The list of good ones is much shorter than the list of stinkers.
#1 If there is only one movie you ever see about motorcycles make it "On Any Sunday". It was released in 1971, and features Steve McQueen, Mert Lawwill, and, Malcolm Smith. The film covers all aspect of motorcycle sports at that time, and for a "bikeumentary", it has some comedy. There is also a second "On Any Sunday", filmed in the early 80's, which is a good one to see aswell.
#2 Although not about Japanese bikes, I would very highly reccomend "The Fastest Indian" to anyone looking to see a great film. Starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, It's the true story of Burt Munro, whom against all odds, modified his Indian Scout motorcycle, and went on to break records at the Bonneville Salt flats in Utah.
#3 One chance to win is a film about the 1975 500cc ama national motocross series that wasn't released until a few years ago. It's full of great footage from that time, and includes interviews with all the players of that era. An evening well spent.
#4 The Carlsbad USGP 1980 was where the late Marty Moates won on his LOP Yamaha YZ. Great footage, and a great story.
#5 Any of " The Motocross Files" series. They are well filmed, with lots of interviews and racing footage of your favorite rider. #6 Bad Rock, filmed in 1973 in the blue mountains of Oregon, it was a quaIlfier for the 1973 I.S.D.T. Because of the location, the film leans heavily on Hodaka Motorcycles, including a t.v. commercial for the bikes. It's a really good film, and well worth watching. It's available from www.strictlyhodaka.com and you need a copy!!! #7 Penton - The John Penton Story. Ever hear of a brand of motorcycle called KTM? Ever wonder how they developed such competitive machines? This movie is about the life and times of one of the greatest off road racers of all time, John Penton, how he developed his own motorcycle and had a small firm in Austria, known as Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, aka KTM, manufacture the machine. This movie is a must see for anyone into the vintage dirt scene. I give it a 12 out of 10!!
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