What Motorcycle Does Fujiko Mine Ride? From Harley and Triumph Models to Her Suit and Live-Action Portrayals

峰不二子のバイクは何?ハーレー・トライアンフの車種遍歴からスーツ・実写役まとめ

Is Fujiko Mine the ultimate biker girl icon?

 

Fujiko Mine, a popular character in the manga and anime series "Lupin the 3rd," is a heroine who consistently displays her wicked nature by manipulating Lupin, betraying others, and stepping over them without hesitation for the sake of treasure and money, always being true to her own desires.

In addition to her excellent, often-described "perfect" physique, Fujiko Mine is also incredibly adept with machinery and vehicles, possessing the athleticism to effortlessly handle large motorcycles.

It's likely that many women admire Fujiko Mine for her feminine charm, sexiness, and energetic personality, combined with her ability to effortlessly ride large motorcycles, giving her a tough, tomboyish edge.

This article will introduce the types of motorcycles Fujiko Mine has ridden in the anime and movies, and even the real-life individuals who served as her models.

First, let's briefly review Fujiko Mine's characteristics and measurements.

Fujiko Mine's Characteristics and Measurements

Fujiko Mine, who is honest about her desires, sometimes acts as Lupin's lover and other times as his enemy. She chooses any means to achieve her goals and easily betrays allies, giving her the impression of a "femme fatale" and a "traitor."

She also fears losing her beauty, a characteristic that drives her strong obsession with beauty. She will try to obtain elixirs of immortality or youth-restoring remedies without a second thought.

In addition to gracefully riding motorcycles, she also possesses "high fundamental abilities," being adept at handling machinery, including firearms like machine guns and even piloting helicopters.

Despite her high capabilities and outstanding physique, Fujiko Mine's height, weight, and three sizes have actually been revealed.

Fujiko Mine is 160 cm tall, weighs 50 kg, is estimated to be 26 years old, and her three sizes are Bust: 99.9 cm, Waist: 55.5 cm, Hips: 88.8 cm.

The original author, Monkey Punch, stated that he chose these repeating numbers for her measurements because they are "easy to remember."

What kind of motorcycle does Fujiko Mine ride?

Fujiko Mine, who frequently rides large motorcycles in Lupin the 3rd, what kind of bikes does she ride?

In this section, we will introduce the models of motorcycles Fujiko Mine rode in TV anime and movies.

If you're curious about what kind of motorcycles Fujiko Mine rides, or if you want to ride the same bike, please use this as a reference.

Harley-Davidson WLA

Source: https://twitter.com/minimini_Hiro/status/1211670587224969216/photo/1

In the ending of the TV anime "Lupin the 3rd Part 1," which aired from 1971 to 1972, Fujiko Mine can be seen riding a "Harley-Davidson WLA" into the sunset. Although the model was difficult to discern from the silhouette against the sunset, it was identified when animation director Yasuo Otsuka, who was in charge, revealed the bike's model.

The WLA is a cruiser-style American motorcycle that was adopted as a military motorcycle during World War II.

It was originally based on the WL, which was used as a military motorcycle, and the 'A' in WLA stands for 'Army.'

The WLA, which had been in production since 1939, was very active on battlefields and at bases. Early models even featured specialized storage for machine guns.

After the war, the model spread to civilians as soldiers purchased surplus WLAs and continued to ride them on public roads.

As of 2022, approximately 80 years have passed since the end of WLA production, making it extremely difficult to find an existing one.

Triumph Bonneville

Source: https://twitter.com/Ilove250cc/status/1505798254738702336/photo/1

In "Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro," a theatrical anime released in 1979, Fujiko Mine rode a Triumph Bonneville.

The Bonneville name comes from Triumph's endeavor into the American market, where they challenged top speeds at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Triumph is considered one of the world's oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturers. In 1937, they released the Speed Twin T100, a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing motorcycle that is an indispensable part of motorcycle history, and its legacy continues with modern T100 models.

In 1956, Triumph achieved a record of 345 km/h, proving its high performance. Following this success, the Bonneville T120 was introduced in 1959.

While Fujiko Mine is strongly associated with Harleys and has indeed ridden many models, she also rode the Triumph Bonneville.

What kind of work is "The Castle of Cagliostro"?

The Castle of Cagliostro was released on December 15, 1979, as a theatrical anime film of Lupin the 3rd.

Lupin and his gang stole a large sum of money from Monaco's national casino, but it turned out to be counterfeit "Goat Bills." They then head to the Grand Duchy of Cagliostro in Europe, where the Goat Bills are believed to be produced.

Upon entering the country, Lupin and Jigen encounter a girl (Clarisse, the daughter of the late Duke) being chased by a man in a car. Lupin and his companions protect Clarisse from her pursuers, but Clarisse leaves Lupin a ring and departs.

After this, the story unfolds in an unexpected direction for Lupin, but Fujiko Mine can be seen riding a Triumph Bonneville in the film.

The Castle of Cagliostro is available on movie and anime streaming sites such as Amazon Prime Video and U-NEXT, so check it out if you're interested.

Moto Guzzi 1969 V7

Source: https://ride-hi.com/machine/motoguzzi_v7_201102.html

In episode 2 of the TV anime "Lupin the 3rd Part 1," Fujiko Mine appears on a motorcycle, which is believed to be either a 1969 Moto Guzzi V7, a Suzuki T500, or a GT500, based on its appearance.

While the front engine shape resembles the Moto Guzzi V7, the rear has the feel of a Suzuki T500 or GT500, combining characteristics of both, making it difficult to identify the exact model.

The 1969 Moto Guzzi V7, from Italy's oldest manufacturer, was originally developed as a large police motorcycle. It is the root of Moto Guzzi's traditional longitudinal V-twin engine and shaft drive, which continue to this day.

Suzuki T500 / GT500

Source: https://twitter.com/coffee_onchan/status/949615756295135234/photo/1

The Suzuki T500, released in 1968, was the world's first mass-produced (commercial) model to feature a 500cc, 2-stroke, 2-cylinder engine.

With a durable engine designed for low-to-mid range power, it produced a maximum output of 47ps and was equipped with a 5-speed transmission. Its top speed of 181 km/h broke the 180 km/h barrier, which was still a significant achievement at the time.

The GT500, introduced in 1971, followed the T500's lineage but prioritized ease of riding. It featured controls for the headlight, turn signals, and horn all consolidated on the left handlebar, and adopted a luxurious tandem seat.

Fujiko Mine's Harley History

In addition to the WLA that appeared in the TV anime ending, Fujiko Mine also appears in the series riding various other Harleys.

Because she has ridden many Harleys, including the Hydra Glide, Street Glide, and Ultra, Fujiko Mine has become known as a Harley enthusiast.

Let's look at Fujiko Mine's Harley history.

FLHT Electra Glide

Source: https://twitter.com/HD_HIGASHIOSAKA/status/1139520682579021824/photo/2

The FLHT Electra Glide Classic is the Harley that appeared in the first theatrical film, "Lupin vs. The Cloned Man."

Introduced in 1969, it is considered the ancestor of touring models (touring family) designed for relaxed long-distance riding, and it weighs approximately 360 kg.

Many viewers were surely impressed by Fujiko Mine's cool demeanor as she handled the enormous pink Electra Glide with effortless acrobatic skill.

Hydra Glide

Source: https://twitter.com/HD_HIGASHIOSAKA/status/1220324541521518592/photo/2

The Hydra Glide is a top-tier Harley that debuted in 1949 as part of the Panhead model series.

The "Panhead" nickname comes from the shape of the engine's upper cover (rocker arm cover), which resembles a pan, and it still has a strong fan base today.

The Hydra Glide was introduced with the Panhead engine and a hydraulic, telescopic fork, offering a smoother ride and a more durable engine than previous Harleys.

Street Glide

Source: https://twitter.com/hds_stgr/status/1048777339155300353/photo/1

The Street Glide, introduced in 2006, is considered the most popular model among all Harley models.

While it has a similar appearance to the Hydra Glide, it further pursues convenience and riding comfort, significantly reducing stress during long-distance and prolonged rides.

Softail

Source: https://twitter.com/450excfffffokky/status/1220566405789048832/photo/1

The Softail is a Harley that Fujiko Mine frequently rides in the anime.

It features a distinctive "Softail frame" where the suspension is hidden from view, and it's equipped with a balancer that reduces engine vibrations.

While it doesn't quite match touring models in terms of ride comfort, it's a Harley that achieves a balance between comfort and aesthetics.

Recommended Harleys for Women?

Source: https://twitter.com/ConjurerMagus/status/1410133280590950405/photo/1

The Softail is recommended for women.

While all Harley models are heavy, making them somewhat challenging for women to handle, the Softail inherits Harley's tradition of 16-inch front and rear wheels, offering high stability and making it an easy-to-ride model for beginners.

Its low seat height also provides good foot-grounding, and the natural riding posture reduces fatigue during long rides.

Real-life Fujiko Mine Harleys

Many of the motorcycles Fujiko Mine rides in the anime "Lupin the 3rd" are based on real-life models. Conversely, there are also motorcycles that have been produced in conjunction with "Lupin the 3rd"-themed campaigns or live-action movie adaptations.

It's interesting how they were produced to match the image of Lupin the 3rd and Fujiko Mine.

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200

Source: https://twitter.com/eddys1960/status/1301339481551720448/photo/1

In 2007, an "XL1200 Sportster Fujiko Mine Special Edition" was introduced as part of a sales campaign for the PS2 game "Lupin the 3rd: Lupin ni wa shi, Zenigata ni wa ai o" (Lupin's Death, Zenigata's Love).

Based on the Sportster XL1200, this model was created by Harley for the campaign and reportedly given away as a prize in a lottery after the promotional period.

FLHT Electra Glide

Source: https://news.bikebros.co.jp/campaign/news20130419/

Bike O, which used Fujiko Mine as its image character, produced the FLHT Electra Glide for a campaign.

Painted shocking pink, it was a Harley that perfectly matched Fujiko Mine's glamorous image and was even displayed in front of Shinjuku Alta.

Similar to the Sportster XL1200, this was also given to one lucky applicant after the exhibition.

What kind of suit does Fujiko Mine wear, and who was her model?

 

While the exact origin of the suit Fujiko Mine wears in the anime cannot be identified, it fits her perfectly, suggesting it's custom-made.

There are also scenes where she struggles to put on the suit while wet, as the moisture makes the suit cling, indicating it's a suit that perfectly adheres to her superb figure.

As for helmets, there are many scenes where she rides without one, letting her long hair flow in the wind.

The model for Fujiko Mine

It is said that Fujiko Mine was based on a real person. According to the original author, Monkey Punch, she was inspired by the Bond girls who appear in the 007 series.

Furthermore, the Fujiko Mine clad in a rider suit was inspired by a different model: British actress Marianne Faithfull.

Apparently, when creating Fujiko Mine, there were no Japanese women riding large motorcycles to serve as a model, so a foreign woman was used as inspiration.

The live-action Fujiko Mine is Meisa Kuroki

 

Lupin the 3rd has not only been an anime, but a live-action film was also released nationwide by Toho in August 2014.

The live-action version featured an original story, and Meisa Kuroki played the role of Fujiko Mine.

Who is Meisa Kuroki?

 

Meisa Kuroki is half-Brazilian American, born in Okinawa in 1988 to a Brazilian-American father and a Japanese mother.

She is a popular talent who works as an actress, fashion model, and singer, and is said to be the second-highest-earning actress in Japan.

She has numerous appearances in TV dramas, films, commercials, and stage productions, and has received awards such as the Golden Arrow Award and Best Jeanist.

In 2012, she married Jin Akanishi, a former member of KAT-TUN, and gave birth to their first child in the same year, followed by their second child in 2017. She currently resides in Hawaii.

Only one in the world? Ducati produces a Fujiko-spec motorcycle!

 

The Ducati Diavel, made by Italy's Ducati, was produced exclusively for the live-action film of Lupin the 3rd.

In August 2014, Meisa Kuroki, clad in a full black leather suit, unveiled the Fujiko-spec Diavel.

With its sparkling paint finish, the Diavel has a gorgeous look that perfectly matches the image of Fujiko Mine.

Summary

 

I have introduced the motorcycles ridden by Fujiko Mine from the nationally popular anime "Lupin the 3rd."

Fujiko Mine mostly rides large foreign bikes, such as Harley-Davidson (Harley), Moto Guzzi, and Triumph.

Additionally, the live-action film of Lupin the 3rd was released in 2014, with Meisa Kuroki cast as Fujiko Mine.

You can watch the Lupin the 3rd TV anime, theatrical films, and live-action versions on streaming sites like Amazon Prime Video and U-NEXT, so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.

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