Britten: Backyard Visionary - Television

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Synopsis

During the late 1980s, Kiwi inventor John Britten developed and built a revolutionary racing motorcycle. He pursued his dream all the way to Daytona International Speedway, where, in 1992, as an unlikely underdog, he proceeded to beat the biggest and richest manufacturers in the world. Britten: Backyard Visionary documents the maverick motorcycle designer that Guggenheim curator Ultan Guilfoyle described as "the New Zealander who stood the world of racing-motorcycle design on its head."

Background

A perspective by Costa Botes 21.09.2008

Guggenheim curator Ultan Guilfoyle, describes inventor John Britten, as "the New Zealander who stood the world of racing-motorcycle design on its head". In a poll compiled by the world's leading motorcycle writers to rank the Motorcyclist of the ...

Credits (9)

Harry Ruffell
Camera, Producer, Director

Allan Baddock
Director

Ian Taylor
Producer

See all credits ›

Comments (14)

Helen

Posted at 08.42PM - 19.12.2011

Just been watching the John Britten story on DVD and yep he was brilliant but the music in the program spoilt my enjoyment especially when it was playing over the top of people talking etc

Dee Reynolds

Posted at 08.27PM - 08.09.2011

What a privilege to see this documentary after all this time. The word 'genius' is bandied about far too readily in this day & age, but I can't think of a more fitting discription for JB. Even after his sad passing, his innovation & legacy is an inspiration to generations both old & new. Thank you John for your work, insight, & your numerous achievements - but most of all for the undying can-do spirit which should inspire us all.

New Zealand & his surviving loved ones should be justly proud.

Best wishes from Missy Dee in the UK x

cody simpson

Posted at 08.25PM - 30.05.2011

i am a 13 year old boy and this nearly made me cry watching it damn skin cancer

Dave

Posted at 07.58AM - 23.03.2011

This makes me proud to be a Kiwi. I'm not a bike fan but this story is great, I'll be buying the DVD on my return to NZ I would love to know what John's family are doing now, especially his children to what field of work have they gone into.

What a true legend John, in the word's history books for ever.

RIP

Regards DCH

Darren

Posted at 08.08PM - 26.12.2010

Just bought the DVD and I hope many others do, lets hope some of the revenue continues his dream and goes to Kirsteen and and children, rest in peace John

Calin Filip

Posted at 11.20AM - 21.11.2010

I am a passionate biker. Can't tell you as much this story inspired me ...
Do you have any opening position in that particular garage ?
Calin from Romania

v.t.r honda

Posted at 12.17AM - 27.10.2010

new zealand has a britten motor bike on show at te papa musem in wellington, :) britten.......

Jos

Posted at 01.45PM - 21.10.2010

The extended, uncut version of this documentary, with additional footage following the Britten team through Europe and at Isle of Mann, "One Man's Dream" is coming to DVD in late November. Details on http://www.brittendvd.co.nz

Helmut

Posted at 07.05PM - 10.08.2010

John Britten died much to early in his life. It is sad, that noone followed up his dream. I am glad, that I could see the european Brtiien in Assen/Netherlands life an I have never sean such a beauty of technology again. Dear Britten's in New Zealand, continue the work of John Britten, it's worth the work. It's not the longest way to build it as a street bike.
I am just working at the "Baby Briten" and it shows a lot of the innovation, John Britten has done in the 80s. A little bit poor: the "Baby Britten" is made from metal.

reilly

Posted at 08.35AM - 21.04.2010

john britten is a fricken legend

Jed

Posted at 11.43AM - 17.03.2010

I am still learning more about John Britten, but his story is almost too good to be true. The man was unbelieveable, and completely fearless to take on the huge dynasty of European and Japanese motorcycling conglomerates. An amazingly inspirational story - I can only imagine that he must be regarded as a deity in N.Z. Talk about David vs. Goliath(s!) - he was a true "giantkiller".

It's funny, but I like to tinker and fix things, and lots of people I know seem fairly impressed by that. I do enjoy it, but all I am doing is repairing old things, finding what's broken and fixing it, and occasionally having to get creative with a solution, and persistence will get you EVERYWHERE. I think the reason that I am not very impressed with what I do is that every so often I hear about somebody like John and what they can and do accomplish, and the sheer awe and admiration for what HE did never really leaves you. In that light, it is pretty hard for us mere mortals to be overly impressed with our minor accomplishments. The world could really use a lot more people like him - bold visionaries who show us what many could hardly dream up, let alone execute, despite the odds. Just unbelieveable....

Jackson Beale | website

Posted at 10.20AM - 05.05.2009

I remember this so well. John was my uncle and a massive inspiration in my life. Anyone who is an aspiring creative visionary should read this article also: http://www.designindustry.co.nz/articles/the-myth-of-a-backyard-visionary.htm

Lynne O'Connor

Posted at 03.23AM - 18.03.2009

I am not that interested in motorbikes but someone recommended this doco to me. I have to say it was fantastic and would quite happily watch it again. So have shared it with all my friends.