Burt Munro to join US Hall of Fame

Burt Munro

The legend of motorcycle speed demon Burt Munro will forever be remembered at the America-based Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.

Munro, who was immortalised in the 2005 film The World's Fastest Indian, is among nine motorcycling legends to join the museum's Hall of Fame this year.

"It's pretty amazing, quite a privilege," said Munro's son, John, 71, who was recently told about the honour.

"There's a lot of famous names at the museum, but he's the only New Zealander there."

Burt Munro burned up roads around the world, from around his home town of Invercargill to the salt flats of Utah, on his modified 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle.

In 1962, Burt Munro set a land-speed record of 288km/h. In 1967, on a more powerful engine, he set a class record of 295.44km/h.

John Munro said his father had had a high profile in America, which the movie had since added to.

Grandson Peter Aitken, 52, said Burt Munro would have been humbled by the honour, "but very proud of it". He remembered his grandfather as an almost mythical figure.