The World's Fastest Indian - Remembering Burt Munro

I’m a little behind the times when it comes to watching movies. I’ve always wanted to see The World’s Fastest Indian and finally did the other night. To say this movie is one of the best motorcycle related movies is an understatement. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Burt Munro is almost dead on. I found myself with tears in my eyes many times throughout the movie.

I think that the theme that stands out the most is the shear determination of Burt Munro and the fact that he never took no for an answer. He just lived life the way he felt he should and he really didn’t care what anyone else thought. When he set his mind to something he made sure that he completed the goal he had set out to complete.

The one liners from the movie are classic…

Where do you hail from, where is your hometown? Invercargill, I-N-V-E-R-C-A-R-G-I-L-L. Sometimes I spell it with one 'L' to save ink.

Aren't you scared you'll kill yourself if you crash? No... You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.

If you don't follow your dreams, you might as well be a vegetable.

If you don't go when you want to go, when you do go, you'll find you've gone.

Seriously, can you believe that his 1920 Indian Scout could go that fast? Amazing!! His fastest complete run at Bonneville was 190.07 MPH. He did not set a record of 201 MPH at Bonneville as the film portrays, but did reach 205.67 MPH on a run that he did not complete. He did unfortunately crash on that attempt.

I’m including in this post the documentary short from the movie. Burt Munro was a man that I could have sat and listened to for hours. I love people that have great stories to share with the world. I also love people that inspire me to forge on and live my dreams! Even though Burt Munro passed away in December of 1978, he is still someone that we can all look up to and use as inspiration to push toward our goals in life!