Today in motorcycle history, March 25, 1899

                                  

 

  Herbert James "Burt" Munro is born in Edendale, New Zealand.

 

  At the Bonneville Salt Flats, on August 26, 1967, with his 58 cubic-inch, 950 cc, 1920 Indian Scout, he made a one-way run of 190.07 mph, the fastest-ever officially-recorded speed on an Indian.  This record still stands today.  Burt Munro was 68 years-old and was riding a 47-year-old machine when he set the record.

  Munro bought his Indian Scout new in 1920, matter of fact, it was only the 627th Scout to leave the Springfield factory. The 37 cubic-inch, 606cc bike had an original top speed of 55 mph, but for a young Burt Munro that didn't cut it, so in 1926 he decided to start modifying his beloved Indian. 

  He spent the next 20 years working from his home in Invercargill, modifying his Indian. 

  Being a man of just modest means, but with a butt-load of talent and determination, he often made the parts and tools he needed himself.  Including casting his own barrels, pistons, flywheels, etc. He then he spent much of the 1940s and 50's, setting speed records throughout New Zealand.  All-the-while keeping his eye on Bonneville.

  His attempts, and eventual success, are the basis of the motion picture The World's Fastest Indian directed by Roger Donaldson.  Donaldson also directed the 1971 short documentary film Burt Munro: Offerings to the God of Speed.

  All-in-all, Burt made ten visits to the salt flats and in three of them he set speed records.

  In 2006, he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

  Burt Munro died on January 6, 1978.