The John Britten Museum
One of Christchurch’s most famous sons, the world-famous motorcycle engineer John Britten, is to be honoured with a museum set to open in February.
Known as a ‘backyard visionary’, in 1992, John Britten and his small team created the world’s most innovative motorcycle, the Britten V1000, on a shoe-string budget in his garage in Christchurch.
The race bike took on the world’s biggest manufacturers and won. In 1993, the bike broke four world speed records and attained legendary status for its revolutionary ‘frameless’ design in the process. At the time of John’s early death from cancer in 1995, he was considered by many to be one of the best motorcycle engineers in the world. His story is one of perseverance, courage, humility and creativity.
Now, businessman Mike Pero is opening a new museum dedicated to John’s life and legacy. “Visitors will experience the full arc of Britten’s life – from his early architecture, engineering projects and his other innovations, to his world-record beating motorcycles,” Mike says.
