.
We also incorporated custom baffles on the exhaust system, creating sounds that echo the emptiness of post-apocalyptic world streets. Seth Ingham CNC mills dual-billet aluminum mesh inlets for the intake system, ensuring it runs cleanly through the dirt and debris of The Walking Dead.
One of the most unforgettable elements found on Daryl Dixon’s motorcycle is its very personal, custom-strung crossbow mount. Fans will be aware that Daryl frequently travels without his crossbow, a feature he has incorporated into his bike design. The crossbow mount allows him to take the weapon with him as he rides, and hopefully, for his sake, he meets a few walkers.
The Popularity of the Daryl Dixon Motorbike
But the popularity of The Walking Dead and Daryl Dixon’s character has ensured that his motorcycle is now one of the most famous bikes on Earth. Show fans how much they love the rugged look and how well it fits Daryl. Daryl carries a motorcycle as a symbol of strength, well-being, and the will to survive throughout all seasons.
Their car became so popular that fans emailed Classified Moto to get one. Realizing the demand, they eventually decided to produce hand-built replica Bluts. They meticulously built a replica, costing $21,000, just like the original.
The Legacy of Daryl Dixon’s Motorcycle in The Walking Dead
The bike is not only a vehicle for Daryl Dixon; it’s an integral part of his character. Since The Walking Dead first introduced us to Daryl, people have portrayed him as a self-sufficient individual capable of self-care and self-protection. The motorcycle helped reinforce that image; it gave Daryl his own set of wheels that were as tough and dependable as the bikers themselves.
Daryl’s motorcycle has been an important prop throughout the series. Whether he’s speeding through the forest to get away from a mob of walkers or cruising into an empty village for some supplies, that seat on two wheels is what makes him tick.
The series soon proved that the motorcycle was more than just a mode of transportation. It became a beacon of hope and resiliency, epitomizing Daryl’s resolve to survive all obstacles. Therefore, they serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by death, a reality that many others often overlook. The challenges have prevailed and demonstrated the power of adversity.
Daryl Dixon’s Evolution on a Motorcycle
Daryl Dixon loves his bike. In the early seasons of The Walking Dead, the bike served as a plot device, something the dangerous landscape required, and it was very helpful whenever Daryl went out to do his group’s protector duties. Over time, the motorcycle evolved into a visual representation of Daryl’s struggles and vulnerabilities, reflecting his personal growth and development.
Daryl Dixon had his hulking motorcycle and loner tendencies in season 1. It was an escape, a way to keep others at bay and preserve his freedom. Once used to establish Daryl as the rugged individual of a lone wolf, signaling his breakaway from the outside world, the motorcycle gradually transformed into a sign that he too cared about the community and would protect it at all costs.
The significance of Daryl’s motorcycle has evolved over the years as the group has encountered more and more serious threats. It served as a symbol of his leadership, representing the responsibility and honor he owed to those under his care. Another trend we’ve observed is the transformation of the first motorcycle, once a sign of isolation, into a symbol of unity and loyalty.
Also Read: Sukıtır: More Than Just a Scooter – A Turkish Cultural Icon
Final Thought
Daryl Dixon’s motorcycle really is more than just a bike, but rather an artifact of iconic television history. The featurette illustrates the development of one of The Walking Dead’s most cherished characters. The motorcycle embodies Daryl’s character in its rugged-style details. The motorcycle embodies Daryl’s character, with custom features added from the beginning to every zombie kill. It may not be as fast, but this bike has your back.
People also search for questions and answers.
- What kind of motorcycle does Daryl Dixon ride?
EULAANOTA/AAMC Daryl Dixon is the owner of the in question bike, which Classified Moto manufactured. It’s a 1992 Honda CB750 Nighthawk dropped into what appears to be part Yamaha YZF-R6 front end with Kenda Big Block tires and an amazing custom crossbow mount.
- What is Daryl’s second bike?
Once again, we constructed two Daryl bikes for this season, as the beloved character has recently parted ways with his reliable helicopter. The second bike closely resembles the first and satisfies some of the production requirements for filming.
- How much did Daryl’s bike sell for?
Enter Classified Moto Daryl Dixon Motorcycle, the custom outlet that will sell you one of their built-to-order replicas starting at $21K.
- What motorcycle does Norman Reedus ride?
Daryl Dixon (green bike with the white Samurai on it) and Mr. Reedus have a love of motorcycles; he owns several and rides often a Yamah XV920R, which is a custom of one of his very own bikes, built by the US modification company Classified Moto before they were chosen to provide Daryl’s bike for The Walking Dead.