erik
26th November 2005, 19:37
I knew of the Britten already - the bike named after its creator John Britten who built it in his workshop in Christchurch. I'd visited the one in the Te Papa museum and knew the basic story behind it. Seeing the short bit of footage of the Britten in the "Greatest Ever - Motorcycles" show made me wonder what other footage there was out there. A search of the local library catalogue revealed a single video about the Britten: "One Man's Dream - The Britten Bike Story".
The documentary covers the preparation of the bike for Daytona, the race at Daytona and some of the later racing including the Isle of Man, and the media response to the bike. There is some excellent footage of behind the scenes work on the bike, including some of the engine construction and testing, the fairing construction, and the drama that went on at Daytona. It's a very personal documentary with interviews of Britten, his wife, the people that helped build and develop the bike, and the riders that raced the bike. It tells an amazing story in a very down-to-earth and kiwi manner.
I'm at once fascinated by the bike - the technology, innovation and artistic creativity behind it - and amazed by the energy and talent that John Britten displayed. I can't help but feel slightly envious of his achievements and at the same time inspired by what he accomplished. He has my deepest respect.
I highly recommend this video.
One Man's Dream - The Britten Bike Story
Running Time = 90 mins approx
Produced by Ruffell Films
©1995 Ruffell Films.
Available from:
http://www.ruffells.co.nz/view%20our%20work
http://www.britten.co.nz/store.php3
http://www.technicalbooks.co.nz/
Or check your local library or videostore.
The documentary covers the preparation of the bike for Daytona, the race at Daytona and some of the later racing including the Isle of Man, and the media response to the bike. There is some excellent footage of behind the scenes work on the bike, including some of the engine construction and testing, the fairing construction, and the drama that went on at Daytona. It's a very personal documentary with interviews of Britten, his wife, the people that helped build and develop the bike, and the riders that raced the bike. It tells an amazing story in a very down-to-earth and kiwi manner.
I'm at once fascinated by the bike - the technology, innovation and artistic creativity behind it - and amazed by the energy and talent that John Britten displayed. I can't help but feel slightly envious of his achievements and at the same time inspired by what he accomplished. He has my deepest respect.
I highly recommend this video.
One Man's Dream - The Britten Bike Story
Running Time = 90 mins approx
Produced by Ruffell Films
©1995 Ruffell Films.
Available from:
http://www.ruffells.co.nz/view%20our%20work
http://www.britten.co.nz/store.php3
http://www.technicalbooks.co.nz/
Or check your local library or videostore.