Britten was a true polymath. An article noted his ungodly working hours, and he said something to the effect that being exhausted helped him focus. Imagine the flurry of ideas in that man's head.
@@the.squidd unfortunately I don’t have 1 myself but it’s always so cool walking into a workshop and seeing that kinda nostalgia on the walls. Owen evans, the Millin’s, Bruce mclaren, possum Bourne another 1 taken before his time in a tragic accident. there’s definitely a few legends built from kiwi ingenuity down here on this tiny island. Us kiwis love our motorsports. Would love to you cover a few more of us
The look on John Brittens face was priceless when i asked him to sign a massive poster of just his front wheel! Where'd you get this? Lol he said, at a motorbike shop on Manchester St back in the day. He was a wicked role model, and local hero
I still have pictures of John and bike, I took in racing pits, from 1994. Hanging up on my garage wall, here in USA. Never forget that bike pulling away from competition on back wheel, every lap. RIP John.
Dude im in tears. John britten and the v1000 is one of my greatest life long inspirations. As a new zealander, the sheer kiwi specific, period correct footage you featured completely blew my mind and has put to shame anything locally we have made as a tribute to john's story. From the paul holmes intro in the beginning to the OG tvnz sign off at the end. This wasnt just the best tribute documentaty to john britten, this was the best new zealand specific documentaty about a real kiwi legend made by a non kiwi, ever.
Wow thank you so much. I’ve been a long time fan of New Zealand and kiwi culture so I put some work into making this feel that way. Glad it added to the flavor!
Just missed one thing. The leading edge of MotoGP at the moment is down force wings as a grip and anti wheely device. John Britten build built this concept to race before even the Britten 1000.
@@the.squidd His attitude is what we used to call "No.8 wire ingenuity" which comes from being an under-resourced isolated country and making do with what you have. No.8 wire being typical farm fencing wire. It's what made the Long Range Desert Group the embryo of the SAS and help us win the America's Cup. NZ first to split the Atom and flew before the Wright Brothers, first to conquer Everest punch up like nobody else. We'll always be Aussies poor snotty nosed little cousin but we have some stuff we can be proud of if we just throw off our tall poppy killing attitude. Thanks for giving his story a voice.
"It's incredibly ironic that instead of Europe or Japan, the most sophisticated and technically advanced motorcycle in the world comes from New Zealand". - Motorcycle journalist Alan Cathcart on Britten V1000 Crazy how this masterpiece of a machine was built by a man and his group of friends in a garage somewhere in New Zealand.
I just can't get over the cruel irony of someone who spent a significant part of his life in hospitals due to riding accidents, ends up passing due to cancer. Great video, thanks for your effort, keep them coming ;)
@@the.squiddmy mates dad raced motorbikes, built them in his single garage next to his house and had people race them also, he had a BAD crash on the road, bloke overtook other direction and he went over the top at 100moh ish so I heard at time, got away with smashed knee, broken ankle and if not for his Racing-spec crash helmet which cracked right up the back, he would have died from the head impact alone, he was however ok aside the smashed knee that took 6 months to heal. HOWEVER two years later got diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Likely from the shock, was only 42 when he died back in the early 90s, tragic.. 🏴🇬🇧
The even crueler irony is that medical experts saw a clear correlation between his pushing the limits of bike building with exotic materials, being poisoned by working with those materials and him falling ill and ultimately dying. So in a way you can say that his own brilliant creative work killed him, which just sounds horrible.
A piece of engineering marvel. My personal favourite motorcycle of all time. I cannot tell you enough how influential John Britten and his story was in my decision to study Automotive Engineering!
Good to hear that John Britten story was inspirational for you on your decision of studying Automotive Engineering, but I want to ask you if you hear something about him on any college or university class?
@@anonymous_PR He has always been a relatively unknown figure in the automotive community. Whenever I mention John Britten, people have never heard of his name. He might not be as famous and revered as Bruce McLaren or Burt Munro, but he'll be fondly remembered as an innovator who dared to go toe to toe with the likes of Ducati, building a motorcycle in his backyard with a box of scraps!
Oh my God. I'm lying here in an old caravan watching this. Last year I lost everything and was homeless. I'm a huge fan of my fellow kiwi, John Britten. Your documentary is incredibly inspirational, as was John's life. I'm rebuilding my life at age 65, and being inspired is vital to me. John's life story makes me feel anything is possible. Your documentary adds to John's story rather than merely covering it. Thank you so much for your work. It's beyond great and means alot. Cheers Pete from Auckland
Best of luck Pete, never be afraid to reach out to any one you know for support. You are worthy of help and you will once again be on your feet and in a better place!
Godd job getting your life back together! From someone who also lost my home, lived in a van for a while and am now a homeowner, it's never too late to start over.
I was privileged to meet John at the Wanaka air show just before his passing. A more humble, grateful and engaging person you will never meet. He was more interested in our story than talking up his own and engaged with our family as if we were the only people there. John thank you for not only creating the greatest machine ever but also making us feel a part of it. RIP
This video gave me chills. I saw this bike in person at Daytona when I was about 20. Best sounding bike on the track. RIP John. Thanks for putting this together!
I'm so honored to have you watch this then! What a treat it must've been to see it in person. I hope I did John's story justice and maybe taught you a little about the machine!
Now this is an actual surprise 😲 Edit: it's insane how much research you guys put into these videos. The selection of race footages alone amplify the quality of content and it's narrative. Kudos for this. Being someone born in the 2000s, had never heard of the name 'britten' till today. I'm pretty sure it's itched on my mind now.
Squidd, I very, very rarely comment on videos, so I just came here to say that you are legitimately the only content creator whose sponsor segments and ads I will let play out in full. If it's a long ad, I just do something else until the ad is done instead of waiting for the "skip" button to appear. The amount of effort you take in making your videos, the utterly flawless and awe-inspiring intros, the research you put into gathering details, the absolute perfection in the way you conclude your videos with tying up all the details, your incredible timing and placement of music, and your expert narration... You have more than EARNED the right to make me sit through sponsors and ads. If it means you get paid really well to make even more videos like these, I won't complain a single peep.
We deeply appreciate that. Those sponsors are what allow me to afford to work with the best writing and editing people I know. Without them none of this is possible.
Appreciate you watching, this is I think a relatable story no matter what machine you prefer, because it's not about the bike, it's about John. Anyone who appreciates backyard engineering, good vibes and an underdog overcoming titans will love this tale.
@@the.squidd I agree with what you say. Credit where it is due, your videos are really great. My personal favs are the 930 Turbo and the CLK GTR. The way your videos convey the tenacity of the human spirit to eke out every bit of performance and the relentless pursuit no matter what the consequences is POWERFUL. Thanks for your videos! Top job, mate.
People sometimes criticize you for being a car enthusiast making motorcycle videos. Still, I want to say this: You create videos for legends, and I've watched this one at least ten times, finding inspiration every time. The man featured is genuinely inspiring, and I appreciate you making this video.
That's because I'm not really a car enthusiast. I'm a "humans make incredible fucking things" enthusiast. I love everything we make. Cars are magic. Motorcycles are magic. Planes are magic. Blenders are magic. I'm a human enthusiast, and John Britten is up among the top of humans to ever exist.
I remember following Britton as a kid. One of his most amazing achievements was pulling off that color scheme. Who would ever put pink and blue together and manage to make it look cool? Absolute genius....
This channel has produced some of the best motoring documentaries I have ever seen but this one hit harder than a truck. Absolutely outstanding. A true David among Goliaths, John was an inspiration. Very well done.
I've never been into motorcycles really. This story was amazing, as always your ability to tell a story is amazing. I genuinely started to tear up at the end. This man and story are incredible. Keep up the good work man
Thank you so much Lance, as always! I'm so glad I could convince even non-motorcycle peeps to watch. I think more than anything this is a story about a man, an engineer, and a passion. And that transcends cars/bikes/planes whatever.
Hands down Squidd, you are now the great documentarian. You do honour to story telling at its finest. The fact that you finished off with “goodnight kiwi” means you know exactly what you’re doing! RIP John, you are an inspiration for all time.
It's rare to get somebody so smart, humble and personable all in one. Saw both the Indian and the V1000 in person a few years back at the local Art of Motorcycle exhibition in Brisbane. Both beautiful machines.
A caveat on Burt Monroe’s record standing to this day. The changed the rules and because of that the class no longer exists so the record can never be broken. World’s fastest Indian is still one of my favorite movies.
@@the.squidd the way it started made me think it was a kiwi that made the video lol, the start really set the scene for the time. First one I have watched of yours but not the last
Along with many others, I too stood aghast at what I was seeing at those early 90s Daytona races. That bike carrying its front wheel down the long back straightaway and nearly into the chicane is indelibly scratched into my memory. A story I knew well already, but retold brilliantly. You have a gift for writing a script young man. Well done.
I rarely write a comment on youtube, but I cannot keep myself from saying that your documentaries are excepcional, the quality, the research, the details, and I dare to say the love that you put into them is an example. Absolutely outstanding content. Truly a benchmark.
@@the.squidd You are such a good writer, all of your documentaries have a touch of not only someone that knows what he is doing, but also ( am maybe even more important) someone that loves what he does. Keep making videos, and we will keep watching them. Cheers
Having lost my father in 2003 at age 12, this ending strikes a chord. We lost him to a motorbike crash caused by a gasoil spillage and a speeding truck on his way to work. He was a Britten fan and when I was a kid we talked a lot about going to see the Manx TT (not too hard for us, I live in France, near Paris back then), we never had the chance. Very melancholic video this one to me. But I enjoyed it a lot ! Thanks
This brought me to tears. I had to tell my girl i had some sort of reaction after she caught me watching this absolute peace of art for 30 plus times. John aswell as you, dear Squidd have that thing almost no one knows about. Absolutely beautiful peace of engineering and journalism. I am so happy to be alive.
Never in my life did I watch a documentary about motorbikes. If anyone could get me hooked up, it would be The Squidd! Thank you for an amazing video yet again!
This story has always been close to me as I live in Christchurch and as I watch this it's 6am in the morning and sheading a tear. His grave is about 5km away from where I live.
Knew nothing about this man and his works and I stand in awe of such creativity and drive. Thank you for sharing his story and helping to shine a light onto a life led so well and deserving of attention. People like Britten make a lie of the notions that everything has been done, everything has been imagined, or that there’s one best way to do something. What else is possible if a man can create a world-class superbike from scratch and by hand? What a legend.
I genuinely love this channel, I subscribed to this channel when it only had 1-2 videos but fell in love with it immediately. As for this video, it touched my heart and the V1000 has become immortal along with John. Thank you for making this video. You deserve millions of subs
Thanks for being around friend. I honestly don't really care about subs, or stats (as indicated by my unopened TH-cam plaque in the background). I really just wanna tell the best stories and make everyone else see what I see in these incredible people and machines. So happy you're here.
@@the.squidd In the age of AI generated content farms, your passion shows through every minute of every video you make! I am really glad you are in a position to make the videos and share the stories that you want to make - instead of chasing the algorithm. Ps. I had literally just heard about this guy (Britten) in a quick reference on a different video. Then I immediately came across your thumbnail and thought it was meant to be haha. (I think that is the Beader-Meinhoff effect or something?)
Squidd, not only did you do John and the bike justice, somehow you got the tv from the era correct. It’s like a trip down memory lane. Well done my man. Always a brilliant watch. They have a Britten at the museum,Te Papa in Wellington. I just got look at it from time to time because it is such an amazing object to behold.
I finally got time to sit down and watch this in full. It should be mandatory viewing for boys to show them what they can do. This was awesome, your best video yet, which is saying something.
I was fortunate enough to have met John and this video brought this 70 year old to tears. I was at Ruapuna on a test day with my bike while the Britton was there too and I was given the privilege of being allowed to sit on it. John is still sorely missed, but remembered, RIP John.
Such a cool story! With a sad ending... I got chills from the intro once again. I love how you can make the intros so epic and long. They dont feel like youtube intros at all, because those are typically short and made just to keep the viewer watching. But your intros are pure art. The old clips, the Squidd tv thing and the glitch effects all fit so perfectly together and make the intros amazing! Cant wait to see more :)
You make great videos man. Every time I feel bored I just rewatch your pagani video. The music choice is absolutely incredible can't wait for what this video offers.
I never get tired of learning more about John Britten and his bike. I heard of him twice around Christchurch; but my destiny was a different one. Meet up with you in the future John . Let's build something cool . Let's go free !!!
I don't think I've ever been moved, let alone shed a tear for a man whom I never knew and from a TH-cam documentary. John Britten, the man who made giant motorcycle manufacturers cry to their investors. It's a shame how his life ended too quickly. How the world was robbed of a revolutionary. What would the world have been if he lived longer, we will never know. It's always the people who shook the world that leave too early. Rest In Peace, John Britten.
My knowledge on bikes isn’t as good as cars, but this is the definition of history being fun. Just grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Helps that your videos are always top notch. Each one just gets better and better. Keep it up
I grew up as a Kiwi kid with a Britten V1000 poster on my bedroom wall. He was an icon for me. Still have that poster to this day. Very clever man taken too soon.
@@the.squiddDude ... I know you mentioned.. some regret... Being funny about it .. regarding this Video.. but I was sharing this.. because the Story is Worth watching.. because Racing... Because Iconic Creator,, Because Legend... Cheers from Orange County California 🇺🇸.. P.s I daily a 68 Dodge Dart.. Grandma special, Slant6 to V8 swap.. 10 years on the road since swap... Racing fan.. since.. always... Any and all types... Keep at it Brother... Sincerely @∅
This intro is honestly the greatest one out of all of your videos, the way you narrated the intro along with the music, man tit just hits beyond hard, and the ending does it just as hard, not to mention the entire video as a whole. I hope John is resting easily knowing he has left such an impact on the motoring and racing world. Thank you for making a video showcasing his beautiful and unrivaled innovation capabilities and mind. Rest easy John.
I remember reading about this bike in a few AMCN articles at the time. When I had to pare down the collection, I kept these issues. God I loved this bike and the really clever engineering in it (this from an engineer that worked on a lot of high tech projects in aerospace).
Thank you friend! I definitely want to make sure we tell a story the right way, to honor those that did these incredible deeds and made these wonderful devices. Glad I'm in the ballpark!
Much respect for this man . He lived the dream . He made his dream a reality . People can't understand the love of building fast bikes , and accepting the risks that come with riding them . Unstoppable ambition . 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Awesome video, you tell an amazing story. I was gripped for the whole 30 mins. I had never heard of John Britten before, and after watching this, i almost feel like I knew him!
John may have had a short life, but it was well lived and fuller than most. Respect for a great mind. Thanks for bringing his story to us in such a nice way.
The good night kiwi at the end was such a masterful stroke. Its something most New Zealanders that watch this will know and appreciate. As a boy growing up in New Zealand, John Britten was a huge inspiration to me. Thank you for an amazing tribute.
That makes me so happy. I really was inspired by John and have been a lifelong fan of NZ and Kiwi culture. I really want what we do here to be tributes to each individual story, the people, the machines, the time and the place. Glad to know those little touches get me closer to that goal. Thank you for watching, and especially, thanks for giving me feedback!
I'm not that into motorcycles, but as a teen, I remember seeing some photo's of this bike in motorcycle magazines in the 80's. I didn't know what it was, or who built it. I always thought it looked so much cooler than anything else that was available at the time. I'm glad to know the story. Thank you.
As a fellow Cantabrian, I have walked past Britten's Stables a few times. The building is pretty notable due to its design, but I had never realized its significance. Thanks for the insight.
Your Storytelling always brings tears to my eyes. Ever since I stopped reading a day to my final exams to watch the first video I had seen. Nothing has changed.
I have to say man. Looking and listening to your documentaries I travel back in time in my childhood when I was watching Discovery and National Geographic. Never stop doing this videos. You're editing and narrating skills are legendary! ✌🏻♥️
How did I miss this drop 2 months ago, YT being shady. I remember when I found this channel you had only 30k subscribers, now almost 350k, you deserve every sub and at least a million or more. ALways a great doc on automobilia. Thank You.
It's a very out-of-niche video about motorcycles, I don't think a lot of my subscribers were shown this video as they do not watch motorcycle content. Glad you found it when you did friend! And glad you liked it!
We've been waiting so long, and the Squidd gave us another great vid! I swear your skills in storytelling keep leveling up...thanks bro! And, I'm not really a bike fan, but you made something I don't really care about interesting.
An exemplary person, at least to me. In order to generate money for his racing, he casted a batch (excl & numered) of miniature models of his brainchild; one, if not, the most precious piece in my entire collection. Still, many years after his far to early departure, his bikes are engineering showcases. Support to his family, as his wife was certainly debit to his succes! Great upload, thanks!
Britten was a true polymath. An article noted his ungodly working hours, and he said something to the effect that being exhausted helped him focus. Imagine the flurry of ideas in that man's head.
I'm just so glad he was able to share some of them with us before he left us.
That's very VERY common with people who have severe, unmedicated ADHD. That's how I survived engineering school myself lmao
@@WilbanksUSMCcan confirm, being extremely tired helps my horrendous ADHD
Unmedicated ADHD for the win, this is how I qualify for academic competitions at a university level
And when im exhausted im extremely stupid
Dude, that was literally the best documentary I've ever watched. I have never gotten so emotional over something I didn't even know existed.
That is exactly why we do this. Sharing history so that others can know about the incredible achievements of these visionaries.
@@the.squiddyour research , vids and writing, is just so amazingly brilliant, thank you 🙏
just the intro alone; goosebumps
Absolutely spot on.
Same! I don't even ride motorcycles. This was just awesome.
John Britten is the best example of we're here for a good time not a long time and he damned well lived a very fulfilling life that he loved
facts
As a mechanic in nz you still to this day quite often see framed autographed posters of this bike on walls in a lot of workshops. He truly is a legend
I'd cherish that signature forever too.
@@the.squidd unfortunately I don’t have 1 myself but it’s always so cool walking into a workshop and seeing that kinda nostalgia on the walls. Owen evans, the Millin’s, Bruce mclaren, possum Bourne another 1 taken before his time in a tragic accident. there’s definitely a few legends built from kiwi ingenuity down here on this tiny island. Us kiwis love our motorsports. Would love to you cover a few more of us
The look on John Brittens face was priceless when i asked him to sign a massive poster of just his front wheel! Where'd you get this? Lol he said, at a motorbike shop on Manchester St back in the day.
He was a wicked role model, and local hero
I still have pictures of John and bike, I took in racing pits, from 1994. Hanging up on my garage wall, here in USA.
Never forget that bike pulling away from competition on back wheel, every lap.
RIP John.
Yea I've got 2 signed britten posters on my shed wall
Dude im in tears. John britten and the v1000 is one of my greatest life long inspirations. As a new zealander, the sheer kiwi specific, period correct footage you featured completely blew my mind and has put to shame anything locally we have made as a tribute to john's story. From the paul holmes intro in the beginning to the OG tvnz sign off at the end. This wasnt just the best tribute documentaty to john britten, this was the best new zealand specific documentaty about a real kiwi legend made by a non kiwi, ever.
Wow thank you so much. I’ve been a long time fan of New Zealand and kiwi culture so I put some work into making this feel that way. Glad it added to the flavor!
@@the.squiddI am also a New Zealander. This was just outstanding. Thank you.😊
Just missed one thing. The leading edge of MotoGP at the moment is down force wings as a grip and anti wheely device. John Britten build built this concept to race before even the Britten 1000.
@@the.squidd His attitude is what we used to call "No.8 wire ingenuity" which comes from being an under-resourced isolated country and making do with what you have. No.8 wire being typical farm fencing wire. It's what made the Long Range Desert Group the embryo of the SAS and help us win the America's Cup.
NZ first to split the Atom and flew before the Wright Brothers, first to conquer Everest punch up like nobody else.
We'll always be Aussies poor snotty nosed little cousin but we have some stuff we can be proud of if we just throw off our tall poppy killing attitude.
Thanks for giving his story a voice.
The squidd has a tendency in doing stuff like that👌
"It's incredibly ironic that instead of Europe or Japan, the most sophisticated and technically advanced motorcycle in the world comes from New Zealand".
- Motorcycle journalist Alan Cathcart on Britten V1000
Crazy how this masterpiece of a machine was built by a man and his group of friends in a garage somewhere in New Zealand.
Just like cooks
What sells is McDonald’s
Not your moms cooking.
Not just from New Zealand. From some guy's kitchen in New Zealand.
Nz has had 2 legendary motorbike builders, 1 being Britten and the other being burt munro
Cathcart! When HE said that, it's fact.
While drinking large amounts of beer
I just can't get over the cruel irony of someone who spent a significant part of his life in hospitals due to riding accidents, ends up passing due to cancer.
Great video, thanks for your effort, keep them coming ;)
Oh heck... I've been in a hospital a lot... I should get checked.
@@the.squiddsame
@@the.squiddmy mates dad raced motorbikes, built them in his single garage next to his house and had people race them also, he had a BAD crash on the road, bloke overtook other direction and he went over the top at 100moh ish so I heard at time, got away with smashed knee, broken ankle and if not for his Racing-spec crash helmet which cracked right up the back, he would have died from the head impact alone, he was however ok aside the smashed knee that took 6 months to heal. HOWEVER two years later got diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. Likely from the shock, was only 42 when he died back in the early 90s, tragic.. 🏴🇬🇧
@@Itsthebikemani hoep i dont get cancer
The even crueler irony is that medical experts saw a clear correlation between his pushing the limits of bike building with exotic materials, being poisoned by working with those materials and him falling ill and ultimately dying. So in a way you can say that his own brilliant creative work killed him, which just sounds horrible.
A piece of engineering marvel. My personal favourite motorcycle of all time. I cannot tell you enough how influential John Britten and his story was in my decision to study Automotive Engineering!
It’s one of the most inspiring motoring stories I’ve ever heard for sure!
@@the.squidd can't wait for part 2! The way only the.squidd can do it
Good to hear that John Britten story was inspirational for you on your decision of studying Automotive Engineering, but I want to ask you if you hear something about him on any college or university class?
@@anonymous_PR He has always been a relatively unknown figure in the automotive community. Whenever I mention John Britten, people have never heard of his name. He might not be as famous and revered as Bruce McLaren or Burt Munro, but he'll be fondly remembered as an innovator who dared to go toe to toe with the likes of Ducati, building a motorcycle in his backyard with a box of scraps!
so now its your turn to build a legendary bike
Oh my God. I'm lying here in an old caravan watching this. Last year I lost everything and was homeless. I'm a huge fan of my fellow kiwi, John Britten. Your documentary is incredibly inspirational, as was John's life.
I'm rebuilding my life at age 65, and being inspired is vital to me. John's life story makes me feel anything is possible. Your documentary adds to John's story rather than merely covering it. Thank you so much for your work. It's beyond great and means alot.
Cheers Pete from Auckland
Best of luck Pete, never be afraid to reach out to any one you know for support. You are worthy of help and you will once again be on your feet and in a better place!
Hey Pete,
Never give up. Humans were built to survive and to overcome struggle. Sending some love and hope to you❤
Godd job getting your life back together! From someone who also lost my home, lived in a van for a while and am now a homeowner, it's never too late to start over.
John Britten (and friends) built it in a shed in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The Britten V1000 is a masterpiece.
Loved seeing Burt Munro being acknowledged here, I definitely think he deserves a video of his own.
Agreed
He didn't just get a video, Burt got a movie. Can't think of any other movie about a real life motorcycle hero....from ANY country !!
Watch the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian."
Seen this bike on display at Te Papa Museum in Wellington a while back. Just a work of art.
I've seen one on display at the motorcycle museum in Solvang, CA. Beautiful from every angle.
I was privileged to meet John at the Wanaka air show just before his passing. A more humble, grateful and engaging person you will never meet. He was more interested in our story than talking up his own and engaged with our family as if we were the only people there. John thank you for not only creating the greatest machine ever but also making us feel a part of it. RIP
This video gave me chills. I saw this bike in person at Daytona when I was about 20. Best sounding bike on the track. RIP John. Thanks for putting this together!
I'm so honored to have you watch this then! What a treat it must've been to see it in person. I hope I did John's story justice and maybe taught you a little about the machine!
Now this is an actual surprise 😲
Edit: it's insane how much research you guys put into these videos. The selection of race footages alone amplify the quality of content and it's narrative. Kudos for this. Being someone born in the 2000s, had never heard of the name 'britten' till today. I'm pretty sure it's itched on my mind now.
Always wanna keep you on your toes!
Each of the 10 Britten V1000's are now worth over $1,000,000 !!
Squidd, I very, very rarely comment on videos, so I just came here to say that you are legitimately the only content creator whose sponsor segments and ads I will let play out in full. If it's a long ad, I just do something else until the ad is done instead of waiting for the "skip" button to appear.
The amount of effort you take in making your videos, the utterly flawless and awe-inspiring intros, the research you put into gathering details, the absolute perfection in the way you conclude your videos with tying up all the details, your incredible timing and placement of music, and your expert narration... You have more than EARNED the right to make me sit through sponsors and ads. If it means you get paid really well to make even more videos like these, I won't complain a single peep.
We deeply appreciate that. Those sponsors are what allow me to afford to work with the best writing and editing people I know. Without them none of this is possible.
Damn i missed your inspiring videos about car culture. Welcome back Dude. You are doing way better than ideal could ever do.
That's because everyone here on my team actually cares about what we're making. No one at that other channel could ever emulate that.
@@the.squidd Exactly You are the only channel that tells stories bravely boldly like your motto and inspiring a generation of car enthusiasts
Although I am not into motorbikes but this video is so damn good, John Britten was a LEGEND! An inspiring man, through and through. Great video!
Appreciate you watching, this is I think a relatable story no matter what machine you prefer, because it's not about the bike, it's about John.
Anyone who appreciates backyard engineering, good vibes and an underdog overcoming titans will love this tale.
@@the.squidd I agree with what you say. Credit where it is due, your videos are really great. My personal favs are the 930 Turbo and the CLK GTR. The way your videos convey the tenacity of the human spirit to eke out every bit of performance and the relentless pursuit no matter what the consequences is POWERFUL. Thanks for your videos! Top job, mate.
Fly high John, we'll miss you and your work of art. Truly a Legend
People sometimes criticize you for being a car enthusiast making motorcycle videos. Still, I want to say this: You create videos for legends, and I've watched this one at least ten times, finding inspiration every time. The man featured is genuinely inspiring, and I appreciate you making this video.
That's because I'm not really a car enthusiast. I'm a "humans make incredible fucking things" enthusiast. I love everything we make. Cars are magic. Motorcycles are magic. Planes are magic. Blenders are magic. I'm a human enthusiast, and John Britten is up among the top of humans to ever exist.
I remember following Britton as a kid. One of his most amazing achievements was pulling off that color scheme. Who would ever put pink and blue together and manage to make it look cool? Absolute genius....
This channel has produced some of the best motoring documentaries I have ever seen but this one hit harder than a truck. Absolutely outstanding. A true David among Goliaths, John was an inspiration. Very well done.
Thank you friend. We kinda fell in love with John over while making this and wanted to do him right.
I've never been into motorcycles really. This story was amazing, as always your ability to tell a story is amazing. I genuinely started to tear up at the end. This man and story are incredible. Keep up the good work man
Thank you so much Lance, as always! I'm so glad I could convince even non-motorcycle peeps to watch. I think more than anything this is a story about a man, an engineer, and a passion. And that transcends cars/bikes/planes whatever.
Hands down Squidd, you are now the great documentarian. You do honour to story telling at its finest. The fact that you finished off with “goodnight kiwi” means you know exactly what you’re doing! RIP John, you are an inspiration for all time.
Thank you friend. This story holds a very very large place in my heart and I really wanted to honor John and the Kiwi spirit the best way I could.
what a legend. the fact he passed from cancer at such a young age is beyond tragic. bless this man
Very similar to Michael Czysz.
It's rare to get somebody so smart, humble and personable all in one. Saw both the Indian and the V1000 in person a few years back at the local Art of Motorcycle exhibition in Brisbane. Both beautiful machines.
A caveat on Burt Monroe’s record standing to this day. The changed the rules and because of that the class no longer exists so the record can never be broken. World’s fastest Indian is still one of my favorite movies.
Fastest Indian! That was some movie, riveting, exhilarating and memorable. Surprisingly exciting, entertaining and inspiring.
The Goodnight Kiwi at the end was the icing on the cake of a a great documentary.
The ads at the start brought back some childhood memories
Awesome I’m so glad those added to the vibe!
@@the.squidd the way it started made me think it was a kiwi that made the video lol, the start really set the scene for the time. First one I have watched of yours but not the last
Along with many others, I too stood aghast at what I was seeing at those early 90s Daytona races. That bike carrying its front wheel down the long back straightaway and nearly into the chicane is indelibly scratched into my memory.
A story I knew well already, but retold brilliantly. You have a gift for writing a script young man. Well done.
my favourite telling of Brittens work and legacy. brought me to tears. thank you
Honored!
I rarely write a comment on youtube, but I cannot keep myself from saying that your documentaries are excepcional, the quality, the research, the details, and I dare to say the love that you put into them is an example. Absolutely outstanding content. Truly a benchmark.
Thank you for taking the time to say that! It's very much appreciated!
@@the.squidd You are such a good writer, all of your documentaries have a touch of not only someone that knows what he is doing, but also ( am maybe even more important) someone that loves what he does. Keep making videos, and we will keep watching them. Cheers
Having lost my father in 2003 at age 12, this ending strikes a chord. We lost him to a motorbike crash caused by a gasoil spillage and a speeding truck on his way to work. He was a Britten fan and when I was a kid we talked a lot about going to see the Manx TT (not too hard for us, I live in France, near Paris back then), we never had the chance. Very melancholic video this one to me. But I enjoyed it a lot !
Thanks
RIP your father, appreciate the time you have with people when you have it, it's what matters most.
@@the.squidd Thanks for your kind words
Dude please never stop making these. EVERY TIME
I AM
FULLY
IMMERSED
No plans to stop !
This brought me to tears. I had to tell my girl i had some sort of reaction after she caught me watching this absolute peace of art for 30 plus times. John aswell as you, dear Squidd have that thing almost no one knows about. Absolutely beautiful peace of engineering and journalism. I am so happy to be alive.
I am so happy you're alive too friend. Thanks for spending your time with us and sharing your reaction! It means the world to us.
Never in my life did I watch a documentary about motorbikes. If anyone could get me hooked up, it would be The Squidd! Thank you for an amazing video yet again!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Not a bike guy, but you don't have to be one to recognize a genius.
Good to see you back in action Squidd.
This video gave me chills, i have never been much of a bike person, but that is a legendary story, thanks for the high quality video, its amazing
Glad you enjoyed it! It's more of a story about a man, than a motorcycle at least
I was honoured to see Britten racing at the Isle of Man TT. . Amazing experience
This story has always been close to me as I live in Christchurch and as I watch this it's 6am in the morning and sheading a tear. His grave is about 5km away from where I live.
If you ever stop by his resting place, please just give him a nod for me. I truly fell in love with the man making this.
Yes, please give our respect to this legendary man.
Knew nothing about this man and his works and I stand in awe of such creativity and drive. Thank you for sharing his story and helping to shine a light onto a life led so well and deserving of attention. People like Britten make a lie of the notions that everything has been done, everything has been imagined, or that there’s one best way to do something.
What else is possible if a man can create a world-class superbike from scratch and by hand? What a legend.
I genuinely love this channel, I subscribed to this channel when it only had 1-2 videos but fell in love with it immediately. As for this video, it touched my heart and the V1000 has become immortal along with John. Thank you for making this video. You deserve millions of subs
Thanks for being around friend. I honestly don't really care about subs, or stats (as indicated by my unopened TH-cam plaque in the background). I really just wanna tell the best stories and make everyone else see what I see in these incredible people and machines.
So happy you're here.
@@the.squidd In the age of AI generated content farms, your passion shows through every minute of every video you make! I am really glad you are in a position to make the videos and share the stories that you want to make - instead of chasing the algorithm.
Ps. I had literally just heard about this guy (Britten) in a quick reference on a different video. Then I immediately came across your thumbnail and thought it was meant to be haha. (I think that is the Beader-Meinhoff effect or something?)
Squidd, not only did you do John and the bike justice, somehow you got the tv from the era correct. It’s like a trip down memory lane. Well done my man. Always a brilliant watch. They have a Britten at the museum,Te Papa in Wellington. I just got look at it from time to time because it is such an amazing object to behold.
I hope to one day visit NZ and would absolutely goto as many Britten exhibits and locations as I could. He's one of my biggest heroes.
My parents knew his mum. Dad was a mechanic and helped her out one time when she broke down. Great family.
I finally got time to sit down and watch this in full.
It should be mandatory viewing for boys to show them what they can do.
This was awesome, your best video yet, which is saying something.
*and girls
I was fortunate enough to have met John and this video brought this 70 year old to tears.
I was at Ruapuna on a test day with my bike while the Britton was there too and I was
given the privilege of being allowed to sit on it.
John is still sorely missed, but remembered, RIP John.
I'm so happy you were lucky enough to have met hi, seemed like a genuinely good human. Thanks for watching my friend!
A true Icon of the Motorcycle World. RIP John Britten.
I'd never heard of this Legend until today. What a lovely tribute. Amazing story
Thanks for listening
That V1000 was so far ahead of its time. In terms of technology and styling. Even today I cant tell if it looks futuristic or timeless.
It doesn't have a dated look, could come out next year as a '25 concept future model, and most would be non the wiser !!
The hard work that goes into these videos and your passion for this could be used for anything. I thank you for using it to entertain.
Such a cool story! With a sad ending...
I got chills from the intro once again. I love how you can make the intros so epic and long. They dont feel like youtube intros at all, because those are typically short and made just to keep the viewer watching. But your intros are pure art. The old clips, the Squidd tv thing and the glitch effects all fit so perfectly together and make the intros amazing!
Cant wait to see more :)
I didn't even know about John, yet got so emotional at the end.
Love Your work!
So glad I could convince you to watch !
You make great videos man. Every time I feel bored I just rewatch your pagani video. The music choice is absolutely incredible can't wait for what this video offers.
RIP John Britten.
As an Aussie rider - his story is as ingrained as Mick Doohan to Aus motorsport.
Another excellent piece Mr. Squidd.
🤜🤛
I never get tired of learning more about John Britten and his bike. I heard of him twice around Christchurch; but my destiny was a different one. Meet up with you in the future John . Let's build something cool . Let's go free !!!
I don't think I've ever been moved, let alone shed a tear for a man whom I never knew and from a TH-cam documentary. John Britten, the man who made giant motorcycle manufacturers cry to their investors. It's a shame how his life ended too quickly. How the world was robbed of a revolutionary. What would the world have been if he lived longer, we will never know.
It's always the people who shook the world that leave too early.
Rest In Peace, John Britten.
"A candle that burns twice as bright, only lasts half as long..."
-a Wise man
R.I.P. John Britton.
You've earned your rest.
Something got in both my eyes. And my heart was thumping. RIP one the greatest.
Well done. As always. You can tell a story.
My knowledge on bikes isn’t as good as cars, but this is the definition of history being fun. Just grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Helps that your videos are always top notch. Each one just gets better and better. Keep it up
I had completely forgotten about this story, EXCELLENT video 👍such an amazing person.
New squidd video? You better bet your personal fortune I’ll be there. Great quality as ever dude, mad respect
I grew up as a Kiwi kid with a Britten V1000 poster on my bedroom wall. He was an icon for me. Still have that poster to this day. Very clever man taken too soon.
Another Great Feature Brother,, thanks as always.
Our pleasure, as always, thanks for watching.
@@the.squiddDude ... I know you mentioned.. some regret... Being funny about it .. regarding this Video.. but I was sharing this.. because the Story is Worth watching.. because Racing... Because Iconic Creator,, Because Legend...
Cheers from Orange County California 🇺🇸..
P.s I daily a 68 Dodge Dart.. Grandma special, Slant6 to V8 swap.. 10 years on the road since swap...
Racing fan.. since.. always... Any and all types...
Keep at it Brother...
Sincerely @∅
This guy literally brought F-1 style engine as stressed a major stressed member paradigm to motorbikes. A true pioneer.
Using an engine as a stressed member in motorcycles had been done decades before he did it
This intro is honestly the greatest one out of all of your videos, the way you narrated the intro along with the music, man tit just hits beyond hard, and the ending does it just as hard, not to mention the entire video as a whole. I hope John is resting easily knowing he has left such an impact on the motoring and racing world. Thank you for making a video showcasing his beautiful and unrivaled innovation capabilities and mind. Rest easy John.
Im not crying. Youre crying!!! 😢
This is so beautifully done
thank you for your great documenturies. Ending gave me goosbumps. Didn't know his story, yet it was an emotional rollercaster
Next please do a video on TVR their story and achievements really deserve this type of heart touching documentary!
In wellington New Zealand we have our countries best museum..Te Papa..Johns bike takes pride of place.
I remember reading about this bike in a few AMCN articles at the time. When I had to pare down the collection, I kept these issues. God I loved this bike and the really clever engineering in it (this from an engineer that worked on a lot of high tech projects in aerospace).
Wow, the old ads and the Paul Holmes segment hit me right in the memories.
Dude. You do history justice. That’s one of the greatest honors
Thank you friend! I definitely want to make sure we tell a story the right way, to honor those that did these incredible deeds and made these wonderful devices. Glad I'm in the ballpark!
Much respect for this man . He lived the dream . He made his dream a reality . People can't understand the love of building fast bikes , and accepting the risks that come with riding them . Unstoppable ambition . 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I’ve had the pleasure of viewing a Britten twice. Literally marveled over it for an hour each time.
prolly the most hyped i have ever been 3 mins into a video. you earned my sub
🤜🤛
Awesome video, you tell an amazing story. I was gripped for the whole 30 mins. I had never heard of John Britten before, and after watching this, i almost feel like I knew him!
Glad you enjoyed it!
These videos are absolutely amazing. I’m honestly amazed at how well you tell them and the editing it’s so easy to get lost in the story.
I'm very proud of my team, and we are all very proud of every single video we've made. Glad you like them!
"John Britten was able to build this in his garage, with a box of scraps!" -Ducati's CEO or somethin
Very Tony Stark lol
I'm glad I can say I watched the very first video on this channel before any other video was out. It has grown a lot. Keep posting mate LOVE IT
Thank you my friend for sticking with us!
the guy is so cool, when he arrived in heaven they probably set him up tuning some wings for the angels there.
Buell took his idea of the engine being part of the frame. Buell another motorcycle visionary.
I’m a complete casual, who got into cars because of your videos (R-32 GTR was my first), so I can’t wait to learn more about a foreign topic for moi!
That is awesome!
The stories, the presentation, the editing, and the sheer PASSION of this channel. It’s a wonder that you don’t have a million subscribers.
John may have had a short life, but it was well lived and fuller than most. Respect for a great mind. Thanks for bringing his story to us in such a nice way.
Thanks for listening
The good night kiwi at the end was such a masterful stroke. Its something most New Zealanders that watch this will know and appreciate. As a boy growing up in New Zealand, John Britten was a huge inspiration to me. Thank you for an amazing tribute.
That makes me so happy. I really was inspired by John and have been a lifelong fan of NZ and Kiwi culture. I really want what we do here to be tributes to each individual story, the people, the machines, the time and the place. Glad to know those little touches get me closer to that goal.
Thank you for watching, and especially, thanks for giving me feedback!
God damn... Inspirational and so emotional... I almost cried at the end. Sad, but inspiring story. Thank you.
Means I just gotta try a little harder next time to get those tears outta ya.
I'm not that into motorcycles, but as a teen, I remember seeing some photo's of this bike in motorcycle magazines in the 80's. I didn't know what it was, or who built it. I always thought it looked so much cooler than anything else that was available at the time. I'm glad to know the story. Thank you.
As a fellow Cantabrian, I have walked past Britten's Stables a few times. The building is pretty notable due to its design, but I had never realized its significance. Thanks for the insight.
Glad to share the info!
Your Storytelling always brings tears to my eyes. Ever since I stopped reading a day to my final exams to watch the first video I had seen. Nothing has changed.
I have to say man. Looking and listening to your documentaries I travel back in time in my childhood when I was watching Discovery and National Geographic.
Never stop doing this videos. You're editing and narrating skills are legendary! ✌🏻♥️
Wow, thanks!
How did I miss this drop 2 months ago, YT being shady. I remember when I found this channel you had only 30k subscribers, now almost 350k, you deserve every sub and at least a million or more. ALways a great doc on automobilia. Thank You.
It's a very out-of-niche video about motorcycles, I don't think a lot of my subscribers were shown this video as they do not watch motorcycle content. Glad you found it when you did friend! And glad you liked it!
Fabulous! did absolute justice to this story
@THE SQUIDD
Best video yet. Thank you as well, for your unyielding meticulousness in crafting such an incredible tribute.
Wow, thank you! We try to improve on every vid, I'm sure we'll have some that feel less than others, but we always try to learn lessons.
We've been waiting so long, and the Squidd gave us another great vid! I swear your skills in storytelling keep leveling up...thanks bro! And, I'm not really a bike fan, but you made something I don't really care about interesting.
That's what I hope to do, tell you story you may not even care about, but by the end, you learned something.
I know this story well and I love to hear it every time.
Started going down the rabbit hole on this bike after Donut talked about it in Past Gas #211 two weeks ago. Excited to see you cover it.
I'll have to watch that Past Gas episode and see what they think!
That was amazing, please keep up the amazing work.
the most inspiring documentary I have ever watched
I got emotional in every seconds, I never knew I could get so emotional to the things I didn't know it existed
You made art once again :)
We made art. This team is incredible.
An exemplary person, at least to me. In order to generate money for his racing, he casted a batch (excl & numered) of miniature models of his brainchild; one, if not, the most precious piece in my entire collection. Still, many years after his far to early departure, his bikes are engineering showcases. Support to his family, as his wife was certainly debit to his succes! Great upload, thanks!