Bill Murray & Dan Aykroyd hijack police bikes for Ghostbusters II race

On a Wednesday, Dan Aykroyd marked Bill Murray’s 76th birthday with an Instagram post that took fans back to the film set of *Ghostbusters II*.

Aykroyd revealed that, after a long day of shooting in New York City, he and Murray “appropriated two fully equipped police motorcycles from the movie’s motor pool” and spent an hour racing through a closed section of Central Park at night.

The pair later joked that the escapade caused no legal trouble—“no consequences. After all, we were Ghostbusters.”

The photo‑filled tribute celebrated a friendship that has spanned more than five decades of comedy, pop culture, and behind‑the‑scenes hijinks. In the caption, Aykroyd called Murray “the greatest comedy leading man of our time,” underscoring the mutual respect that fuels their enduring partnership.

## Background & Context

The first time Aykroyd and Murray crossed paths was in the mid‑1970s, when both were carving out careers as stand‑up comics and improvisers. They met on the set of *Saturday Night Live*, a show that would become the launchpad for their careers.

Aykroyd joined as an original cast member in 1975, while Murray arrived in 1976 during the second season, bringing with him a brand of deadpan humor that complemented Aykroyd’s energetic timing. Their on‑screen chemistry was an instant hit, and by 1984 they were co‑stars of *Ghostbusters*, a film that would cement them as cultural icons.

*Ghostbusters II* (released in 1989) saw the return of the original trio—Aykroyd, Murray, and Ernie Hudson—alongside Harold Ramis. The sequel’s production was a logistical juggernaut: shooting in downtown Manhattan, working with an array of special‑effects rigs, and coordinating a massive ensemble cast.

Even before the first take, it was clear that the crew’s energy would match the on‑screen duo’s.

## The Motor Pool Mystery

Why were police motorcycles chosen? The production’s stunt department had been outfitted with a fleet of “ghostbusters‑ready” bikes—fully functional police motorcycles equipped with bright LED lights, sirens, and reinforced frames—to serve as mobile props for chase scenes and emergency vehicle stunts.

These machines were part of the city’s official motor pool, but under the umbrella of the film’s permit and safety agreements. Aykroyd and Murray, familiar with the set’s logistical quirks, saw an opportunity to test their “ghost‑buster” flair off camera.

The night they rode was after most of the day’s shooting had wrapped. Central Park had been temporarily closed for a special event, and security personnel were still on duty. The two actors hopped onto the bikes, turned on the lights and sirens, and zipped through the park’s perimeter in a playful mock‑battle that felt almost cinematic.

In the caption, Aykroyd noted that the joyride “didn’t get the two actors into any trouble,” implying that they either had a discreet arrangement with the production’s security or simply slipped through while everyone else was preoccupied.

## Fan Reaction

The reveal sent ripples through the Ghostbusters fan community.

Twitter was ablaze with nostalgic memes—images of the actors on police bikes set to “Ghostbusters” theme music, and captions that read, “When your day job turns into a midnight chase.” Reddit threads titled “Aykroyd’s midnight motorcycle adventure” sparked discussions about other behind‑the‑scenes stories from the film’s era.

Fans appreciated the candidness; many commented on how the story added a layer of authenticity to the characters who fought supernatural threats by day and engaged in playful mischief by night.

The post also reignited interest in the original movie’s production lore. Viewers who had watched *Ghostbusters II* on streaming platforms for the first time now started hunting for behind‑the‑scenes footage, documentaries, and interviews that explained the film’s complex stunt choreography.

The motorcycle tale became a talking point at fan conventions, where Aykroyd and Murray occasionally appeared in costume, humorously reciting their “ghost‑buster” exploits.

## Industry Impact

While the joyride itself was a lighthearted anecdote, it illustrates how set culture can shape a film’s legacy. Stunt coordinators often work closely with actors to create authentic moments—whether it’s a high‑speed chase or a carefully choreographed fight.

Aykroyd and Murray’s willingness to improvise on set underscored the collaborative spirit that keeps productions dynamic. In response, many studios now encourage “on‑set improvisation” sessions, allowing actors to explore spontaneous interactions that can translate into memorable on‑screen moments.

the incident prompted a brief review of set security protocols. While no official policy changes were enacted—since the bikes were already part of the production’s approved assets—security teams took note of how easily off‑camera actors could access restricted equipment.

Subsequent productions implemented stricter tracking measures for prop vehicles, ensuring that stunt and production staff could monitor their movements in real time.

## Legacy & Continued Friendship

The motorcycle story is one of many colorful chapters in a partnership that has weathered the test of time.

After Ramis’s passing in 2014, Aykroyd, Murray, and Hudson returned to the franchise with cameo appearances in the 2016 reboot, and later as full characters in *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* (2021) and *Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire* (2024).

In interviews, the trio consistently emphasizes their friendship as the backbone of their on‑screen rapport.

Aykroyd has also expressed a preference for a quieter life in Canada over the relentless pace of Hollywood.

He joked about driving “very carefully” in Los Angeles and “staying inside during what he calls prison hours.” Ernie Hudson, meanwhile, shared that Murray still reaches out unexpectedly—often with a call or a handwritten note—to maintain their connection.

These personal anecdotes reinforce the idea that behind the larger-than‑life characters was a genuine bond.

In the grand cinema history, moments like the midnight motorcycle ride add texture to an otherwise polished narrative. They remind us that even during blockbuster productions, actors can find space for adventure and humor.

For fans, such stories become part of the collective memory that keeps legends like Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray alive long after the credits roll.