The man whose speed record he broke in 1967 is still not beaten: Who is Burt Munro?

Burt Munro (Herbert James "Burt" Munro) was born on March 25, 1899, on a farm in Edendale, New Zealand. Burt Munro has been passionate about speed since he was little. Despite his father's complaints when he was little, he never gave up riding the fastest horse in the family, which was on the farm. Speeding on that horse was his biggest hobby when he was little. Even if he fell, it didn't matter to Munro. He had a very active childhood. At that age, it was clear that the passion of his life would be speed.

Herbert James "Burt" Munro (Bert in his youth; 25 March 1899 – 6 January 1978) was a motorcycle racer from New Zealand, famous for setting an under-1,000 cc world record, at Bonneville, on the 26th of August 1967. This record still stands; Munro was 68 and was riding a 47-year-old machine when he set his last record.

Burt Munro's family, on the other hand, led a quiet life. Munro always wanted more and was bored on the farm. When the First World War broke out, he planned to go to war, thinking that he had a chance to see the world. But his family did not allow such a thing. Munro's father had to sell his farm after the First World War. Later, Munro started working on the Otira Tunnel construction.

Bought His First Motorcycle

In 1920 he bought his first Indian Scout motorcycle for £120. At that time, the engine that Burt Munro had was quite well-equipped. Its maximum speed was 100 km/h. Of course, this speed was not enough for Munro. From the moment he got it, he started making changes to his engine. He worked from day one to increase his speed. Munro aimed to convert the original engine of his motorcycle into an overhead-valve engine. When he reached his destination, he realized that this new engine did not accelerate his motorcycle too much. Despite this, undaunted Burt Munro continued his efforts to increase the speed with enthusiasm and determination. In 1940, he increased the speed of his motorcycle to 195 km / h. He was now the fastest man in New Zealand.

He continued to work non-stop during this period, aiming to increase the speed of his motorcycle as usual. He produced his own engine with the axles of Ford pickup trucks. He had to do everything with his own hands, as he did not have enough tools and equipment. After producing the engine, he also produced his own pistons. Thanks to these pistons, the gear system has been improved.

After years of effort, he managed to increase his engine to 1000 cc. He participated in the speed race held in Oregon, USA on August 20, 1962. In this speed race, he reached a speed of 290 km/h. The people of that period could not hide their astonishment.

He would describe this record six years later: “I was going like a missile through the desert, and suddenly the motorcycle started to shake. I changed my sitting position to alleviate the shaking, but this time my glasses were shattered by the increased wind. I couldn't see anything. I went very close to the marker stake, I missed the black line and all, but we got through with just a few scratches.”

It broke a record with a speed of 296 km / h and still could not be passed!

Burt Munro, whose passion for speed has never stopped since he was little, participated in another race on August 26, 1967. In this race, he saw a speed of 296 km / h on his Indian Scout motorcycle. And this record still has not been broken in the 1000 cc engine class.

In 1977, Burt Munro suffered a local stroke. That's why he sold his motorcycle. Burt Munro, who passed away on January 6, 1978, showed how passion can open the door to beauty if it is followed.

THE CELEBRATION

RECREATING MOTORCYCLE HISTORY

https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/burt-munro/

Burt Munro pt1 Worlds Fastest Indian The Facts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM34J9WAcK8