If you want to be a motorcycle collector, I’m here to help. I know this firsthand, because my museum, The Early Years of Motocross Museum, has over 140 of the sport’s greatest bikes. The majority of the motorcycles in my collection were manufactured between 1965 and 1974. Each brand had its own approach to building the best possible machine for a motocross track. Most had two-stroke engines, but everything else on the bikes was totally unique. This was the golden age of motocross development. Here is the 4th most collectible bike from the top ten list. This isn’t necessarily one of the 10 most expensive classic bikes you can buy, but it is part of a solid foundation of a great collection. I have included the approximate value of each machine, but condition and provenance can raise or lower the prices significantly. My number four most collectible bike is a personal favorite.

NUMBER FOUR: 1966 HUSQVARNA 250 CROSS

Edison Dye’s vision was to see European motocross become as popular in America as it was in Europe. To achieve that dream, Edison had to import GP riders and European motocross bikes and promote the first motocross race series. The Husky 250 was arguably the best machine available at the time. Torsten Hallman’s four World Championships and Inter-Am success just whetted the American riders’ appetites.

In 1966, approximately a hundred 250cc Crosses were imported to America. Note that the 1966 model had a 19-inch front wheel, small crankcases and a bolted-together frame. The 1966 and 1967 Husqvarnas were painted a burgundy color. Any collector of early motocross machines should try to include an early Husqvarna in his collection. Huskys came out of the crate like a shiny piece of jewelry, and restoration is easy and fun compared to the comparatively crude CZs and Maicos. Estimated value: $14,000.