Burt Munro

[Razor]

Had some friends over for a workshop back in January. One of the guys brought the movie “The Fastest Indian”. Burt Munro was played by Anthony Hopkins. I was intrigued & inspired...

Since then I purchased the movie, got a rule book and have semi-seriously thought of entering a bike in one of the 175cc classes.
As you might expect; there’s quite a bit that needs to happen.
Weigh to HP combined with potentially a “partial slipstreaming” is the ticket. I can build the motor & bike, but there’s no way I could weigh 120lbs or less.
Not looking for volunteer drivers at this time, just pondering the scope of this venture and whether it’s something I wish to peruse.

Has anyone been to Bonneville or El Mirage and entered a bike?
Curious to get your thoughts.

[emptysea]

Had some friends over for a workshop back in January. One of the guys brought the movie “The Fastest Indian”. Burt Munro was played by Anthony Hopkins. I was intrigued & inspired...

Since then I purchased the movie, got a rule book and have semi-seriously thought of entering a bike in one of the 175cc classes.
As you might expect; there’s quite a bit that needs to happen.
Weigh to HP combined with potentially a “partial slipstreaming” is the ticket. I can build the motor & bike, but there’s no way I could weigh 120lbs or less.
Not looking for volunteer drivers at this time, just pondering the scope of this venture and whether it’s something I wish to peruse.

Has anyone been to Bonneville or El Mirage and entered a bike?
Curious to get your thoughts.

My thoughts are: "Go for it!". My brother and I fantasize about doing something like this (though he would want to be on 4 wheels), but time, money, and only a modicum of mechanical ability between the two of use has kept this a fantasy. Good luck to you!

[Razor]

Thanks Matt.
If I go forward; it likely won’t happen until next year or 2021.

[the Ferret]

Ray, why 175 cc? 120 pounds? I was tiny but weighed more than that graduating high school 51 years ago lol

I have been to the Salt Flats when riding thru Utah, but have never ridden on the salt racing surface. Strange surface.

[Razor]

Ray, why 175 cc? 120 pounds? I was tiny but weighed more than that graduating high school 51 years ago lol

I have been to the Salt Flats when riding thru Utah, but have never ridden on the salt racing surface. Strange surface.

———————
My first bike was a 1971 Honda CB175, so its an emotional thing. I really enjoy working on them. I look forward to the research and modifications.

I’ve got a GW rally in Colorado this fall. Plans include a couple of days to go to Bonneville, take in the sights, and ask questions.

FWIW, there’s 50 175cc classes. The MPS (Modified Partial Streamlining) looks promising. The current record holder is a gal from Texas with an average speed of 84mph.

[Stichill_imp]

Ray, this sounds really neat. I feel like Bonneville is one of the last major motorsports events that has remained accessible to the ordinary person with talent & drive but not corporate sponsorship. All of the classes mean that there are opportunities to set records if you can do it incrementally better than the current record-holder. What a cool thing to be able to say you'd accomplished!

When I think of Bonneville and motorcycles, my first thought is Burt Munro and my second thought is Rollie Free's impromptu partial streamlining effort:

[GoldOxide_imp]

My same thoughts. I need to go there.

[Cormanus]

Go for it Ray. I suspect all of us here would be barracking for you. My first bike was also a CB175, although I lack any of the skills necessary to make one go fast.

[Perry_imp]

Do it!

I'm building a 1980 CB750 track bike and hoping to get into vintage racing next season. I have no idea what I'm doing, but it looks like everyone out there is having a great time!

By the way, my wife and I spent christmas last year with Burt Munro!

[url=https://postimg.cc/dL3Jnb6Y]

We spent almost a month in NZ including a 10-day ride around the South Island on a BMW R1200. What a trip! Our schedule put us in Invercargill on christmas where we stopped to say Hi to Burt.

[the Ferret]

Perry... That's cool. WOw, a month in NZ incl 10 days on a BMW 1200 that has to be awesome. Did you stop and pee on the tree?