There’s a documentary film available about John Britten produced by Ruffels Documentaries of New Zealand. It’s titled “One Man’s Dream.” I have not seen this but John Britten is one of the more fascinating fellows in the motorcycle world, having produced a superbike, pretty much on his own. It had a unique design and surprised a lot of onlookers and other racers when they saw how it performed. He left us far too soon. It’s only available in VHS, which is odd these days, a DVD would probably be better for sales but I’ll bet it’s very interesting anyway.
From the description:
Motorcycle enthusiasts the world over have always talked of designing the ultimate “Super” bike. New Zealander John Britten did more than talk about it. He went ahead and built it, at home and by hand! This is his amazing true story. From backyard workshop to the screaming action of Daytona and the Isle of Man, this fascinating video captures all the drama – the dreams and the nightmares, the triumphs and the tragedies.
Thanks for the tip, Doug!
Link: Ruffels Documentaries
Trey says
has DVD technology made it “down under”?
Brian Case says
Awesome video. Somewhere on their distributor website it said a DVD was coming soon. But that was a while ago. It wasn’t filmed in HD, so the quality is fine on VHS. The problem here is finding someone who still has a VHS player.
Or, you can buy the VHS and drop it off at your local film processing store. They can ‘back it up’ on DVD for you for a very small price. This documentary is certainly worth the effort.
Daniel says
Just so you guys know, apparently the Britten family didn’t authorise the documentary. I haven’t seen it but have read it isn’t that great.
Brian Case says
As far as I can tell, the Britten Motorcycle Co. Ltd is owned by the trustees of John K. Britten, who madethe video mentioned above with Ruffell Films, which is also sold on the Britten website. My video receipt says shipped from “Britten Motorcycle Co Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand. Perhaps you’re thinking of a different documentary.
Why would they still be selling something on the Britten website that the family didn’t authorize? And why would you tell other people that it isn’t any good when you haven’t even seen it yourself?
You don’t even need to like bikes to appreciate this video, that’s how good it is.
Daniel says
Easy mate, if that the case I’m all for it. I guess I have mixed it up with a video I read about in a bike mag here which said what was passed on before.
Willie Schmitz says
Was in Daytona in’97 and watched the Britten dust off the ill fated Harley VR 1000 with Chris Carr on board in the twin race. Went to the post race inspection area and got a close look at the Britten. It was totally awesome.
Here’s some more worth reading:
http://www.britten.co.nz/
http://www.indianmotorbikes.com/features/brittens/britten.htm
Old Will
Dino Borelli says
They really are impressive machines aren’t they. I live in NZ and saw them blasting round a couple of tracks here a few years ago, they look impressive and make a fine spine-chilling roar as they go by. One of them is planted in a permanent display in our Te Papa museum in Wellington, if you’re ever in NZ you *must* go an check it out.
The video is a good watch, don’t worry about all this authorisation crap, there was some very odd in-fighting between those involved in the company and the family after John’s death.
If you get a chance borrow or buy one of the books, was especially interesting to me to hear about all the other contributors to the project, the official story would have you believe it was ALL john’s work, truth is of course, like any serious project, there was a lot of input from many other team members during development.
Pete says
EXCELLENT video!!! John Britten is (sadly was) the most innovative genius to grace the motorcycle industry in our time.
matt says
How is the best way to get hold of a copy of the video.
Harry Cowley says
John Britten was a genius palne and simple ,and I would love to get the video but its not avaliable can anybody make me a copy video ,dvd ,I will pay gladly hope you can help Harry
Ben Ruffell says
Hi,
The DVD will be released soon. Hopefully before the end of the year.
I am very sorry that it has taken so long. My father Harry Ruffell made the film. John was one of his best friends. John died tragically young, and unfortunately my father had a stroke shortly after. (He is still alive, but unable to work). This is one of the reasons it has taken so long to get the DVD out.
Our family has a good relationship with the Britten family. You will be able to buy the DVD from the official Britten website.
The DVD will include several bonus features, and some never released footage, which will hopefully make up for the delay.
Thanks for the interest. It really is a remarkable film about a remarkable man.
Ben