The lure of Burt
Part of the attraction to the Burt Munro Challenge is the man behind the records.
Burt Munro is part of the motorcycle culture and that culture lives on through the people who love bikes. On the first day of the challenge for 2019, we met some of them.
Jo Harrison-Smith and Kerry Popham, Invercargill
What aspect of the challenge appeals to you? What I like about the Burt Munro Challenge is the variety of events . . . also just getting together with everyone that you meet from other rallies.
Tell us about your bike: It’s a 2007 Harley Davidson Super Glide that I imported from the States about three years ago. I’ve modified it a little bit . . . but probably won’t do too much more. ‘‘Maybe a more comfortable seat at the back for me,’’ Jo said.
Wayne Hilton, Alexandra
What aspect of the challenge appeals to you? I’ve been coming to the Burt Munro Challenge since it started, and I really enjoy it because you meet so many different people from all around the world. It’s not like every rally you go to where there’s tents, a few beers, a bit of a laugh, and a bit of music. This has got everything . . . each year is different.
Tell us about your bike: The very latest 1750cc Harley Davidson Sport Glide that’s only four months old.
Dave Henderson, Central Otago
What aspect of the challenge appeals to you? It’s the comradeship, it’s the people that come. It doesn’t matter what bike you ride, people who are into bikes are into all bikes. I was taking the p... out of Wayne’s Harley over there but you get a Ford owner and you ask him to like a Holden, it just won’t happen. Bikers are little bit different. Anything that’s got two wheels that you ride and get on it, they’ll talk to you about it. Tell us about your bike: A 750 Triumph Bonnevillle. Rumour has it, it was of the first 50 ever made in 750cc. It was made on the 21st of May, 1973. It’s like most British bikes, where something has fallen off it.