Indian Motorcycles sets new land speed record during testing for Bonneville speed week.
An incredible feat to joining his great uncle Burt Munro within the land speed record book, Lee Munro, the grandson of Burt’s first cousin in conjunction with Indian Motorcycles has set three new land speed records, according to the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA).
In preparation for the Burt Munro 50th anniversary commemorative run, Indian Motorcycle. Burt Munro’s great nephew and a pair of Indian Motorcycle technicians entered the record books on July 16 at El Mirage Dry Lakebed.
“When you’re breaking records during test runs, you know your machine is on point. Our team of engineers has done an incredible job on the Spirit of Munro commemorative Scout,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Product Development for Indian Motorcycle.
“Running within a different class has allowed Lee to truly honour his great uncle Burt. As Burt’s record still stands, Lee now joins Burt within the record book.”
The first record belonged to Chet Michaelson, an engine calibration technician at Indian Motorcycle. In the M-PG (Modified-Pushrod Gasoline) 2000cc class, riding a 2015 Indian Chief Classic, Chet eclipsed the record of 151 miles per hour (mph) with a speed of 154.132 mph.
Lee Munro was next to ride aboard the Spirit of Munro 50th anniversary 2017 Indian Scout. Competing in the MPS-G (Modified Partial Streamliner) 1350cc class and needing to exceed 167 mph for a new record.
Completing his rookie runs early, this was his first chance to let the bike loose, exploring its potential. Lee recorded a speed of 186.681 mph, blitzing the previous record.
Finally was Dan Gervais, a senior engine calibration technician at Indian Motorcycle. Competing in the M-G (Modified-Gasoline) 1350cc class with a lightly modified 2015 Indian Scout. The speed of 154.354 mph edged out the 153 mph record and giving Indian its third record of the day.
“Indian has been a great partner in not only providing me with an incredible machine” Lee Said, “Providing me with an opportunity to recognise and honour all Burt Munro did for motorcycling.”
On August 12 and 13, Lee Munro will pilot the modern Indian Scout with a modified Indian Motorcycle powertrain. The attempt will not break Burt’s record but instead will honour his legacy in the motorcycling world. Fueled by their own ambition, the team, all volunteering to be a part of this historic attempt, even working on the project “after hours.”
This record breaking run was their last before heading off to the famous Bonneville Salt Flats.