By now, everyone is familiar with Burt Munro, the Bonneville racer from New Zealand, thanks to the Movie World’s Fastest Indian. Before the movie, far fewer would recall ever seeing any mention of Munro, I can’t recall much myself.
I ran across this ad from 1966 showing Burt Munro along side Sam Pierce, who, according to the ad, sponsored Munro’s runs to some degree. The ad itself was one of the many buried in the back pages of a motorcycle magazine and in the day, probably got little attention. It’s interesting how the passage of time (and a movie) gives the ad new life.
Phoebe says
This past weekend, I finally got to watch The World’s Fastest Indian. I liked it so much, that I watched it again the next day…and the special features!
What a remarkable person he was, and truly an inspiration.
HotRodTroy says
It’s guys like Burt Munro and guys that build their bike’s in their garage that inspire me. My hat is off to them.
Mike says
If you think the movie is good, find and read the book. Amazing. There is a whole bunch of detail in the book, that only reflects how bizarre and dedicated Burt Munro actually was. Making his own pistons in his garage and filing them to size, not to mention making his own rods from caterpillar track pins, again filing them to size. According to the book, he didn’t have a mill, only a small lathe, and hand tools. Amazingly talented, but a true nut case (in the fondest sense of the word).
Phoebe says
Mike, the mini-documentary on the dvd goes into some of those details, but I would *love* to read more about him. He’s a true motorcycling hero in my eyes.
Mike says
While not taking away from the film, which I thought was very well done, this is a true case of film production not really presenting the man. I have a good friend in NZ who is distantly related to Mr. Munro (Burt isn’t his actual name, but can’t remember what it is). He lived for his Indian at the expense of his wife and kids (yes he did have both) and other family. He died a lonely old man who did some amazing things. He could be likened to John Britten in his talents, but unlike Britten, we was possessed with only Motorbikes. Britten was a renaissance man with passions for all things creative. Munro wanted to go fast. Period. At all costs. The book explains how he built a con rod in 1 month, by hand. Imagine spending 1 month solid building A rod. When I built my engine, it took me 60 hours to build 2 rods WITH machine tools, and most thought I was mad. I have a ton of respect for both the aforementioned men. Both of which I wished I could have met, and both of which I crossed paths with their legacy and am proud of it. For those who haven’t seen this movie, AND read the book, both are well worth every penny.
Tim says
One other thing John Britten had was pots of money. He had more in common with Mike Hailwood in that regard than Munro.
Dont get me wrong I respect both (and Hailwood) enormously, but money really helps to grease the wheels of commerce.
Jon says
my wife understood the need for speed after seeing the movie. It was the sound of that v-twin at speed that got her. I admitted to her, that yes I had to find out the top end of every bike I’ve had at some point.
Hawk says
While there is no doubt that the book is far better than the movie, I’m told that old Burt’s family were flown to Los Angeles for the movie’s release.
Anthony Hopkins did an amazing job of capturing old Burt’s mannerisms (both physical and oral) and studied his characture so well, that the family was moved to tears, “Because it was like seeing a reincarnation of the old boy.” What a marvelous tribute to the skills of a great actor!
But again I tell you that there is so much more in the book than on the screen. It really is a “must read”.
Tommy says
If you do some research at Wikipedia, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and other web sources you can get the real Burt Munro story. The movie compressed Burt’s later life from 1962 to 1967 into one event at Bonneville. Still a great movie, but the book has the real details. The movie however has brought Burt’s life to the forefront and made him world famous. There is even a new Beacham Owen painting of Burt Munro that was inspired by the movie. Haven’t seen it yet but the art is supposed to really capture old Burt’s need for speed.
Glenn Pierce says
Great movie, factual in story line as Burt lived my parents Sammmy Pierce in San Gabriel in the 60’s he worked in shop building engines for the runs at Bonnaville he was crude and rude to say the least.
Evets says
Glenn Pierce:
Hey Glenn…
Just saw this as I was googling for some old info, and thought I’d make a post you.
I worked for your Dad at his Indian-Kawasaki store for a few months in 1968 or 69, can’t remember exactly. LOL It was when Catalina worked there, if that helps.
What I remember most about him was, how single minded and completely devoted to Indian he was. And I mean that in the most respectful way. He was almost fanatically absorbed by anything and everything Indian.
I had never met anyone, at the young age of 16, who was so focused and had such a solid mindset about anything, as he had for Indian. At 55, I still find it hard to think of anyone comparable.
Anyway, he fired me after about 5 months or so. The reason? …
I wasn’t loyal enough to Indian. LOL
Thanks for the memories, and good luck!
RICHARD BELL says
THIS HAs to be one of the best movies i have ever seen. it should be in every motivational library in every school. cheers
Rick S. says
I took some photos of the restored Munro streamliner when it was on display at Bonneville in the 1990s.It was displayed along with another unrestored vintage Scout twin carb racer that had a 1965 Speed Week decal on it. I don’t know who owned them at the time. I can email the pics to you and you can add them to this thread if you like.
Regarding the Beacham Owen painting…
Apparently it was done of the bike as depicted in the movie with the boxed triple tail section that they constructed to stabilize the movie bike. No offense intended to Mr. Owen, but that is not historically accurate at all.
Indian Chiefs 4 Sale says
Burt Munro`s motto was ‘fix it and try again’. In 50 years, he had some 250 motor blow-ups, usually because the con-rods or cylinder sleeves couldn’t take the pace.
With basic equipment and astonishing ingenuity, he’d rebuild the engine ready for the next try. He made cylinder linings out of cast-iron drain pipes and fabricated con-rods from steel Ford-motorcar axles. To make a flywheel he cut a coin-sized slice from a hydraulic ram, and used a steam-driven hammer to flatten it out to about 180mm diameter.
He cast motorbike pistons using melted-down car pistons plus his own additives, and made high-speed tyres by carving the treads off factory-made racing tyres.
Garry Sprott says
What a guy!
I caught this film in midstream on BBC at Xmas (funny time spot though!) and stayed with it because I like Anthony Hopkins. What a film. I was hooked.
mar says
i loved this movie it really opened my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeAnna says
Watched this movie tonight and absolutely loved it! I’d like to read the book now.
Baz says
An amazing film, i loved everyminuite of it. Burt you were one hell of a guy, salt of the earth, the best. Anthonys skills made Burt come to life. This is one film i will watch again and again. Thanks Burt and Anthony.
adarsh says
i watched the movie today. i loved it… Burt’s never die attitude was so inspirational.not everything can be put out.. in a movie from a book. the book obviously.. will be more detailed. infact the movie .. gives a reason to read about him more and more.