When I was a youngster just getting my first miles in behind the wheel and handlebars, pretty much no one was more respected by motorheads than the legendary Steve McQueen. A movie star of understated grace and prodigious talent, McQueen was also a consummate wheelman, often doing his own driving, both in cars and riding motorcycles, in action sequences that demanded true skills and often a lot of courage. On top of that, he also raced, often under the alias Harvey Mushman in order to keep the lawyers (and some rabid fans) at bay as he roared across the California desert on a built-up Triumph TR6SC “desert sled.” He was, and still is, the King of Cool.
In 1964, McQueen, using his real name, teamed with pal and professional stunt rider “Bud” Ekins, who often doubled for McQueen as needed in movies, along with his brother Dave Ekins and two other riders plus a support crew to enter the grueling European International Six Days Trial riding competition, or ISDT, as it was known then. They were the first American team to ever enter the multi-format, multi-day skills and race competition, and McQueen led the team into the paddock, carrying a large American flag into the communist East German riding venue. The dude had stones.
Today the “ISDT” continues, although it’s now officially the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). It’s known colloquially then and now just as the “Six Days” competition, and it’s still a challenge. According to legend (and Dave Ekins), McQueen managed to get his primary employer, Paramount Studios, to pay for the trip by saying his racing teammates would be “bodyguards” accompanying Steve to the European premier of his latest movie. The ploy worked and ace rider Bud Ekins won four Gold medals and a Silver at the competition - a strong showing for the rookie Americans.
Vintage looks, modern tach make for a comfortable, stylish retro helmet. Just add goggles.
It was also the early days of “modern” safety gear for off-road riders, and McQueen wore a natty Bell TX open-face helmet, googles, Barbour “wax” jacket and signature white leather gloves during the competition. Now, Bell has teamed with McQueen’s estate to offer a replica of the iconic TX called the Custom 500.
“Motorcycling has long been a part of the McQueen legacy,” said Molly McQueen, granddaughter of Steve McQueen in a press release. “So many iconic images tied to my grandfather’s legacy include motorcycles. This is a special opportunity to honor his memory through a hobby that is so deeply linked to who he was.”
The $209.95 Custom 500 is “inspired by Bell’s very first production helmet in 1954,” according to the company website, and while it looks old school, it features modern technologies including a fiberglass composite shell and a comfortable, detailed interior with a quilted lining. Numerous colors are available.
My Custom 500 arrived in glossy blue and white with red pinstripes, along with a visor with a sticker bearing the number “278” - McQueens number in the ISDT. “Steve” is written on the back of the helmet in a suitably low-profile nod to the actor, who passed away in 1980 from cancer. The helmet comes in a retro two-handle black Bell helmet bag with white piping. Those looking to further customize the helmet can choose from bubble-style face shields popular in that era (and even today), to other visors to customized colors from Bell partner helmade.
The small "Steve" on the back of the helmet is a nice nod to the King of Cool.
While open-face helmets were popular back then and continue to be among many riders, I typically don’t wear them as I prefer the enhanced safety of full-face helmets. But the Custom 500 is still fun to wear (and quite comfortable, especially with goggles) and I’ve used it instead of my bicycle helmet while riding some ebikes around the neighborhood. It will certainly find its way onto some slower-speed off-road excursions with some friends in the future. But mostly, it will have pride of place on my helmet shelf, next to my framed issue of Sports Illustrated with McQueen on the cover, launching his Husqvarna motocross bike off the front page and into moto history. Ride on, Steve.
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiiQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5mb3JiZXMuY29tL3NpdGVzL2JpbGxyb2JlcnNvbi8yMDIzLzAzLzA5L2Zvci10aGUtbG92ZS1vZi1zdGV2ZS1iZWxsLWlzc3Vlcy10cmlidXRlLWhlbG1ldC10by1ob25vci1tY3F1ZWVucy0xOTY0LWlzZHQtb3V0aW5nL9IBjQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5mb3JiZXMuY29tL3NpdGVzL2JpbGxyb2JlcnNvbi8yMDIzLzAzLzA5L2Zvci10aGUtbG92ZS1vZi1zdGV2ZS1iZWxsLWlzc3Vlcy10cmlidXRlLWhlbG1ldC10by1ob25vci1tY3F1ZWVucy0xOTY0LWlzZHQtb3V0aW5nL2FtcC8?oc=5
2023-03-09 12:00:00Z
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