My older brother and I had privilege of helping Burt do an illegal midweek test run on oreti Beach. We lived 2 miles from Beach tide was right out flat as glass. No gutters. My brother engaged truck motor with handles into star 🌟 shape recess on left side of primary case and started it. I made sure Burt's helmet was tight jacket zipped . It sounded like 2 speed way bikes. He was very satisfied with single run and it didn't break. A time in history for me. Remember it like yesterday. 👍
Really? Thats a cool story. What year was it? Do u remember? I dont think ole Burt used a starter like that until later years but i do not know as it all happened so long ago. I had a lot of trouble with my research because things have been reported incorrect. People read something online or in a book and take it as the truth when all it is, is what someone wrote! Most of my facts are from good ole Burt himself. Thanks for watching
@@motorcyclecafe around 1975 or 76 we had long twilights in summer light until 9.30 pm at was after work so probably 5.30 pm Burt called in unannounced no phone. I left NZ in march 1980. Neville Hayes would have a lot of information as some other regular helpers also would. We were just lucky living near beach . My late father knew Burt forever in SMCC.
I think it's wonderful that there is still beach racing on Oreti Beach. I've been to the Burt Munro Challenge twice and there is a day's racing on that very beach. Great experience. Love NZ!!
@@motorcyclecafe I have a buddy in Lowell Michigan who makes all the gas tanks and fenders for Indian Motorcycle, "Envision Engineering", and some stuff for other customers. That guy is a hero of mine. I like all the guys who built factories that got mankind out of poverty and gave us all opportunity, (then we gave everything we built to communism. I thought they hated profit?), and that guy still hauls the mail on a MX track at the age of 61. Best human being I know personally.
Excellent factual tribute. Thank you for all your hard work. I met and had my picture with Burt's son a few years ago at Bonneville Speedweek when the Indian company attempted to make a 200mph run with a modern Indian bike on the 50th anniversary of Burt's record run. If I remember correctly the runs were just a few mph short of the 200mph mark. Burt's grand nephew was the rider. The Indian motorcycle company also honored the occasion by hosting a free buffet one evening prior to an open air showing of 'The World's Fastest Indian' film on the camping area on the flats. A very memorable event for me to attend.
Thanks Alan, it was difficult to find some facts. John was a huge help to me, he even sent me some photos. Even the books are contradicting. Most of my facts are from Burt himself, from his own writings or interviews.
Thanks mate! Burt was and is a wonderful piece of history in speed, and an honor to Kiwis, the world over!!! AND THE RECORD STANDS!!!! Thanks Burt, wherever you are!
When i worked at Tappers Motor Cycle and Cycle Shop in the 60s in Invercargill Burt would come in and use some of the machines. Like wise with other work shops round town, Try doing that in this day and age.
What a fine job and tribute Sir. I have shown the movie many times over the years to people who didn't even like motorcycles. They always left my home smiling, and thanked me for sharing it with them. R.I.P. BURT MUNRO.
@@motorcyclecafe I enjoy a YT channel called "The whiskey throttle show". The host is an ex-racer who interviews a lot of great people of the past in Motocross. The earliest winner of MX in the USA started around 68, a guy named Gary Jones was interviewed on the show. The Jones family did a lot of the development on Yamaha and Honda dirt bikes back then, and he shared a story about Burt Munro. In the Movie, where Burt bought a car and built a trailer, that was Papa Jones's place where that really happened. Maybe you can find Gary Jones, and ask him what he knows? He loves to talk. :)
In the movie, Bert makes reference to a lemon tree that he got the kid from next door to pee on each day whilst he was in America. I thought this was a directors prerogative and was made up, however, it was true. My brother in law Phil Mahoney, from Invercargill, was the young lad Bert entrusted this task with. So now you know.
@@kevincotta2013 My daughter has a lemon tree growing, and also has triplet boys. Guess what? Yup, the boys pee on the tree, and think it’s a hoot, and yes, it is a prolific fruit producer.
Back in 1989 I went to an antique motorcycle swap meet in Merced california, and there was a group with the bike and a sign stating they were trying to find someone interested in making a film about Bert and his speed records. The bike was pretty impressive, and had half the fairing off and set aside. I went on to the swap meet after checking it out and never thought about it again. Then hear about the movie and I thought they managed to get the story out finally! At the time Anthony Hopkins was still being cast in creep rolls and I read somewhere that he loved the story and it was one of his favorite films to work on. He did an amazing job, too. The best part is not only was the film so good, but it made people aware of Burt's achievements.
I don’t watch movies on a regular basis, though I have watched The worlds fastest Indian several times. Anthony Hopkins as always did a great job channeling his character in Burt Munro!
Excellent Video. Burt`s activities in the 60s inspired me as a young wannabe biker, I spent a lot of time modifying my BSA bantam to make it faster, great fun, but totally impractical on the road. Still riding daily at 73 still great fun. In the sadly diminished UK where the hot topic for debate seems to be gendered toilets, we are in desperate need of more men like Burt.
@@motorcyclecafe It would do just over 70, but would often bog down in traffic, and then have to be bump started with the throttle open. Fortunately not so much traffic around then.
Alan Davies I lived in Florida in my teens. I had a puch moped that I modified in metal shop in school. Jawa top end. It would run 52 mph on a flat road and go over 60 down the bridge to the beach. I was 15. It sounded like a chainsaw.
Great that people like u still around, my first ride was a 350 BSA 1938, it was my older girlfriends bike, kept at my house because her granny wouldnt put up with it, then BSA Gold star, and now at 78 still riding but Harley Bagger but my main ride is a Custom Dyna, Bar Hopper, greetings from Mexico, if you wana ride and pee free come here,
@@klausuhlig7141 Good to hear from you. I have never made it as far as America, but I have a lot of contact with Americans, as where I live in Norfolk the are several air bases nearby. Some years ago I had a glorious long weekend at Littleport celebrating the centenary of Harley, all the visitors enjoyed themselves a great deal and much alcohol was consumed, they did not enjoy our dreadful fenland roads much though and I don`t blame them. I wish you good health and clear roads.
I had met the photographer of his biography book and he said to me that Anthony Hopkins did such a good job that he truely protrade Bert that was just like he was in the movie from his family. That's saying something of the man and the movie. ❤️
Burt has inspired me to attempt land speed records myself. I’ve been addicted to speed since I was a kid. All I’ve wanted is to go as fast as I can. I dunno if it’ll help or hinder, but I don’t have any legs. Haha Burt woulda loved that. I get tears thinking of this remarkable man I’ve never met. He lived his passion with no regrets. I aspire to be like Burt, I’ve lived in my shed with my bikes I’ve breathed them. Lived and worked for them. Lost my legs working to ride. I didn’t give up though, I saw it’s only fair for others so I don’t beat ‘em too badly… I love ya Burt your memory will always live on through us fans.
As a life long biker (who does top speed events in England) I'm glad this wonderful story of an astonishing man was popularised by the film . Burt deserves every bit of the worldwide recognition. "Never give up on your dreams" Great video
Started riding at age 11. I had not owned a motorcycle since I was 35. After watching the movie in 2005, I immediately went out and bought a motorcycle.12 years later I still ride today. Thank you Burt.
Great mini documentary a Kiwi friend is from Invercargill. Burt was one heck of a racer, mechanic, and engineer. Much like John Britten (Christchurch, NZ) and his amazing V1000.
Great video, about a passionate, dedicated human being ,,Burt teaches all of us about life,, that really anything is possible,and never give up,,R.I.P.Burt Munro . .
"if I had this bike I'd return it to the Munro family" That part felt really special, respect. ✌️🇳🇿 The whole number 8 wire mentality of Kiwis in their sheds building stuff with what's available has always been an inspiration. Your video was awesome, thanks.
In 2006, after some months of building 'ikara blue' with Paul Sims hand making the Chromoly Steel bike @8.9kg [GREENSPEED/ Engineering], Don Elliot creating the modified US 'Kyle Edge' fibreglass shell [ BOLWELL & REFLEX ] & Barry Cox[ Camera ], the Camera Speed Bike became Australia's first to run on Oz soil, completing 2 1/2 laps at Lang GMH Test Track early that year reaching about 80kph during the one and ONLY shakedown. Thirteen years later, the second team went about 93.7kph. My inspiration was Burt_____and the Movie: 'World's Fastest Indian' Thank Mr Munro
The definitive piece of work on Burt and his bike, thank you. Burt truly the king of shed engineering.......that makes a movie? Oh yes one of the very best, Sir Anthony Hopkins also your finest work.
Burt also ran a velocette single for speed records down under. There are photos and film of him on it but I have seen little else of his "forgotten" velo
As you said Fastest Indian is definitely a must see movie. I would loved to have met him. Cannot help but wonder if he inspired John Britten to build his much sought after bike. Love to think they're both building bikes together somewhere.
A beautifully presented tribute to Bert, his determination and dedication to a lifelong goal of speed. I took the step of buying a copy of that movie, "World's Fastest Indian", on DVD. I'm old myself now, I watch that just to see the portrayal of Bert, how that "old" guy and his pretty well "hand made" old Indian bike, pressed on against all odds.
Thanks for making this! I was privileged to see (what i assume was) one of the originals displayed at Brisbane's modern art gallery last year. It's surprisingly tiny! I think my favorite part about all this is how he made most of his own parts.That's super cool.
You got the facts correct. I have been to Hayes Hardware and seen the bikes and bits. I was over at the museum when it was first built. I raced land speed for many years and people still tell stories about Burt Munro to this day.
@@motorcyclecafe No, I did not know until after he passed. My grandmother told stories of them doing speed trials on Tram Road just out of Christchurch and that he used to come and stay with them and made her do his ironing! lol
Probably one of the best movies I've seen. I've also watched it many times with friends. I wish a movie would be done about Dave Barrs book Riding the Edge.
when I saw the movie , at the urgent request of a coworker ( fellow bike owner ) , I was absolutely in awe of what this man was able to accomplish with what little money and resources he had !!! The sheer will and desire in his heart and mind to "just go faster " is a testament to what this man represents to anyone who has a desire to accomplish something with very little available to them !! Burt Munro should be an inspiration to all tinkerers and anyone trying to achieve a seemingly insurmountable goal !!!
Thank you again & thanks for taking the time to give me some feedback. I literally spent years doing research before I produced it. There is also a Part 2 with a bit more detail and some very rare colour photos of the inside of Burt's shed.
@@motorcyclecafe Cheers man, I sent it to a guy a race with, Lee Munro, Burt's great nephew. Lee raced a Burt Munro tribute bike at Bonneville a few years back. (I was the first manager of the Britten Race Team)
Rollie Free also a Indian Rider set a Record at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1948 on a Vincent Black Shadow Lying down on the Bike Just wearing a bathing suit an tennis shoes went 150 MPH. Yheb
Burt was a Genius and very Tenacious. It's too bad some Motorcycle Factory didn't hire him as an Engineer. It's also too bad he never worked on his Bike in the "The Best Dam Garage In Town" In Dayton FL .. I think Smokey Yunick would of had the recourses to make his bike even faster.. Thanks for setting some facts straight. It's very Interesting that Burt Converted the bike to a Dry Sump system. I would think synthetic Lubricants would have made the bike a touch faster too ..
Greetings from New York. Nice video. Thanks for doing this. I am a big fan of Mr. Munro and his work. I have seen the bike here a couple of years ago in Philadelphia at the Simeone foundation automotive museum. It was just sitting there. I took a lot of pictures of it. It is a beautiful machine and am glad that I had the chance to see it. It gets shown here and there and it gets started up and run. People do get to hear it. As for ownership I have no say in the matter. I'm just glad it survives and thrives.
I started learning with the movie and it was so good. Burt was a great and humble guy who loved his homeland. With the focus to set global world records. I've wondered if it was true that he danced for people when he didn't want to say, or have the answers to their questions
Nothing sounds better than this bike at full song, absolutely perfect geometry in its engineering ,as perfect as possible considering what he had to work with and how he achieved it, is a powerful metaphor for what we can do when we really love what we are doing.
@@BJBDF thanks buddy, I truly appreciate you saying that. Although I do wish sometimes I could do it again now I have much more video editing skills. Cheers!
Yes buddy, his life was amazing. I personally believe a lot of his engines failures may have been caused by excess heat i have zero to back it up, its just my own opinion which is why i didnt mention it.
Burt took my grandmother for a ride up Oreti beach on one of this bikes iterations (presumably his test frame, while the original frame & streamliner body had remained in the U.S.). In retrospect, we suspect Burt's motive for offering the ride, was that my grandmother at the time weighed approximately the same as the streamliner body 😅. My grandfather also performed some welding on the bike for Burt, while on the other side of my family, the Hayes brothers of E. Hayes & Sons Engineering assisted Burt quite considerably. Quite proud to have such a close family connection to Burt's legacy.
Great video thanks for sharing this. Have seen the World’s fastest Indian several times now. Old Burt will always be on my list of biker legends and at 59 he really does give me a sense of hope in my future.
True, I had never heard of Burt Munroe before the movie. It caused me to want to go to the Salt Flats but have yet to make it. At 72, I think that I need to get with the program.
Great stuff, good work ensuring that only the facts are told. I knew about the "Brittain" before I saw the "Worlds fastest Indian". I am a Hopkins fan, so took a punt on the movie and was enthralled by this true story.
I too thought the movie was one of the best I had ever seen. Having grown up under a grease rack in my Granddads service station, I could just smell the oil and grease in Burt's shop. It's such a great smell. I read once that one of his favorite phrases was "Make Do". When someone explained to him that they needed this or that, he would simply reply, "Make Do". I thought about this phrase a lot. It is now and will be forever one of the guiding principles that I look to in life. Thanks to Mr. Munro, I get it. We often time's just have to "Make Do" and march on.
Beautiful commemorative tribute to Burt Munro mate 😎 #8 wire enthusiast neighboring your shores too. This may definitely inspire the correct authorities to have Burts bike returned at no cost at all. Respect doco bro 🤜🤛
Anthony Hopkins become Burt Munro, I don’t know how authentic it was but watching the show it was like you was watching the actual guy. I think he is the greatest actor of all time and this movie was his best acting. After watching it over and over you feel like you know Burt. Absolutely fantastic movie and life.
Yes I agree. Hopkins himself reckons it was one of his best roles. The movie is not all correct of course but still they did a great job with only 2hrs to work with.
Crikey mate, I really appreciate your comment, you have no idea, I literally spent hundreds of hours researching. Thank you. Please subscribe to my channel, it doesn't cost 1 cent.
I've probably bought a dozen DVDs of this movie to give away. I tell people it's not just a movie about a motorcycle, it's the inspiration & perseverance of never giving up. Everyone has loved it!
I did the same, I found them in a bargain bin and bought them an gave them away. I gave one to my cousin, she text me whilst watching it and she said, I keep crying and I don’t know why 😂😂
What a great explanation of what went on. I visit E Hayes every time I get back home (Bluff). Yes it would be great to see everything returned to Invercargill
BORN AND RAISED IN ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA....I REMEMBER WHEN THAT PLACE WAS STILL THERE...IT IS A BODY SHOP NOW BUT WAS SEVERAL THINGS OVER THE YEARS..THEY CLOSED IT AND I LOST TRACK OF IT AFTER THAT..THAT BIKE WAS QUITE THE THING TO SEE IN PERSON...HAD NO IDEA ALL BUT MOTOR AND TRANS WAS STILL HERE..SO SAD THAT HE WAS ON IN HIS YEARS WHEN HE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO MAKE IT HERE TO UTAH...MAKES YOU WONDER HAD HE HAD THE MEANS TO BE HERE EARLIER WHAT HE WOULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED..THE BAG PIPES MADE ME TEAR UP...THANKS FOR THE VIDEO..
Roger Donaldson was actually a Close Friend of Burts and in the mid 70's they went on a sort of speaking tour of NZ. I went to one "evening" in Auckland,when I was an apprentice with older guys who were motorbike mad .Burt had lots of interesting stories which can't be repeated ...😉😉.Another person who should be a feature of a locally made movie was Norman Wizard Smith...
Thankyou. Best doco on Burt and his Indian I have seen, straight to the point with no bollocks. Good to see Indian Bikes being made again, the Wellington dealership is just around the corner from me in Petone, I often see people out test riding them. Better than those Harleys.
Thanks mate! Yer I watch youtube a lot and so many of 'em are just about promoting themselves. Talking for ages before the video even starts or even worse telling you for 5 min what is going to be in the video. Part 2 was uploaded yesterday!
Well done. Since the movie came out it quickly became one of my favorites and I have done some research on Burt. Fantastic story! I was even fortunate enough to meet some guys at Bonneville that actually knew Burt and raced with him. I appreciate the video! Great job!
@@motorcyclecafe I have a channel called Rocky Mountain Peterbilts. There is a police officer in Oamaru NZ that used to contact me regarding the Peterbilt trucks I sell. He just loves Peterbilts. We spoke quite a bit and his next door neighbor was John Munro! Literally right next door! VERY small world!!!!!!
Thank you for this. I grew up in Riverton. Dad told me a story about Burt turning up a wooden piston as a ‘prank’. Awesome. Apparently it lasted just long enough for the trade. The best i’ve done was a wooden turned muffler. Justsaying
@@motorcyclecafe My old friend, from whom I borrowed the movie on CD, passed away and the movie is lost to me. I plan to purchase a copy online as it’s been too long since I last viewed it. Again, your RUclips creation was very interesting. It is always nice to learn some of the behind the scenes information. Greetings from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
My older brother and I had privilege of helping Burt do an illegal midweek test run on oreti Beach. We lived 2 miles from Beach tide was right out flat as glass. No gutters. My brother engaged truck motor with handles into star 🌟 shape recess on left side of primary case and started it. I made sure Burt's helmet was tight jacket zipped . It sounded like 2 speed way bikes. He was very satisfied with single run and it didn't break. A time in history for me. Remember it like yesterday. 👍
The genuine engine has star recess in primary cover. I only ever saw it started by this method
Really? Thats a cool story. What year was it? Do u remember? I dont think ole Burt used a starter like that until later years but i do not know as it all happened so long ago. I had a lot of trouble with my research because things have been reported incorrect. People read something online or in a book and take it as the truth when all it is, is what someone wrote! Most of my facts are from good ole Burt himself. Thanks for watching
@@motorcyclecafe around 1975 or 76 we had long twilights in summer light until 9.30 pm at was after work so probably 5.30 pm Burt called in unannounced no phone. I left NZ in march 1980. Neville Hayes would have a lot of information as some other regular helpers also would. We were just lucky living near beach . My late father knew Burt forever in SMCC.
I think it's wonderful that there is still beach racing on Oreti Beach. I've been to the Burt Munro Challenge twice and there is a day's racing on that very beach. Great experience. Love NZ!!
@@alexbrown1995 weather permitting !!
World's fastest Indian is one of the best feel-good movies ever produced.
Yes, old school values which sadly are disappearing.
@@motorcyclecafe absolutely.
So glad the movie was made. Hopkins was respectful and it portrayed the spirit of Burt well. Thanks for making this video. Awesome.
No probs and thanks I enjoyed making it for the most part. Burt is one of the few people that I've ever looked up to.
Spot on 100 %
@@motorcyclecafe I have a buddy in Lowell Michigan who makes all the gas tanks and fenders for Indian Motorcycle, "Envision Engineering", and some stuff for other customers. That guy is a hero of mine. I like all the guys who built factories that got mankind out of poverty and gave us all opportunity, (then we gave everything we built to communism. I thought they hated profit?), and that guy still hauls the mail on a MX track at the age of 61. Best human being I know personally.
I am impressed, and quite pleased to see this. Honour and love of Land and neighbours....It is something this place that I am in could surely use
@@email4664 part2 was uploaded last saturday
The cylinders made from cast iron pipe, hand made connecting rods and pistons, this is just amazing and inspirational to all of us
Excellent factual tribute. Thank you for all your hard work. I met and had my picture with Burt's son a few years ago at Bonneville Speedweek when the Indian company attempted to make a 200mph run with a modern Indian bike on the 50th anniversary of Burt's record run. If I remember correctly the runs were just a few mph short of the 200mph mark. Burt's grand nephew was the rider. The Indian motorcycle company also honored the occasion by hosting a free buffet one evening prior to an open air showing of 'The World's Fastest Indian' film on the camping area on the flats. A very memorable event for me to attend.
Thanks Alan, it was difficult to find some facts. John was a huge help to me, he even sent me some photos. Even the books are contradicting. Most of my facts are from Burt himself, from his own writings or interviews.
How , cool is that!
Thanks mate! Burt was and is a wonderful piece of history in speed, and an honor to Kiwis, the world over!!! AND THE RECORD STANDS!!!! Thanks Burt, wherever you are!
Was the buffet Indian food with curried sprockets and gear teeth?
Ummmm good.
GOOD ON YOU OL BURT MUNRO
factual? the first minute or so it says he broke world records, he did not, they were land speed records for that country.
When i worked at Tappers Motor Cycle and Cycle Shop in the 60s in Invercargill Burt would come in and use some of the machines. Like wise with other work shops round town, Try doing that in this day and age.
Thats a good memory to share mate.
What a fine job and tribute Sir. I have shown the movie many times over the years to people who didn't even like motorcycles. They always left my home smiling, and thanked me for sharing it with them.
R.I.P. BURT MUNRO.
Thank you for that comment. I too have seen the movie numerous times it's a feel good movie!
@@motorcyclecafe I enjoy a YT channel called "The whiskey throttle show". The host is an ex-racer who interviews a lot of great people of the past in Motocross. The earliest winner of MX in the USA started around 68, a guy named Gary Jones was interviewed on the show. The Jones family did a lot of the development on Yamaha and Honda dirt bikes back then, and he shared a story about Burt Munro. In the Movie, where Burt bought a car and built a trailer, that was Papa Jones's place where that really happened. Maybe you can find Gary Jones, and ask him what he knows? He loves to talk. :)
@@EarthSurferUSA thanks for the tip and for watching my Doco. I will look into what you have mentioned.
In the movie, Bert makes reference to a lemon tree that he got the kid from next door to pee on each day whilst he was in America. I thought this was a directors prerogative and was made up, however, it was true. My brother in law Phil Mahoney, from Invercargill, was the young lad Bert entrusted this task with. So now you know.
It's now a lemon pee tree !!
@@arkhsm Phil’s mum wasn’t too pleased he was doing it, so he used to sneak over to pee on it.
So I guess you could call it a “Mum no pee lemon tree”.
@@briandalrymple9986 Haha, lol !!
Ever since I saw the movie I piss on my lemon tree.
@@kevincotta2013 My daughter has a lemon tree growing, and also has triplet boys.
Guess what? Yup, the boys pee on the tree, and think it’s a hoot, and yes, it is a prolific fruit producer.
Back in 1989 I went to an antique motorcycle swap meet in Merced california, and there was a group with the bike and a sign stating they were trying to find someone interested in making a film about Bert and his speed records. The bike was pretty impressive, and had half the fairing off and set aside. I went on to the swap meet after checking it out and never thought about it again. Then hear about the movie and I thought they managed to get the story out finally! At the time Anthony Hopkins was still being cast in creep rolls and I read somewhere that he loved the story and it was one of his favorite films to work on. He did an amazing job, too.
The best part is not only was the film so good, but it made people aware of Burt's achievements.
I don’t watch movies on a regular basis, though I have watched The worlds fastest Indian several times. Anthony Hopkins as always did a great job channeling his character in Burt Munro!
The Kiwi accent is so distinct and beautiful, it was such a pity that it was butchered by Hopkins!
Excellent Video. Burt`s activities in the 60s inspired me as a young wannabe biker, I spent a lot of time modifying my BSA bantam to make it faster, great fun, but totally impractical on the road. Still riding daily at 73 still great fun. In the sadly diminished UK where the hot topic for debate seems to be gendered toilets, we are in desperate need of more men like Burt.
Yes Alan, I agree times have changed for the worse, by the way how much faster did you manage to get the Bantam to go?
@@motorcyclecafe It would do just over 70, but would often bog down in traffic, and then have to be bump started with the throttle open. Fortunately not so much traffic around then.
Alan Davies I lived in Florida in my teens. I had a puch moped that I modified in metal shop in school. Jawa top end. It would run 52 mph on a flat road and go over 60 down the bridge to the beach. I was 15. It sounded like a chainsaw.
Great that people like u still around, my first ride was a 350 BSA 1938, it was my older girlfriends bike, kept at my house because her granny wouldnt put up with it, then BSA Gold star, and now at 78 still riding but Harley Bagger but my main ride is a Custom Dyna, Bar Hopper, greetings from Mexico, if you wana ride and pee free come here,
@@klausuhlig7141 Good to hear from you. I have never made it as far as America, but I have a lot of contact with Americans, as where I live in Norfolk the are several air bases nearby. Some years ago I had a glorious long weekend at Littleport celebrating the centenary of Harley, all the visitors enjoyed themselves a great deal and much alcohol was consumed, they did not enjoy our dreadful fenland roads much though and I don`t blame them. I wish you good health and clear roads.
RIP Burt, a true gearhead and legend .
He sure was mate!
I had met the photographer of his biography book and he said to me that Anthony Hopkins did such a good job that he truely protrade Bert that was just like he was in the movie from his family. That's saying something of the man and the movie. ❤️
From Scotland to the Munro family love Burt Munro GB
Burt has inspired me to attempt land speed records myself. I’ve been addicted to speed since I was a kid. All I’ve wanted is to go as fast as I can. I dunno if it’ll help or hinder, but I don’t have any legs. Haha Burt woulda loved that. I get tears thinking of this remarkable man I’ve never met. He lived his passion with no regrets. I aspire to be like Burt, I’ve lived in my shed with my bikes I’ve breathed them. Lived and worked for them. Lost my legs working to ride. I didn’t give up though, I saw it’s only fair for others so I don’t beat ‘em too badly… I love ya Burt your memory will always live on through us fans.
I wish you the best of luck on your journey my friend.
@@yankees29 Thankyou mate! I wish you the best of luck in life… we only have one so don’t waste it bud…. 😜
I was touched by the fact that no one wants to break Burt's record. I have a feeling it will stand forever, a fitting tribute for a remarkable man.
Oh there's been plenty of people want and tried to break it but the "officials" keep changing the rules so no one CAN ever break it. FACT!!!
I’d say it’s more than likely nobody has the balls than an abundance of respect
@@craigdawson1749 people do 200 on street bikes all the time. It’s out of respect I’m certain
As a life long biker (who does top speed events in England) I'm glad this wonderful story of an astonishing man was popularised by the film .
Burt deserves every bit of the worldwide recognition.
"Never give up on your dreams"
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
It's probably the only movie I have wanted to watch more than twice.
Started riding at age 11. I had not owned a motorcycle since I was 35. After watching the movie in 2005, I immediately went out and bought a motorcycle.12 years later I still ride today. Thank you Burt.
Great job on this documentary. Burt Munro truly was the spirit of Bonneville and all LSR endeavors. You are either in the club or not. Burt was.
Thanks Danny. I've been wanting to do this video for a long time but I had so much contradicting information, until recently.
I had no idea,no knowledge of Mr Munro accomplishments ❤❤❤😮😮😮 I agree the bike should be returned to the family
Some men have a lot of brass. Burt Munro clanged like a bell when he walked.
R.I.P. Mr. Munro
Great Video! I Love Learning About Motorcycle History & Did Not Know About The Movie. Thank You.
Thank you!!!
Great video, I have watched the movie a few times. He was an amazing resourceful chap. RIP Bert.
Great mini documentary a Kiwi friend is from Invercargill. Burt was one heck of a racer, mechanic, and engineer. Much like John Britten (Christchurch, NZ) and his amazing V1000.
Thanks and yes both those blokes had lots of mechanical & engineering nouse.
Yes John Britten too.
Great video, about a passionate, dedicated human being ,,Burt teaches all of us about life,, that really anything is possible,and never give up,,R.I.P.Burt Munro . .
So true
You're right. That bike belongs in New Zealand.
"if I had this bike I'd return it to the Munro family"
That part felt really special, respect. ✌️🇳🇿
The whole number 8 wire mentality of Kiwis in their sheds building stuff with what's available has always been an inspiration.
Your video was awesome, thanks.
Thanks for the positive feedback, muchly appreciated.
Agree totally, now someone needs to make a film about John britten.
Thanks for Sharing... Rest in Peace. Burt
His number, 35 is used on the NZ Reno air racer, Yak-3 Full Noise, as a homage to Burt
In 2006, after some months of building 'ikara blue' with Paul Sims hand making the Chromoly Steel bike @8.9kg [GREENSPEED/ Engineering], Don Elliot creating the modified US 'Kyle Edge' fibreglass shell [ BOLWELL & REFLEX ] & Barry Cox[ Camera ], the Camera Speed Bike became Australia's first to run on Oz soil, completing 2 1/2 laps at Lang GMH Test Track early that year reaching about 80kph during the one and ONLY shakedown. Thirteen years later, the second team went about 93.7kph.
My inspiration was Burt_____and the Movie: 'World's Fastest Indian'
Thank Mr Munro
The one in Christchurch, I believe, is at Britten Motorcycles. They made the replica for the movie, The Worlds Fastest Indian.
Yes buddy they did indeed. I didn't mention the blokes names who built them coz the video is about Burt. They had to build two for insurance reasons.
The definitive piece of work on Burt and his bike, thank you. Burt truly the king of shed engineering.......that makes a movie? Oh yes one of the very best, Sir Anthony Hopkins also your finest work.
Burt also ran a velocette single for speed records down under. There are photos and film of him on it but I have seen little else of his "forgotten" velo
Yes thats true, i did mention it in the doco. That bike was also fast.
Just prior to the movie release I had read an article about Burt in a Hot Rod magazine, I hope to visit New Zealand sometime.
Great character and great movie
As you said Fastest Indian is definitely a must see movie. I would loved to have met him. Cannot help but wonder if he inspired John Britten to build his much sought after bike. Love to think they're both building bikes together somewhere.
Can you imagine Burt Munro, Kim Newcombe, John Britten and Dr Roger Freeth all together in the same room? What a conversation that would be.
@Paul Turner It certainly would be Paul.
he was inspired by the Steve Roberts Plastic Fantastic largely
A beautifully presented tribute to Bert, his determination and dedication to a lifelong goal of speed. I took the step of buying a copy of that movie, "World's Fastest Indian", on DVD. I'm old myself now, I watch that just to see the portrayal of Bert, how that "old" guy and his pretty well "hand made" old Indian bike, pressed on against all odds.
Thanks mate!
Thanks for making this!
I was privileged to see (what i assume was) one of the originals displayed at Brisbane's modern art gallery last year. It's surprisingly tiny!
I think my favorite part about all this is how he made most of his own parts.That's super cool.
Thanks for watching. Yes the one that was in Brisbane was his original streamliner just not the motor in it.
Absolutely one of my favorite movies, thanks for adding more information.
You're welcome mate. I'm glad you got something out of it.
You got the facts correct.
I have been to Hayes Hardware and seen the bikes and bits. I was over at the museum when it was first built.
I raced land speed for many years and people still tell stories about Burt Munro to this day.
Thank you. What a superb piece, the film is on my watch list for the weekend
Ha, i reckon i watch it 2 or 3 times a year lol
Thanks for the great documentary. My grandfather (Victor Rush) was a good friend of Burt's and used to ride with him!
I happy that you liked it and thanks for the nice comment. I uploaded Part 2 a few days ago! Did your Grandfather ever tell you any stories?
@@motorcyclecafe No, I did not know until after he passed. My grandmother told stories of them doing speed trials on Tram Road just out of Christchurch and that he used to come and stay with them and made her do his ironing! lol
@@ajrae of course he did 😉
Probably one of the best movies I've seen. I've also watched it many times with friends.
I wish a movie would be done about Dave Barrs book Riding the Edge.
Great story, great movie about the events.
Anthony Hopkins (per usual) did a fantastic job portraying Mr. Munro.
Yes he did, thanks for watching!
Wonderful video- thanks for putting this together.
You are very welcome, I am glad you enjoyed it. Cheers
Excellent Tribute to true authentic legend, what a hero ! Thanks for sharing it. Hi from the Netherlands ❤️🙏
Thank You!
when I saw the movie , at the urgent request of a coworker ( fellow bike owner ) , I was absolutely in awe of what this man was able to accomplish with what little money and resources he had !!! The sheer will and desire in his heart and mind to "just go faster " is a testament to what this man represents to anyone who has a desire to accomplish something with very little available to them !! Burt Munro should be an inspiration to all tinkerers and anyone trying to achieve a seemingly insurmountable goal !!!
100% spot on buddy!
Brilliant information. I have been to E. HAYES store in Invercargil and marveled at the history there. Thank you for this valuable piece of history.
You are welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment!!!
What a brilliant mini doco. Worthy of Burt himself. Well done. 👏
Thank you again & thanks for taking the time to give me some feedback. I literally spent years doing research before I produced it. There is also a Part 2 with a bit more detail and some very rare colour photos of the inside of Burt's shed.
@@motorcyclecafe Cheers man, I sent it to a guy a race with, Lee Munro, Burt's great nephew. Lee raced a Burt Munro tribute bike at Bonneville a few years back. (I was the first manager of the Britten Race Team)
@@kiwihame Yer thanks I know of Lee. Britten ay, yet another great NZ motorcycle feat!!!
Rollie Free also a Indian Rider set a Record at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1948 on a Vincent Black Shadow Lying down on the Bike Just wearing a bathing suit an tennis shoes went 150 MPH. Yheb
Burt was a Genius and very Tenacious. It's too bad some Motorcycle Factory didn't hire him as an Engineer.
It's also too bad he never worked on his Bike in the "The Best Dam Garage In Town" In Dayton FL .. I think Smokey Yunick would of had the recourses to make his bike even faster..
Thanks for setting some facts straight. It's very Interesting that Burt Converted the bike to a Dry Sump system. I would think synthetic Lubricants would have made the bike a touch faster too ..
Ok, I'm guessing your a glass half empty kinda guy.
Was good to see the younger riders eventually pay respect to Burt and escorted him out of town.
AWESOME VIDEO,EXCELLENT MOVIE-Have watched it several times & still enjoy it.👍👍👍
Good on you for that comment Charlie, i appreciate it a lot and yes i agree with you about the movie. Part 2 coming soon
Very informative. Thank you for this.
You're welcome, I'm glad you liked it.
@@motorcyclecafe He it seems to me he sacrificed his life for his passion. He is legend.
Greetings from New York. Nice video. Thanks for doing this. I am a big fan of Mr. Munro and his work. I have seen the bike here a couple of years ago in Philadelphia at the Simeone foundation automotive museum. It was just sitting there. I took a lot of pictures of it. It is a beautiful machine and am glad that I had the chance to see it. It gets shown here and there and it gets started up and run. People do get to hear it. As for ownership I have no say in the matter. I'm just glad it survives and thrives.
I'm glad you got something out of watching my doco mate.
I started learning with the movie and it was so good. Burt was a great and humble guy who loved his homeland. With the focus to set global world records. I've wondered if it was true that he danced for people when he didn't want to say, or have the answers to their questions
Burt may have been from far away, far south in Invercargill, but he was a local legend in Southern California and to this day, he has lots of friends.
That is very to to hear buddy, I'm glad! Part 2 is uploaded now
A great film , and I leaned a great deal from this video thank you 🙏
You are most welcome!
One of the best films I've ever seen and what a iconic actor who played Burt monro
Yeah totally agree 'old git' (love that name by the way) Anthony Hopkins himself regards it as one of his best roles & I agree with him.
Nothing sounds better than this bike at full song, absolutely perfect geometry in its engineering ,as perfect as possible considering what he had to work with and how he achieved it, is a powerful metaphor for what we can do when we really love what we are doing.
Awesome comments mate, thanks for watching. I hope you subscribed to my channel, I do have similar docos planned. It's totally free 😉
There is an immense amount of crap on RUclips, but this is easily in the top 5 videos I have ever watched on RUclips.
Excellent job.
@@BJBDF thanks buddy, I truly appreciate you saying that. Although I do wish sometimes I could do it again now I have much more video editing skills. Cheers!
Truly a great story. An amazing fact that the Indian engine lasted so long. (Being constantly rebuilt after every few runs didn't hurt, but still.)
Yes buddy, his life was amazing. I personally believe a lot of his engines failures may have been caused by excess heat i have zero to back it up, its just my own opinion which is why i didnt mention it.
Excellent presentation, thanks.
A truly great movie, and not a made up screenplay, but based on facts that are in the record books, which make it even better!
Burt took my grandmother for a ride up Oreti beach on one of this bikes iterations (presumably his test frame, while the original frame & streamliner body had remained in the U.S.). In retrospect, we suspect Burt's motive for offering the ride, was that my grandmother at the time weighed approximately the same as the streamliner body 😅. My grandfather also performed some welding on the bike for Burt, while on the other side of my family, the Hayes brothers of E. Hayes & Sons Engineering assisted Burt quite considerably.
Quite proud to have such a close family connection to Burt's legacy.
What a fantastic story buddy. Thank you for sharing. Maybe your grandmother was a babe as well 😉
They say kiwis can't fly but this kiwi flew High above the rest.
Really enjoyed that.. an inspiration.
Great tribute to Burt and his speedy life . We have the DVD and enjoy watching it often. Thanks for more details !
Thanks Marvin, part 2 is uploaded now too, cheers thanks for watching
Very interesting.
The "World's Fastest Indian" move was great.
Thank you and yes it is a great feel good movie!
Wonderful job. Now I'm off to watch part 2.
Thank you! Im very glad you liked it
Thanks for that informative and entertaining video part 1 and 2. Excellent 🖕🖕🖕
Thanks for taking the time for your nice feedback, i am very glad you enjoyed them !
Great video thanks for sharing this. Have seen the World’s fastest Indian several times now. Old Burt will always be on my list of biker legends and at 59 he really does give me a sense of hope in my future.
Same here buddy, he must have been very determined
Fantastic video, Many Thanx.. Cheer's
sorry I missed your comment buddy, thank you for taking the time to comment!!!
Superb documentary video. So nice to find out more about the real Burt Munro.
Right on! I love history and Mr Munro is a part of it. The ingenuity of humankind is awesome.
I have the DVD. Sometimes when I'm feeling (a little bit) down; I watch it. Everything's cool. You get my drift?
True, I had never heard of Burt Munroe before the movie. It caused me to want to go to the Salt Flats but have yet to make it. At 72, I think that I need to get with the program.
Better late than never mate 😉
Great stuff, good work ensuring that only the facts are told. I knew about the "Brittain" before I saw the "Worlds fastest Indian". I am a Hopkins fan, so took a punt on the movie and was enthralled by this true story.
yes they did a very good job of compressing Burts Bonneville feats into 2 hrs
I too thought the movie was one of the best I had ever seen. Having grown up under a grease rack in my Granddads service station, I could just smell the oil and grease in Burt's shop. It's such a great smell. I read once that one of his favorite phrases was "Make Do". When someone explained to him that they needed this or that, he would simply reply, "Make Do". I thought about this phrase a lot. It is now and will be forever one of the guiding principles that I look to in life. Thanks to Mr. Munro, I get it. We often time's just have to "Make Do" and march on.
Very well said!!! Thanks for watching.
Beautiful commemorative tribute to Burt Munro mate 😎
#8 wire enthusiast neighboring your shores too.
This may definitely inspire the correct authorities to have Burts bike returned at no cost at all.
Respect doco bro 🤜🤛
Thank you buddy, its not one of my best docos presentation wise. I've learnt a lot since i made this one but it is 100% factually correct.
@@motorcyclecafe
I have no bout adout that 😎👍
GREAT TALE !!!! I learned a lot from it !!
Amazing man! Thanks for the video. I must try find the movie again!
Thanks for that and yer do it, I watch it every few months.
Anthony Hopkins become Burt Munro,
I don’t know how authentic it was but watching the show it was like you was watching the actual guy.
I think he is the greatest actor of all time and this movie was his best acting.
After watching it over and over you feel like you know Burt.
Absolutely fantastic movie and life.
Yes I agree. Hopkins himself reckons it was one of his best roles. The movie is not all correct of course but still they did a great job with only 2hrs to work with.
It belongs with the family in New Zealand but shared with the world thank you for all you did
Crikey mate, I really appreciate your comment, you have no idea, I literally spent hundreds of hours researching. Thank you. Please subscribe to my channel, it doesn't cost 1 cent.
Excellent video. The man is a true legend.
Good on ya mate for returning the bike to the Munro family. I'll chip in for the purchase!
I dont think the bike is for sale buddy. But it's just what I would do. It's part of the family's history not just a possession.
The Munro special needs to go back home to family, for sure!!!!! Great video
I've probably bought a dozen DVDs of this movie to give away. I tell people it's not just a movie about a motorcycle, it's the inspiration & perseverance of never giving up. Everyone has loved it!
Yes so true, it is a feel good movie about people helping people out! Thanks for watching my Doco!
I did the same, I found them in a bargain bin and bought them an gave them away. I gave one to my cousin, she text me whilst watching it and she said, I keep crying and I don’t know why 😂😂
What a great explanation of what went on. I visit E Hayes every time I get back home (Bluff). Yes it would be great to see everything returned to Invercargill
Thank you Harold. Yes E Hayes has lots of Burts stuff I will get there one day.
Very interesting, thank you. I spent a couple of great days in lnvercargil(l) including a visit to Hayes store. Great man, thanks again.
I am glad you enjoyed it.
Bonneville flying mile. Mr. Munro didn't want to go far; he just wanted to go fast.
What a fantastic clip Great job
Thank you for saying that!
BORN AND RAISED IN ALHAMBRA CALIFORNIA....I REMEMBER WHEN THAT PLACE WAS STILL THERE...IT IS A BODY SHOP NOW BUT WAS SEVERAL THINGS OVER THE YEARS..THEY CLOSED IT AND I LOST TRACK OF IT AFTER THAT..THAT BIKE WAS QUITE THE THING TO SEE IN PERSON...HAD NO IDEA ALL BUT MOTOR AND TRANS WAS STILL HERE..SO SAD THAT HE WAS ON IN HIS YEARS WHEN HE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO MAKE IT HERE TO UTAH...MAKES YOU WONDER HAD HE HAD THE MEANS TO BE HERE EARLIER WHAT HE WOULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED..THE BAG PIPES MADE ME TEAR UP...THANKS FOR THE VIDEO..
and thank you for taking the time to watch my doco. Part 2 is also uploaded now
Thank you Burt. I was feeling old. Not anymore.
Roger Donaldson was actually a Close Friend of Burts and in the mid 70's they went on a sort of speaking tour of NZ. I went to one "evening" in Auckland,when I was an apprentice with older guys who were motorbike mad .Burt had lots of interesting stories which can't be repeated ...😉😉.Another person who should be a feature of a locally made movie was Norman Wizard Smith...
Thanks for that mate, yer I know a few things about old Burt as well 😉
Thankyou. Best doco on Burt and his Indian I have seen, straight to the point with no bollocks. Good to see Indian Bikes being made again, the Wellington dealership is just around the corner from me in Petone, I often see people out test riding them. Better than those Harleys.
Thanks mate! Yer I watch youtube a lot and so many of 'em are just about promoting themselves. Talking for ages before the video even starts or even worse telling you for 5 min what is going to be in the video. Part 2 was uploaded yesterday!
Well done. Since the movie came out it quickly became one of my favorites and I have done some research on Burt. Fantastic story! I was even fortunate enough to meet some guys at Bonneville that actually knew Burt and raced with him. I appreciate the video! Great job!
Glad you got something out of my doco. Part 2 will be coming soon with a few very rare photos. Thanks for your nice feedback I appreciate it.
@@motorcyclecafe I have a channel called Rocky Mountain Peterbilts. There is a police officer in Oamaru NZ that used to contact me regarding the Peterbilt trucks I sell. He just loves Peterbilts. We spoke quite a bit and his next door neighbor was John Munro! Literally right next door! VERY small world!!!!!!
@@RockyMountainPeterbilts I got some of my information from John
Thank you for this. I grew up in Riverton. Dad told me a story about Burt turning up a wooden piston as a ‘prank’. Awesome. Apparently it lasted just long enough for the trade. The best i’ve done was a wooden turned muffler. Justsaying
Awesome. Great research, man & story!
Thanks for that comment buddy, I appreciate it!
We’ll done. I also love the film “ The Worlds Fastest Indian” and have watched the CD about a dozen times.
Thanks mate but I reckon I've watched the movie more than a dozen times 😁
@@motorcyclecafe My old friend, from whom I borrowed the movie on CD, passed away and the movie is lost to me. I plan to purchase a copy online as it’s been too long since I last viewed it. Again, your RUclips creation was very interesting. It is always nice to learn some of the behind the scenes information. Greetings from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Such an amazing man, a true mechanical genius. I saw the movie and thought it was very well done.
Yes he was. I think they did a great job with the movie too.