Indian celebrates Burt Munro's legacy

Indian Motorcycle has used 2017 Bonneville Speed Week to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of Burt Munro’s historic land speed record.

The tribute was highlighted by commemorative land speed runs by Munro’s great nephew Lee Munro on a modified 2017 Indian Scout appropriately named “Spirit of Munro.”

America’s first motorcycle company capped off the weekend with something that had never been done before – a moonlit screening of 'The World’s Fastest Indian' which immortalised Burt Munro and the historic under-1000cc world record run of his 1920 Scout Streamliner in August of 1967.

A team of engineers worked around the clock to create and refine Lee’s “Spirit of Munro” modified and partially streamlined 2017 Scout. The team’s goal was to match Burt’s land speed record of 184mph and then eclipse the 200mph mark.

However, the runs proved to be a battle against the elements. On the five-mile short course, the best run was 191.28mph, but high winds and rough conditions on the nine-mile course only saw the Scout hut 186.415mph.

“It was my greatest honour to represent Indian Motorcycle in such an incredible tribute to my great uncle on this historic 50th Anniversary,” said Lee.

“We may not have had the results we were after, but piloting a modified Indian Scout on the same salt as my great Uncle Burt will forever be one of my most-cherished experiences. I am looking forward to future runs and more success with my teammates and friends at Indian Motorcycle.”