One Man's Dream - The Britten Bike Story

[erik]

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.

[gav]

See if you can find the John Britten book by Tim Hanna, well worth a read!!

[erik]

See if you can find the John Britten book by Tim Hanna, well worth a read!!

I'm sure I will sooner or later. Right now I've got Sportbike Performance Handbook and Motorcycle Tuning (4 Stroke) out from the library and will see if I can keep away from KB long enough to read them before they're due back at the library

[Yokai]

Seconded - the amazing MsY bought it for the best birthday ever (tm) ... Reading it like crazy... very cool... Seems that John was somewhat of a tearaway and hippy before he got all ambitious...

[2_SL0]

I used to own that video untill I lent it to a "mate" at work. Never saw it again and now denies all knowledge..reckons he gave it back. lying prick. He will die an unspeakable death.

Mental note, DONT borrow anything from SM.


JB, a legend, no denying it.

[NordieBoy]

Read the "official" book first (more pics) and then get stuck in to Tim Hanna's one for the details.

Check out the Britten site.
There is a "Publication Warning" link down near the bottem which says...

[Unit:Me]

Cool, Look forward to seeing it. Had to be kiwi enginuity again that made the point of difference. And the Britten family are truely very nice people. Why is it that the great die way too young? Imagine what he would be up to now if still around?

[onearmedbandit]

Read Tim's book as well, very interesting read. Although Mrs Britten didn't think so....