Burt Munro enters Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame
Burt Munro – the motorcycle legend, innovator, and daredevil – has just been inducted into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. Let’s talk about him a bit!
Burt Munro
Born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand, Munro – despite the discouragements received from his family – developed an insatiable appetite for everything that had wheels and an engine. Fuelled by his passion, Burt Munro did everything he could to live and participate in anctivities related to motorcycle and speed: he worked as a professional speedway rider, as a motorcycle salesman and mechanic, and then – thanks to his racing skills – rose to the top of the New Zealand Racing Scene. His famous saying “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.” says a lot about him and his enthusiasm. Over the course of decades, Munro dedicated himself to restoring and fine-tuning his 1920 Indian Scout within the confines of his garage. His relentless efforts culminated in setting three world records at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. An astonishing feat came in 1967, when Munro, at the age of 68, established a record of 184.087 mph for under-1,000cc motorcycles—a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Gary Gray, Vice President of Racing, Technology, and Service at Indian Motorcycle, stated about Burt Munro: “He is a legend. His accomplishments, through trials and tribulations, inspire our racing efforts today. While it may be overdue, it’s quite an achievement for Burt to be enshrined into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, and we’re incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate Burt Munro not just today, but everyday.”
Hall of Fame
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame pays tribute to exceptional individuals who have made enduring contributions to the motorcycle community. This Hall of Fame celebrates forward-thinking pioneers, showcasing their remarkable achievements and unwavering ardor. Burt Munro perfectly fits the description and more.
Aaron Jax – Vice President of Indian Motorcycle – explains emphasized that “the history of motorcycles would be incomplete without the mention of Burt Munro. His narratives have influenced the identity of Indian Motorcycle, as it persistently emulates Burt’s spirit by pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and paving novel pathways.” AMEN to that!
