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For the love of bikes: 5 top motorcycle films

To fill the void between MotoGP Sundays and prepare you for the Red Bull X-Fighters in Pretoria later in September, here's a must-watch motorcycle movie list.

Check out five of the best films on motorcycles and racing according to Red Bull. Do you agree?

1 On Any Sunday

Let's kick things off with a film that really captures not only the thrill of what it means to be a racer but the exhilaration that only a life lived on two-wheels can provide.

Released in 1971 and directed by Bruce Brown, 'On Any Sunday' featured Steve McQueen (who also invested in the production). For decades since its release and its still lauded as the definitive motorcycle documentary.

Following the lives of racers and passionate enthusiasts, it dissected their psyches and helped to uncover specific talents and personalities in different motorcycling disciplines. On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter picked up the baton (directed by Brown's son, Dana) in 2014, and the original remains a classic. MotoGP multi-time champion Valentino Rossi in his Honda days in 2001.


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2 Faster

This 2003 docu-film focuses on MotoGP, following the 2001 and 2002 seasons. It gives an incredible insight into the top-tier of motorcycle racing. Timed perfectly to coincide with Valentino Rossi's ascendancy to legendary status in MotoGP, it also highlighted John Hopkins (he was 18 when he debuted in racing) which, when watched now, is a strong reminder of just how talented the American was.

It includes a 'who's who' of MotoGP icons, interviews with legends of the sport and plenty of racing footage.

3 TT: Closer To The Edge

A stunning study of the most infamous race in the world, 'TT: Closer To The Edge' is a hair-raising film to watch.

It follows the 2010 Isle of Man TT and captures the tension and passion that motivates competitors. And there's a lot of Guy Martin too.

If you've ever watched the event and gawped in amazement at why someone would risk their life in such a dangerous event, this film goes along way to help us mere mortals understand the psyche of competitors.

4 Dust To Glory

The Baja 1000 is the pivot for this awesome film, which does an amazing job of conveying the highs and lows of the off-road event.

Its a movie that shows the skill needed to race off-road and the physical and mental challenges faced by racers. Its a documentary that those with even the most fleeting of interests in motorcycles or motorsport cannot fail to be impressed by.

5 The Age Of 27 (The Casey Stoner Story)

Maybe the least obvious choice on the list, especially given the fact there are other biographical films out there, 'The Age Of 27' tells the story of one of the most enigmatic and misunderstood characters in motoGP - Casey Stoner.

The film follows Stoner's relatively short, illustrious career prior to his retirement at the age of 27-years-old. The movie helps viewers understand that behind Stoner's frosty exterior is a young man who sacrificed a lot to make it to the top of his discipline.

'The Age Of 27' also helps unpack the reason why one of the most talented riders yet decided to call it a day when it was obvious he had more titles in him.

Source: Red Bull

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