Back in 1972 Edison Dye dropped his distributorship with Husqvarna. He had a contract for five (5) years which included, a yearly consultation fee and 2 Husqvarna motorcycle's per year. In late 1972 Edison had the Husqvarna factory build the Lady Blue. It was a 1972 250 with a specially painted bright white frame,swingarm,fork legs and triple clamp. Polished rims,spokes,hubs and fenders. The gas tank was painted a light blue with white Husqvarna Lady Blue script.
Delivery of the Lady Blue was in February of 1973. It was a gift to Edison's wife Rita. Edison had meant Rita dealing with The Barum Tire Company in Czechoslovakia back in 1970.
Edison had plans of building more of these motorcycles for woman rider's, but it turned out to be another one of Ed's big ideas.
This motorcycle will be finished in early March and is For Sale.
The gas tank pictured here was beautifully painted by
Blake has painted many Husqvarna gas tanks for me and he is the best in the Country. Never a complaint here. Blake has re-painted many other Husqvarna tanks I have done by other painters.
The Mechanic Charles Bronson 1971 Husqvarna Sportsman
1968 MF Husqvarna 420cc 1 of only 2 made
The Lastest edition to The Brad Boyle Motorsports Collection The Von Dutch Scott Squirrel previously owned by Steve McQueen
TWO DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN FOUND RELATIVE TO STEVE MCQUEENS 1970 HUSQVARNA 400 CROSS. FIRST DOCUMENT IS THE MANUFACTURES CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN SHOWING FRAME NUMBER AND ENGINE NUMBER AND THE PURCHASER AS SOLAR PRODUCTIONS. IT IS ALSO SIGNED BY IMPORTER EDISON DYE. THE SECOND DOCUMENT IS THE ACTUAL INVOICE WITH FRAME NUMBER AND SOLAR PRODUCTIONS AS PURCHASER. I AM TOLD THAT ALL HIS BIKES WERE PURCHASED THROUGH SOLAR PRODUCTIONS DURING THE EXISTANCE OF SOLAR PRODUCTIONS. SOLAR PRODUCTIONS FUNDED "ON ANY SUNDAY" FILM.
THE LAST AND BEST PART OF THE NEWS IS THE BIKE HAS ALSO BEEN FOUND.
This bike can be see at The San Diego Auto Museum in Balboa Park during regular business hours.They are located at 2080 Pan America Plaza 92101
Edison Dye and Torsten Hallman first brought International Moto-Cross to America back in 1966 as an outgrowth of attempts to introduce a new motorcycle name to the US--"HUSQVARNA".
Edison Dye was the Importer and Torsen Hallman was 3 time World Champion aboard a "Husky". Hallman wanted to see the USA, Dye wanted a good rider, so an union was formed. Edison Dye brought Hallman to the States in the fall of 1966.
Hallman was entered in 8 races and he won them all! 4 of these races were moto-cross.
The news spread about the rider and his Husky. the next year Edison Dye promoted 8 International Moto-Cross races and brought 6 of the World's top riders at that time: Torsten Hallman, Joel Robert, Roger DeCoster, Ake Jonsson, Dave Bickers, and Septher Eniguest. The swept the races!
Edison Dye's Husqvarna business was flourishing. He decided to open-up an accessory business to cater to the growing needs of the Moto-Cross world INTERNATIONAL ACCESSORIES was born to import and distribute motorcycle goodies from abroad.
Edison Dye decided to manufacture products in the United States to service the ever-growing and more sophisticated moto-cross market. The "VIKING" brand name was established along with the logo. A factory and Branch Distribution Center was established in Hampshire, Illinois. They first started to produce vented racing jerseys and since have moved into the production of all types of wearing apparel and protective gear.
VIKING brand is now a well known mark in motorcycle and accessory shops and the only one featuring unconditional guarantees for one year on its racing jerseys. "We stand behind what we produce", Edison Dye said.
Edison Dye promoted International Moto-Cross races under the F.I.M. until 1972 when the American Motorcycle Association took over the job. Edison Dye still promotes two big events a year to keep his hand in the sport, and is President with 50% ownership of Husqvarna Motocorp West, Importers of Husqvarna motorcycles.
International Moto-Cross is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation and one that any person can watch and enjoy.
"Have a good time, and I hope you too become a moto-cross addict" Edison Dye concluded.
