Admin Posted August 15, 2023 Share Posted August 15, 2023 The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has included the legendary Burt Munro in its class of 2023 inductees. (Indian Motorcycle/) The fact that renowned motorcycling icon and world speed record holder Burt Munro would be a fixture in multiple halls of fame around the world should come as no surprise to anyone; by now the Kiwi’s exploits on his Indian Scout-based machine are legendary, having inspired more than a few biographies, several modern Scout-based racers commissioned by Indian Motorcycle (one ridden by his grandnephew in Bonneville), and of course, movies (surely you’ve seen The World’s Fastest Indian). The usual suspects immortalized the man early on, with Munro already ensconced in the Motorcycling New Zealand Hall of Fame and the AMA Hall of Fame. The latest two-wheel-focused institution to celebrate Munro’s achievements is the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, which inducted the racing icon and land-speed record holder into its logs this week. Related: Honoring Burt Munro And Celebrating Speed On The Salt Burt continually modified his 1920 Indian Scout, going on to set multiple records with it. (Burt Munro Archives/) Related: 5 Indian Models That Impacted Motorcycling In America “Burt’s a legend. His accomplishments… trials and tribulations, inspire our racing efforts today,” said Gary Gray, vice president of racing, technology, and service for Indian Motorcycle. “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 every day.” The feat that stands out most might be the one that unfolded in August of 1967, when Munro, then 68 years old, rocketed across the salt to set an under-1,000cc record of 184.087 mph in his modified “Munro Special” streamliner. Fifty-five years later, the mark still stands, which is even more incredible for the fact that Munro rebuilt and upgraded that 1920s-era Indian Scout engine with his own hands in a New Zealand shed, going on to set innumerable records with it. Referring to his speed runs on the Scout, Munro famously said, “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.” Related: Why The Motorcycling World Needs Another Burt Munro The 2017 Indian Scout Racer “Spirit of Munro” commissioned by Indian. (Indian Motorcycle/) “You cannot tell the history of motorcycles without mentioning Burt Munro,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle vice president. “Burt’s stories have literally molded the Indian Motorcycle brand, as we continue to live like Burt and push the envelope to drive innovation, break boundaries, and blaze new trails.” Munro joins the museum’s Hall of Fame class of 2023 which includes 1981 Des Nations Team USA, Chris Callen, Jay Allen, Roland Sands, Russell Radke, and Scott Jacobs. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame pays homage to the remarkable individuals who have made enduring contributions to the motorcycle community, celebrating visionary pioneers while showcasing their extraordinary accomplishments and passion. For more info see sturgismuseum.com. Related: Indian’s “Spirit of Munro” Hits the Dry Lake (Video) View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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