The Britten V1000

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From its extensive use of carbon fiber to its homegrown engine and girder front end, the Britten fairly drips with original and innovative thinking.
From its extensive use of carbon fiber to its homegrown engine and girder front end, the Britten fairly drips with original and innovative thinking.
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There are no bad angles on a Britten. Flowing, almost organic bodywork is high art from high technology.
There are no bad angles on a Britten. Flowing, almost organic bodywork is high art from high technology.
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From its extensive use of carbon fiber to its homegrown engine and girder front end, the Britten fairly drips with original and innovative thinking.
From its extensive use of carbon fiber to its homegrown engine and girder front end, the Britten fairly drips with original and innovative thinking.
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Britten V1000
Years produced:
1991-1998
Total production: 10
Claimed power: 166hp @ 11,800rpm
Top speed: 303kmh (188mph)
Engine type: 999cc quad cam, water-cooled 60-degree V-twin
Weight: 138kg (303.6lb)
Price then: $100,000
Price now: $250,000

As one of the brightest jewels in the Barber Museum’s dazzling crown, the Britten V1000 number seven exudes a semi-mystical presence in the rarified air of this 80,000 square foot motorcycle shrine. There, amongst hundreds of significant motorcycles and thousands of incredible stories, the Britten stands alone as probably the most evocative embodiment of one man’s dream.

Following a path created in his mind to build a world-beating race bike, John Britten took his thoughts, and with every ounce of courage, determination and skill he possessed, turned them into reality with his own hands. Shocking the motorcycle world with his futuristic creation, humbling factory race teams on the track with its performance, while giving race fans a modern day David to champion against the corporate Goliaths, the Britten V1000 could possibly be the last true privateer-built race bike we will ever see.

Sadly, only 10 of these incredible machines exist, as John Britten lost his life to cancer in September of 1995, just months after a Britten won one of the most epic victories on the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway during Bike Week. John Britten had achieved his dream of beating the world with his “handmade” motorcycle, and his heroic struggle for victory was permanently consigned to the record books. Thankfully, George Barber realized the significant part John Britten played in the history of motorcycle racing and Britten number seven now shines brightly in his world of motorcycle brilliance.

  • Published on Jul 11, 2007
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