What Bike Does Daryl Dixon Ride In The Walking Dead?

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In a simple and engaging rephrase: Among the characters of “The Walking Dead” universe, it’s clear that Daryl Dixon, played by Norman Reedus, stands out with his skillful crossbow use, quiet toughness, and distinctive angel wings. It’s no surprise then, that he is fortunate enough to possess not just one but two fantastic and functional vehicles in the post-Wildfire world – initially a classic Triumph 650 Bonneville chopper passed down from his brother Merle (Michael Rooker), which he later exchanges for a motorcycle tailored specifically for Daryl Dixon.

In Season 1, Daryl finds his first motorcycle tucked behind a truck he later drives to the CDC. He doesn’t ride it until Season 2, but items inside the saddlebag, such as blue meth and symbols resembling Nazi insignia on the gas tank, hint that this bike belonged to Merle before Daryl took possession. Though we never see what happens to the bike during the show, hints in the opening credits for Seasons 9 through 11 suggest it’s still decaying somewhere near the prison.

As the group started discussing Season 5, Norman Reedus found himself wondering if Daryl would be getting another motorbike. In an AMC extra, he pondered, “I’ve been riding solo for some time.” Thankfully, Daryl didn’t have to wait long before his bike was swapped out for a Frankenstein-like version of a 1992 Honda Nighthawk.

Daryl Dixon’s chopper

One distinctive characteristic that sets Daryl’s first motorbike apart is its unique “ape hanger” handlebars, a trademark feature of American choppers, a motorcycle style that gained popularity during the 1960s. Economical British bikes such as Triumph were frequently chosen due to their adaptability and powerful engines. Interestingly, this bike seems to undergo some subtle modifications throughout the series, and it appears to be a custom Bonneville from around the late ’60s or early ’70s.

On his YouTube channel, theAFICIONAUTO, David McGee from The Rolling Dead prop replica group explained that he acquired the motorcycle from Craigslist with no intention of it being a permanent fixture on the show. He added that the original Triumph was in a poor state, heavily rusted.

The sticker on the bike labeled “SS,” which can be linked to Nazi ideology due to its historical context, aligns with the harsh and prejudiced character of its initial owner, Merle. However, it also signifies the emblem of the Savage Sons Motorcycle Club from the first-person shooter game “The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct,” as portrayed in the game.

Creating Daryl Dixon’s motorcycle

After abandoning his initial bike at the prison following Season 4’s “Too Far Gone,” it didn’t take long for Daryl to acquire another one. Much like his first bike mirrored Merle’s character, the showrunners wanted this new bike to truly embody Daryl. As Executive Producer Tom Luse explained, they discussed various concepts and even considered a bike that wasn’t entirely standard.

Lucky for him, Reedus knew the right people to approach. Being a motorcycle enthusiast himself, Reedus had previously asked John and Betsy Ryland at Classified Moto, a renowned bike shop combining vintage and modern parts, to customize a trail-ready Yamaha XV920R for him. Reedus shared his vision with the showrunner Scott Gimple, saying, “I know someone perfect for this. His bikes have a kind of… Frankenstein look – it’s like pieces from various motorcycles put together.” Gimple, who appreciated the concept, collaborated closely with Classified Moto to ensure every detail was just right for Daryl’s signature ride. “We aimed for something that looked practical, as if it could handle anything,” Ryland explained, “while still maintaining the personal touch of a bike Daryl would have built himself.

In the TV production process, our specialized team was tasked with creating two replicas of Daryl’s unique motorcycle, which is a 1992 Honda CB750 Nighthawk with a Yamaha YZF-R6 front end, Kenda Big Block tires, custom leather upholstery, and a modified exhaust system featuring custom baffles. Once the frame was assembled, they added numerous hooks and clips to Daryl’s bike for transporting supplies. After that, the team powder-coated the frame to enhance its durability for post-apocalyptic journeys and added an awesome rack to securely hold his crossbow.

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2025-04-15 14:30