1. Robert Craig “Evel” Knievel (October 17, 1938 – November 30, 2007)
This man needs no introduction. In fact, how many people even knew his name was Robert? A man who goes by “Evel” (pronounced “evil”) deserves nothing less than the top of a list of badass bikers. I mean for all of his successful jumps including 4 of the 20 most watched “ABC wide world of sports” television events of all time, this guy even holds the record for broken bones at 37. Ouch -I mean- AWESOME!!!

2. Bob Duffey
Another motorcycle jumper, Bob is better known as being “The Fastest Man on Two Wheels Backwards”. His record speed of 122 mph on a motorcycle BACKWARDS is more than impressive…it’s badass. Nobody is even close…well, not too many have really tried. His record was done on a 1979 stock Kawasaki Z1R-TC, his favorite bike, at an IDBA (International Drag Bike Association) sanctioned event.  Here’s some video footage of Mr Duffey doing his thing:

3. William S. Harley, William A. Davidson, Walter Davidson, Sr., & Arthur Davidson
If you have to ask who these guys are, you shouldn’t really be reading this post…unless it’s to learn. The founders of Harley-Davidson deserve a LOT of respect. They certainly aren’t the most intimidating people to ride motorcycles, but let’s face it…without them, we’d all be crouching over our handlebars and constantly feel the need to prove how badass we are by doing a wheelie at 100mph on the highway. Thank Harley that’s not the case.

4. Debbie Evans
The “Queen of Trials” is the first woman to successfully ride in the US Trials during the late 1970s and is generally considered the best female rider in the history of the sport. I bet you didn’t think I’d put a woman on this list did you?  Well Debbie currently teaches (yes teaches) stunt riding including how to crash your bike without hurting yourself.  Truth is, she’s more badass than a most of the others on this list…so BACK OFF!

5. Robbie Maddison
The current world record holder for longest motorcycle jump. On January 1, 2008 at an exhibition event at a Las Vegas hotel, he leapt 322 feet, 7 inches (98.34 meters) destroying the previous record of 277 feet, 6 inches (84.58 meters) set in 2005 by Trigger Gumm. Records are made to be broken, but for now, Robbie seems to have a riders grip on this one. For your viewing pleasure, here’s the jump:

6. Ricky Carmichael
Nicknamed the “GOAT” (greatest of all time), Ricky is a Motocross and Supercross icon. While many may argue with his “GOAT” status for dirt bike racing, it’s hard to argue with his impressive 27 titles in his short 12 year career.   In 2007, he was seriously injured and even made a comeback to the sport to continue his winning ways. Ricky is currently retired from racing anything with only 2 wheels…instead, he’s moved on to stock cars eyeing NASCAR as his next conquest. That’s pretty badass.

7. Wolverine
OK, I realize he’s a fictional character, but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t include a guy who has a skeleton covered by an indestructible metal (yes, I realize that’s fictional too).  Oh and by the way, he can’t be killed. If you really want to argue with me on this choice, make sure you do so after watching the below video where he takes out 2 military Hummers and Helicopter with nothing but a motorcycle and his adamantium claws. At least I didn’t include the Ghostrider…

8. Ralph ‘Sonny’ Barger
Sonny is the founder of the Oakland chapter of the Hell’s Angels, (many credit this as the first and original chapter) the most badass bike “gang” EVER.  OK perhaps not EVER, but certainly the most well known.  Honestly, though, anyone in the Hell’s Angels deserves to be on this list (in my book), but If I had to choose one, it’d be what many consider the “founder” and at 71, still an active member.  Adding to his “badass” credentials, Sonny also survived a bout with throat cancer caused by years of smoking, and was sentenced (in 1988) to 4 years in prison for conspiring to blow up the clubhouse of the Outlaws, a rival motorcycle club.  How badass is that?

9. Paul Teutul, Sr. and Paul Teutul, Jr.
The co-founders of Orange County Choppers, these guys design and manufacture some of the most sought after custom bikes in the industry. The father/son duo started their company in 1999 and later got picked up by TLC as the reality show American Chopper in September of 2002. Among their lengthy resume, they’ve made bikes for the likes of: Will Smith, Jay Leno, and who can forget the 9-11 Fire Truck Bike?

10. Jesse James
Founder and CEO of west coast Choppers, Jesse is one of the most well known celebrity Icons of the motorcycle world. Before he built bikes for a living, he was the bodyguard of heavy metal bands Danzig, Slayer, and Soundgarden. Much like his east coast competition at Orange County Choppers, Jesse has been on a number of reality TV shows, most notibly the Discovery Channel show Monster Garage.  Jesse’s resume includes bikes for: Shaq, Keanu Reeves, James Hetfield (of Metallica) and, the Undertaker.

Honorable Mention: “Indian” Larry Desmedt (April 28, 1949 – August 30, 2004)
Indian Larry was an innovator in the world of custom built bikes and a motorcycle stuntman. While he was convicted of bank robbery and struggled with drugs early in his life, Larry later devoted himself to the craft of motorcycles. He lived by the (badass) creed tattooed on his neck “In God We Trust – Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord – No Fear.” Larry was killed in August of 2004 while performing a motorcycle stunt where he was standing on the bike when it lost control.

If you think I missed anyone, please feel free to list them in the comments!