Burt Munro. Did You Know?

BurtMunroFollowing the misspelling of his name in an American motorcycling magazine in 1957, Bert Munro (born Herbert James Munro in 1899) decided to change his name to Burt.

Munro traveled to Bonneville 10 times, the first time for “sightseeing” purposes.

Munro’s Indian Scout was very early off the production line, being only the 627th Scout to leave the American factory. The bike had an original top speed of 55 mph (89 km/h). In its final stages, the Indian’s displacement was 950 cc (as built it was 600 cc) and was driven by a triple chain drive system.

In the nine times he raced at Bonneville, Munro set 3 world records: first in 1962, again in 1966, and once more in 1967 at the speed of 295.453 km/h (183.586 mph) (still standing today). To qualify he made a one-way run of 305.89 km/h (190.07 mph), the fastest-ever officially-recorded speed on an Indian.

Burt Munro would have been 115 years old.

12 Responses to “Burt Munro. Did You Know?”


  1. 1 Rodent Apr 19th, 2014 at 8:57 am

    Burt was for real no matter how his name was spelled!

  2. 2 Homer Apr 19th, 2014 at 9:09 am

    Respect !

  3. 3 LoneRider Apr 19th, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    A true innovator no matter how you spell his name. A true hero.

  4. 4 Cochise Apr 20th, 2014 at 6:33 am

    Rock On!!!

  5. 5 knucklehead on a panhead Apr 20th, 2014 at 8:40 am

    I can watch the “fastest Indian” movie a hundred times and still get a laugh and a “chill”! If you haven’t seen the movie, you really should!

  6. 6 James just another Crazy Kiwi Apr 20th, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    On the Tenth and final time in 1971 the rules had changed due to accidents and the Streamliners had to have separate engine bays.
    Ruined his last shot,.Just shows how little communication there was compared to today.

    Roger Donaldson is a great movie Director and as a young man he did a documentary on Burt which is available with the Deluxe version of the Movie.
    It also comes with the Book by Roger “the worlds Fastest Indian – A scrap book of his life”.
    It is a Brilliant book of photos. Allot I had never seen before. All Indian enthusiasts should have a copy of it along with the Book by Tim Hannah “Just One Good Run” Again Brilliant !.
    Tim also wrote the book on John Britten.It is the complete story and a great yarn.

    I got to go to the New Zealand Premier of ”the Worlds fastest Indian”. I went along in a rented duck suit and bow tie. (had to) I thought there would be food but there was only nibbles, but the Wine was good so I diligently consumed my share with gusto and enthusiasm.
    I just happened upon the Prime minister. The right honourable but often Grimacing Helen Clarke, just as I was getting another glass of wine.I went to say hello in my best semi controlled slur only to drop and break my glass of wine. Her minder hurried her away. I went to follow and apologise but thought that being thrown out might have been good form 30 years ago but it might not suffice now. So I gave in and went off and got another glass of grape juice.
    Great night Invercargill, really turned it on !
    The one and only Burt Munro stream liner is displayed in a Hardware store in Invercargill.
    E Hayes and Sons.
    There are others that claim to have the bike but it is absolute rubbish. Just bikes cobbled out of spares he used to leave behind in America between visits..
    Hope none of this was too boring.

  7. 7 Zipper Apr 21st, 2014 at 8:16 am

    Now that’s fast! ..Z

  8. 8 Olly. Apr 21st, 2014 at 9:34 am

    James, great story mate.

  9. 9 X H-D Rider Apr 21st, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    To the people that Burt into our lives I take my hat off to you.
    Thank You

  10. 10 Septic the Sceptic Apr 21st, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    Bert liked “Burt” because of Burt Lancaster.

  11. 11 Micah McCloskey Apr 21st, 2014 at 10:29 pm

    Burt stayed in my home on two separate occasions, both while getting ready for Bonneville.
    The first in 1971. I was employed by Sam Pierce(American Indian Motorcycle Co.), who paid Burts fare to come over from New Zealand. Sam was married at the time to a snobby woman who would not allow Burt in their house.
    Sam asked me if I could put him up for a couple of weeks till he went to the Salt Flats. No problem.
    Burt was the purest form of motorcycle enthusiast/ racer I have ever met, designing and hand fabricateing all parts himself. Never mentioning another racer, he only cared about one thing…making his Indian or Vello go faster than it had ever gone before.
    His second stay with me was in 1975 and was the last time I saw him.
    It was a great experience that I lucky to have at a young age.

    P.S. I never saw Burt piss on a tree…but he did empty his razor in the flower pot, saying it was good for them.

  12. 12 Stickler Apr 24th, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Just to clarify- Burt did NOT hold ANY world speed records – just New Zealand and AMA records.
    NSU had already reached 211.57 mph by 1956.
    Thanks.

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Cyril Huze