Burt Munro World's Fastest Indian Motorcycle
Have you ever heard of Burt Munro? He was a New Zealand motorcycle racer who set the land speed record on his Indian motorcycle back in 1967. His story is fascinating and inspiring, and it's no wonder that he has become a legend in the motorcycle world. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Burt Munro and his world-famous Indian motorcycle.
Who Was Burt Munro?
Burt Munro was born in 1899 in Invercargill, New Zealand. He was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who tinkered with his bikes to make them faster and more powerful. Munro was a regular racer at local events, but he dreamed of setting the land speed record on his Indian motorcycle.
For years, Munro worked on his bike, modifying it with homemade parts and constantly tweaking the engine. In 1962, he finally made it to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where he hoped to make his dream a reality.
The Indian Motorcycle
The Indian motorcycle that Burt Munro rode to fame was a 1920 Scout. Munro bought the bike in 1926 for just $25 and spent the next 40 years modifying it to make it faster and more powerful. He replaced many of the parts with his own handmade pieces, and he even cast new engine parts in his own backyard foundry.
By the time Munro made it to the Bonneville Salt Flats, his Indian motorcycle was a true masterpiece. The bike was stripped down to the bare essentials, and the engine had been modified to produce over 50 horsepower.
The Land Speed Record
In 1967, Burt Munro finally achieved his dream of setting the land speed record on his Indian motorcycle. He completed a run of 190.07 miles per hour, smashing the previous record of 178.97 miles per hour. Munro's record still stands today in the 1,000cc class.
Munro's achievement was all the more remarkable considering that he was 68 years old at the time. He had overcome numerous obstacles and setbacks to reach his goal, and his determination and perseverance were an inspiration to people around the world.
The Legacy of Burt Munro
Burt Munro passed away in 1978 at the age of 79, but his legacy lives on. His Indian motorcycle is now on display at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery in Invercargill, New Zealand, and there is even a movie about his life called "The World's Fastest Indian" starring Anthony Hopkins.
Munro's story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. He never gave up on his dream, even when it seemed impossible, and his perseverance paid off in the end. He is an inspiration to anyone who has ever had a dream and worked tirelessly to achieve it.
Conclusion
Burt Munro and his Indian motorcycle have become part of motorcycle racing folklore. Munro's determination and perseverance in the face of obstacles have inspired people around the world, and his land speed record still stands today. His story is a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.