1968 Husqvarna Viking 360cc: Steve McQueen’s First Husky

To most car enthusiasts, Steve McQueen calls to mind Porsches: a Gulf 917 from Le Mans, or perhaps the 908 “Flunder” that he and Peter Revson raced at the 12 Hours of Sebring to the second step on the podium in real life, but he had no dearth of talent on two wheels either. Between magazine covers, competing in trail races in East Germany, and On Any Sunday, McQueen proved himself at least as avid a motorcyclist as he was an auto racer. An affinity for Triumphs was replaced by a stronger one for Husqvarna, and while it’s typically hard to pinpoint when our sentiments shift, McQueen became a Husky rider in 1968 after witnessing world champion Bengt Aberg competing on a Viking 360 up and down California. After one particular race in Santa Cruz, he bought Aberg’s bike from him on the spot. It was his first of a great many Husqvarna’s, and an important piece of moto pop culture, one of those pivotal and crucial steps that can be overlooked at times in favor of what’s on the glossy front cover.

Drive Tastefully®

[erichakanson]

I love the fact that not only does this guy own Steve McQueen's Husky, but he actually rides it! I'm sure McQueen wouldn't want it any other way.

[happychappers]

Wish you would do more motorbike videos.

[Barclay]

I ordered and bought a 250 WR Husqvarna new from Al Perette in Kamloops in 1972. Well do I remember that beautiful smell of Castrol R, bean oil and the sound of that sweet motor. Awesome days of freedom and fun. I’d love the nostalgia of having one like it again.

[markwilliamson]

Malcolm Smith was big with McQueens bikes ... keeping them in top shape...he has some great stories...If he replaced the spark plugs Steve wanted to see the old plugs or he would not pay...lol...I was raised and rode in the same desert area as Steve...I was a kid...out in the Saugus ...Newhall Cailf area lots of western history and film history out there I was there from 1963 to 73 or so...near where Indian Dunes motorcycle park was built and McQueen raced and the Fasthouse where the older guys drank beer and told stories...Santa Clarita valley history ...online has home movies of racing at Indian Dunes

[ConkreteMan]

I work for Husqvarna Construction Products. At least once a week I get a random comment about how awesome our bikes were. They carry lots of good memories for a certain generation and never fail to bring smiles to faces when they see the logo on my shirt or hat. Cool legacy, wish I owned one.

[justinturner]

Dirt bikes were my first love. I am hooked on all eras of cars and motorcycles and racing. And motocross is what opened that door for me.

[TheAslakVind]

So beautifully filmed, so respectful about Steve. thankful to see the owner ride the bike and not just impress his friends. And love the black smith build!

[Jjen]

I had a 360 Husky. The po broke his leg riding it so I traded for it. What a no nonsense bike. Pulled like a tractor. Loved the gas tanks!

[RollYourRock]

@ 8:32 You're right Dr. Del, it doesn't get any better than that! 👍👍

[lavonwatson]

Never forget watching On Any Sunday back in the day, McQueen was certainly the star but Malcolm Smith was also in the film and was a spectacular rider. Watch it if you get a chance.

[cindysue]

The late 60s and 70s were the greatest time for motocross cycles so many cool brands.

[musicauthority]

I had a 1969 Husqvarna 360 desert cross bike. and it was almost, to this bike. except it had a larger yellow fuel tank. when I first got it I believe 13 or 14 years old and it was too much bike for a kid my age. and I couldn't wait to grow into it. and at first I couldn't start it so I'd push it down the street to my neighbors house. so he could start it for me. and of course I would have to let him ride it a little bit before I could go riding it. I wasn't able to reach the ground with my feet by about an inch or two. so I would have to take off with the bike leaned over and push off with with the one leg. and then pull the bike up right. and when I was done riding I woul lay it down gently. eventually I grew into it. and I had that bike for a long time and rode the hell out of it.

[carlatamanczyk]

At age 71, I love to see the old bikes ridden once in a while.
Static exhibits are not in my book.
Thank you for the video.

[rondyechannel]

Rode these vintage Husky's when they competed with the likes of Greeves. They were not easy to ride in the kind of mud found in Western Oregon because the steering head angle was extended which was very steady at high rates of speed but difficult to turn. Turned to CZ, then Maico for MX bikes through the 70's then went desert racing and moved to Idaho. Husqvarna from then on. The 500XC was the bike for sand washes and wide open dry lakes (100 plus) with the 6 sp. The 430 for the mountains, the 250 mx meh., light switch power you could not hang onto, or none at all.

[jakebrakebill]

Hope there was Blendzall in that tank for the full nostalgia effect.

[makattak]

These are some of the best car videos ever. Amazing cinematography but the owners passion is what makes it.

[j_mars_cars]

Never heard such a good sounding 2-stroke before 😍

[vincentg]

So much respect for this guy for actually riding the bike

[smoothsounds]

I knew I recognized that mountain pass in the thumbnail! Not sure what it is about the Ogden valley, but there’s been a lot of content coming from this small area.

[marcscordato]

The news ones are very cool as well, I always loved these bikes .