British actors and BMW motorcycles
By the Staff of Clutch and Chrome
July 26th 2008
Celebrities and
movie stars have long been drawn to the humble motorcycle
with famous names from both sexes finding themselves in the
saddle.
In part promotion for his upcoming movie and to add a
well-known name to the long list of famous people who love
to ride BMW bikes, the German motorcycle manufacturer
conducted a
great interview with
Joseph Fiennes.
 The brother of actor Ralph Fiennes, film makers Sophie
Fiennes and Martha Fiennes, Joseph is an Screen Actors Guild
award-winning English film and stage actor, best known for
his portrayals of William Shakespeare in
Shakespeare in Love
and Sir Robert Dudley in
Elizabeth .
Joseph Fiennes uses the latest model
BMW K 1200 R to get
from his home in London's Notting Hill, to the West End
where he is currently performing in Antony Weigh's 2,000
Feet Away at the Bush Theatre.
"I've been riding since the age of 16, but only got my
full license about three years ago," he said. "I love the
new BMWs and was really intrigued by them -- especially the
technical brilliance, wizardry and German engineering. I'm
really excited about this bike and am looking forwards to
getting out of town on it. I've got a couple of friends and
we're intent on touring the north of Italy and riding across
the Alps into Switzerland. We'd also like to ride around the
British Isles, which would be a great way to discover my own
'back yard'."
Speaking about his utmost respect for fellow actors Ewan
McGregor and Charley Boorman and their worldwide travels, "I
actually spoke to Ewan about a good motorcycle insurance
provider, because he'd know of course! I think it's amazing
what these guys did though and it was great that they
documented it all to share with us. What I love is the idea
of a motorcycle being like a horse of the modern age --
there's something much more intriguing and magnanimous about
these guys clad in all their gear on these big German bikes
than there would be travelling by car. A car is more
bondaged and encased, whereas on a bike, you're out there
and you're more accessible. It feels more immediate and it's
a great way to cross boundaries and see other cultures --
and have them see you -- because they know you've come a
long way on a giant BMW into, say, Mongolia. I mean, what a
thrill for both parties to see."
The British born actor is currently starring in The
Escapist, a movie about five prisoners attempting to escape from a notorious London jail
as well as on stage in London. The full article can be found
on
BMW's website.
|
