McQueen was no stranger to two wheels either. Between magazine covers competing in trail races and adding to the definitive film On Any Sunday McQueen proved himself at least as avid a motorcyclist as he was an auto racer. An early affinity for Triumphs would come to be replaced by a stronger one for Husqvarna by the late 1960s. After witnessing future motocross world champion Bengt Aberg competing on a Viking 360 around California McQueen took notice and after an event in Santa Cruz he bought Aberg's bike from him on the spot. It was the beginning of a chain of many a Husky that would follow. While the Husqvarna 400 Cross that he rode for On Any Sunday and then posed with mid-wheelie on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1971 is undoubtedly the most famous of McQueen's Husqvarnas it was the earlier Viking 360 that turned him onto the brand. McQueen's shirtless outlaw style combined with his actual talent on the thing helped Husqvarna become a major name in America. The actor and rider and racer who once owned this Husqvarna is no longer with us but the story survives as long as there are the people and the pieces necessary to pass it along to the next generation. |
