The World’s Fastest Indian bike on display at Te Papa

Replica of Burt Munro’s ‘Munro Special’ Indian Scout motorcycle, constructed at the Britten Motorcycle Company factory in Christchurch, 2004.

A replica of Burt Munro’s 1962 record-breaking motorcycle – the ‘Munro Special’ Indian Scout – as featured in the great Kiwi movie The World’s Fastest Indian will be on display from 5 December 2005 – 16 January 2006 in Te Papa’s Wellington Foyer.

Southlander Burt Munro became a New Zealand motorcycling legend through his numerous attempts to break speed records on a 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle that he heavily modified over the years to go faster and faster, culminating in world speed records he set in 1962 and 1967 on the Bonneville salt flats, Utah. Part of the legend was his ability to virtually rebuild a production bike and its engine using do-it-yourself / No 8 wire methods and materials, and his tenacious determination to break land speed records himself.

In 1962 at the age of 63 he set a world record of 178.971 mph (286.354kph) at Bonneville, following this up with a new world record of 191.34mph (306.14kph) in 1967. This record still stands as the fastest speed by an Indian motorcycle.

The World's Fastest Indian is currently screening in cinemas throughout New Zealand, and the Te Papa display of the Indian motorcycle will include a film trailer.

The World’s Fastest Indian bike at Te Papa
5 December 2005 – 16 January 2006.
Wellington Foyer, Level 2. Free entry.