Speed record Burt Monroe

Many people (particularly motorcyclists) certainly looked the picture “The fastest Indian". This is a very good and honest film, featuring beautiful shots and great acting. It was based on the story of Burt Monroe. This is what we will discuss in this article.

Childhood

Burt Monroe was born in 1899 in Invercargill (New Zealand). The boy's parents were farmers. Bert Monroe was a twin sister that died at birth. The doctor assured the mother and father that he too will soon die, and made future racer a couple of years. Thank God, they were wrong. From childhood Monroe Jr. appeared passion. Despite the dissatisfaction of his father, the boy was riding on the fastest horses.

Youth

Youth Burt Monroe took place in the early twentieth century. Those were the Golden years of technological progress. Motorcycles, cars, planes, trains – all of it fascinated the young man. And Bert really wanted to see the big world through their eyes. Soon Monroe, Jr. joined the army and returned home only after the 1st World war. Father sold the farm and work was nowhere, so a future rider settled worker on the construction site. Soon the head of the family decided to farm, bought a plot of land and called his son back.

The First motorcycle

His first bike, Burt Monroe, whose biography is presented in this article, acquired at just 16 years old. This was a British bike "Douglas". By today's standards it was a very unusual motor – boxer deuce, which the engineers have set the frame longitudinally and transversely. The second young motorcycle rider was “V”. Monroe Jr. took his carriage and went to put speed records at the local track.

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The fastest Indian

In 1920, Burt bought the bike on which he in the future will put some speed records. It was a “Indian Scout”. On a motorcycle the engine was 600 cubic centimeters, hardtail rear, and also had a transmission (3-speed). And the bike was not belt drive like most models of the time. Chain transfer was directly to the wheel. With ‘Scout Indian” Monroe will not leave till the end of life and will always modify it.

First revision

Remodel “Indian” Burt began in 1926 with the help of makeshift tools. He made various parts of the motor. For example, the pistons, Monroe was cast in cans. And cylinders made of old water pipes. Crankset Burt made axes from tractors “caterpillar". Also a racer, made for bike lubrication system, cylinder head, flywheel, new clutch and replaced the old spring fork for a new one. Your bike Bert dubbed “Monroe was in a Hurry".

Job and race

Soon, the hero of this article was to do the races professionally, but began the Great Depression, and he had to return to his father's farm. He then took a job as a motorcycle salesman and mechanic. The work Bert has combined with the career of the racer. Monroe regularly participated in races in Melbourne and oreti beach. To do this, he would work to PM the seller, and the night improved in the garage your bike.

“Velocette MSS”

By the time Burt Munro, the film which will shoot in 2005, bought another bike – “Velocette MSS”. He also modified it: set of tyres-slicks, modified suspension, manufactured new parts for the motor and digested frame. Thus, the rider has reduced the weight of the bike and increased the engine capacity of up to 650 cubic meters. Mainly used Burt “Velocette” to race in a straight line.

Only the race

In the late 40's and Monroe divorced his wife, quit his job and all his time spent in the garage. He worked “Velocette” and “Indian”. Racer is actively experimenting with the materials of the bikes, trying to make them easier. To reduce drag he built a fiberglass fairing.

Speed record Burt Monroe

Ten years Later, the motorcycle riders have become so fast that none of the bikes New Zealand could not be compared with them. Burt decided to go on a dried up lake in Australia, but changed his mind after a visit in 1957 Bonneville. Monroe wanted to set records on the salt lake, which was in Utah. In 1962, he took all his savings, borrowed money from friends and went to America on a cargo ship. But even the available funds it is not enough. Monroe took odd jobs on the ship by the cook. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, he bought an old wagon for $ 90, and attached to it a trailer with "Indiana" and went to the salt lake Bonneville in Utah.

It Should be noted that the rules of the race were very different from those in New Zealand. At home it was simple – arrived, checked in and went. Here Bertha is not allowed to check-in, as it was not informed in advance about their participation. Helped Monroe famous racers and American friends who were able to negotiate with the organizers.

Just the hero of this article was in Utah as much as ten times. He became so popular in the media as Bert stern, Marilyn Monroe and other celebrities of the time. The first time he was therein 1957 to establish a speed record. And the other nine times participated in the races.

In August 1962, the fastest at Bonneville was Burt Monroe. The speed record was nearly 179 miles per hour, and the driver was installed it in his first race. The volume of the engine of his motorcycle was 850 cubic metres. Later, Monroe put two more record – 168 mph (1966) and 183 mph (1967). At that time the engine of his scout was increased to 950 cubic meters. In one of the qualifying races Monroe managed to achieve a record speed – 200 miles per hour. But unfortunately, the run was not officially recorded.

Accidents and injuries

In 1967, Burt got on his "Indiana" in an accident. He later spoke in detail about it in an interview with new Zealand magazine. Monroe was driving at very high speed, and after overcoming the half of the race began wobbling. To slow the vehicle, the driver climbed over the fairing, but the wind tore off his glasses and pressed his eyeballs so that he could not consider. Literally a miracle Bert collided with a steel marker. In the end, Monroe has decided and put the bike on its side. This allowed him to get away with just a few scratches.

By the Way, and before “Indian” and many times have an accident or break down. Just do not count the many homemade parts made by Burt for this bike – valves, connecting rods, cylinders, pistons…

In General, the list of injuries the driver is impressive. So twice he fell down, and the whole day was lying unconscious. In 1927, Monroe went off the road at a speed of 140 km/h, earning a concussion and multiple injuries. In 1932, the driver drove past the farm and he was attacked by a dog. The result – a concussion. In 1937 Bert during races on the beach, crashed into his rival and lost all his teeth. In 1959, in the fall he was badly peeled skin and smashed on the finger joint.

Recent years

In the late ' 50s, Burt Monroe (see photo above) I got a sore throat. It gave complications, which the racer in 1977 had a stroke. Although doctors in 1975 banned Burt to participate in the races. But he continued to race their bikes – “Velocette” and “Indian”. According to doctors, the health of Monroe was undermined by numerous injuries over the years of racing. Burt knew that after a stroke, will never sit behind the wheel. So the legend of motorcycle racing has sold all of its available stories to one of his countrymen. In early 1978 heart Burt Monroe stopped. The rider was 78 years old.