The Story Behind the Olympic Motorcycle Tom Cruise Took for a Spin
Attentive viewers of the Olympics closing ceremony may have noticed something remarkable about the motorcycle that Tom Cruise rode out of the stadium, through the streets of Paris, and up into a waiting cargo plane.
This wouldn't be the first time the acclaimed actor has showcased his prowess on two wheels for the big screen. Cruise has long been renowned for his skill and daring in executing elaborate motorcycle stunts, whether it's drag racing an F-14 down the runway or participating in high-octane chase sequences.
But the real surprise came after Cruise had rappelled down from the roof of Paris' Stade de France in front of over 70,000 spectators and taken possession of the Olympic flag. The motorcycle he affixed the flag to and then rode through the stadium and out onto the streets was not one of the classic models we've long seen him pilot on the big screen.
Instead, it was a LiveWire Del Mar - an American-made electric motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson's electric spin-off company, LiveWire. This unexpected choice of vehicle added an extra element of intrigue to Cruise's dramatic Olympic closing ceremony appearance.
Rather than relying on the high-powered, gas-guzzling motorcycles he's become known for in his action film roles, the actor opted for a more environmentally friendly, electric-powered model to make his grand exit from the Olympics.