What motorcycles are used in the bridge chase in John Wick: Chapter 3?

Production-vehicle records identify them as Yamaha MT-09 motorcycles. The sequence combined running bikes with MT-09-based SFX rigs.

Was the motorcycle action entirely practical?

No. Real MT-09s were combined with non-running green-screen rigs that used dummy engines and removable support structures.

Is today's MT-09 the same as the film-era bike?

It is a later generation. Early MT-09s used an 847cc-class inline-three, while the current Japanese model uses an 888cc inline-three.

Home / Motorcycles on screen / John Wick: Chapter 3

FILM / YAMAHA MT-09 / SFX RIG

John Wick: Chapter 3.
Black Yamaha MT-09s on the bridge.

The repeating black naked bikes in the bridge chase are Yamaha MT-09s. Running motorcycles supplied the real motion, while green-supported MT-09 rigs helped create close insert shots.

AI-GENERATED UNOFFICIAL ILLUSTRATION / NOT ENDORSED BY THE MANUFACTURER

Motorcycle: Yamaha MT-09
Sequence: Bridge chase
Production: Real bikes + SFX rigs
Engine family: Inline-three

Real MT-09s and non-running MT-09 rigs

Propstore's screen-matched vehicle record explains that the chase combined actual MT-09 motorcycles with special-effects rigs custom-built for production.

Production vehicle	Powertrain	Purpose	Final image
Running MT-09	Working engine	Road movement and action	Real motorcycle dynamics
MT-09 SFX rig	Dummy engine	Controlled insert shots	Green support removed in post-production

The surviving auction motorcycle uses many genuine components but has a dummy engine and cannot run. A hand-painted green metal support carried the bike during filming and was removed from the finished image.

See the production motorcycle record ↗

The MT-09 formula: low mass and three cylinders

The original 2014 MT-09 combined an 847cc inline-three with a 188kg wet weight in the European specification. Its short tail, exposed mechanical parts and upright riding position gave Yamaha a compact naked bike with a supermoto influence.

The auction record does not assign a specific model year to every motorcycle used, so individual trim details should not be treated as a year-identification guide. What it does establish is the MT-09 model and the mixture of running bikes and MT-09-based rigs.

The current Japanese MT-09 uses an 888cc inline-three. It carries the same name and engine concept, but its chassis, electronics and styling belong to a later generation.

From the film bike to today's Yamaha range

Choose the current MT-09 for the inline-three idea, the MT-07 for a lighter twin, or the XSR900 for the same three-cylinder family in a neo-retro shape.

Unofficial illustration of the Yamaha MT-09

The name and triple continueYamaha MT-09An 888cc inline-three and the current expression of the model seen in the film.

Unofficial illustration of the Yamaha MT-07

A lighter MTYamaha MT-07A 688cc parallel twin. It is not a triple, but it follows the accessible, compact naked-bike direction.

Unofficial illustration of the Yamaha XSR900

Three cylinders, neo-retro shapeYamaha XSR900An 888cc inline-three with a round headlight and a more classic visual direction.

Start with the MT-09 →Sport or naked? →

Frequently asked questions

MODEL

What are the black bikes?

The motorcycles in the bridge chase are Yamaha MT-09s.

SFX

Was everything filmed at speed?

No. The sequence mixed running bikes with non-running, green-supported SFX rigs.

NOW

Can you still buy an MT-09?

Yes, although today's 888cc model is a later generation than the film-era motorcycle.

References

Propstore: Screen-Matched Yamaha MT-09 Motorcycle Rig — model identity, real bikes, SFX rig and dummy engine.
Yamaha: introducing the 2014 MT-09 — original inline-three, weight and design concept.
Yamaha: current MT-09 — the present model and specifications.

Ride at First Sight is an independent motorcycle guide and is not affiliated with the film or Yamaha.