Ten Facts You Didn’t Know About Burt Munro and the World’s Fastest Indian

If you went to the movies in 2005, you probably saw The World’s Fastest Indian. This feature film, directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Anthony Hopkins, tells the story of Burt Munro, a motorcycle enthusiast and salesman from Invercargill, New Zealand.

Burt Munro set multiple land speed records, the most famous being in 1967 when he broke the record for motorcycles with engines under 1000cc at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He reached a speed of 184.087 mph, with an unofficial top speed of 205.67 mph, on an Indian Scout that he modified in his Invercargill garage. The World’s Fastest Indian became a hit and made both Munro’s Indian motorcycle and Invercargill (particularly Oreti Beach) famous.

1. Anthony Hopkins Didn’t Sound Like a Typical Kiwi for a Reason

To prepare for the role, Anthony Hopkins watched archival footage of Burt Munro and noted that his Southland accent, with its rolled “R”s, sounded more like someone from Devonshire than Auckland. The New Zealand accent is notoriously challenging for actors, as evidenced by films like Everest.

2. Burt Was Short for Herbert

Burt Munro’s full name was Herbert James Munro. His father’s name was William Munro—no confirmation if he went by Bill.

3. Burt Munro’s Record Still Stands

More than 50 years later, Burt Munro’s land speed record, set on his modified 1920 Indian Scout Streamliner, remains unbroken. His great-nephew, Lee Munro, set a record of his own in 2017 on a modern version of the Munro Special, reaching 191.28 mph in the 1350cc class during Speed Week at Bonneville.

4. The Bonneville Salt Flats Aren’t the World’s Largest

The Bonneville Salt Flats are famous for land speed records due to their vast, flat terrain, covering more than 30,000 acres. However, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is over 80 times larger. Burt Munro would have needed a much larger gas tank to race there.

5. Burt Munro Was 68 When He Set His Famous Record

Munro was just two years shy of 70 when he set his iconic land speed record. This achievement proves it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Sadly, Munro passed away 10 years later, at the age of 78, on January 6, 1978.

6. Burt Was a Twin

Born in Invercargill, New Zealand, in 1899, Burt Munro had a twin sister who died at birth. Burt himself was not expected to live past the age of two, but he defied the odds.

7. Indian Motorcycle Company Named a Bike After Burt

In 2013, Indian Motorcycle released a bike called the “Spirit of Munro,” paying tribute to Burt Munro’s legacy.

8. Burt’s Indian Motorcycle Originally Had a Top Speed of 55 mph

Munro nearly quadrupled the bike’s top speed at Bonneville, making it the world’s fastest Indian Scout.

9. You Can Still See Burt Munro’s Indian Motorcycle Today

Burt’s “Munro Special,” the modified Indian Scout he used to set his record, is on display at the E. Hayes & Sons hardware store in Invercargill, New Zealand. The store also features an impressive collection of motorcycles, including the very Indian Scout Munro rode to break the world record in 1967.

10. Invercargill Hosts Other Famous Vehicles

Invercargill is not only known for The World’s Fastest Indian but is also a haven for vehicle enthusiasts. It’s home to the Bill Richardson Transport World, showcasing a wide range of transportation history, including a nearly full set of Ford Models. Additionally, the Classic Motorcycle Mecca occupies two floors of a former department store and boasts three of the four John Britten bikes on display in New Zealand.

These facts about Burt Munro and his legendary Indian Scout continue to inspire motorcycle enthusiasts and speed aficionados worldwide. His story is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the pursuit of passion, regardless of age.

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