Heikki Mikkola Motorcycle Replica
The sixties were drawing to a close when promoter Edison Dye trespassed on American Hare Scrambles with a form of off-road racing he imported from Europe. Dye had convinced a number of European riders to cross the pond and compete in an exhibition series to introduce the sport to America. The sport was called Motocross and dirt biking would never again be the same Stateside. (Click image to enlarge)
The Husqvarna’s single cylinder two-stroke engine emitted a signature snapping, throaty exhaust note that was usually accompanied by a rain of dirt clods tossed up from the spinning knobby rear tire as the bike blasted past and then disappeared over the next obstacle on the course. The multiple World Championship-winning machines confirmed their iconic stature several years later when Bruce Brown’s feature document
In the ensuing years, the big four Japanese—already conquering the pavement—stepped into the Motocross arena, signaling the beginning of the end for many European manufacturers of racing machines. Long after legendary brands like CZ, Maico, Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa had been ushered into the annals of off-road history by the onslaught of the mighty Japanese, Husqvarna has remained to do battle.
Air-cooled 2-stroke engine; drum brakes; 228 pounds; 6.6 inches of front fork travel; 4 inches of rear wheel travel.
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine; disc brakes front and rear; 220 pounds; 11.8 inches of front fork travel; 12.6 inches of rear wheel travel.