Ironman Ham

This isn't actually a tech m/c question but I thought the rules could be
bent abit.

A "how far have you driven in a day" thread in another group reminded me of
an article I read in a bike mag once about a 24 hr endurance record which
was set in the '30's by a fellow named "Ironman Ham". He averaged over 100
mph for 24 hrs going in circles in a desert. Pretty amazing.

I can't recall the mag etc, the only real hit I got on a search was a
mention of him at a "Bikers Hall of Fame " site.

"Fred "Iron Man" Ham (2000) - Broke Wells Bennett's 24-hour endurance record
in the late 1930s Three-Flags Run record setter"

http://www.amadirectlink.com/museum/halloffame/halloffame.asp

When I read the article, I think it said his record still stood.

I was wondering if anyone had the the current scoop on this, if this has
been topped ...ect

Thanks

D.

 

Hello,

I don't know if it still stands, but Velocette's record of 100.05 mph for 24
hours in the 500cc class has stood since 1961. Perhaps the AMA could tell
you if it still stands.

-Eric

 

Thanks Eric.

You probably know this stuff already if you are a Velocette fan but here
are some of my findings.

I have discovered since posting this that I had it wrong, Fred actually
averaged 76 MPH over 24Hrs.
From...
http://www.chandlerwheels.com/cycles/cycles/1936_harley_knuckle.html
"The Model E Knucklehead was a slow success for Harley. They sold just 152
of them in 1936, out of a planned production of 1,600; and only 126 in 1937.
Then, in April 1937, Fred Ham, a Pasadena motorcycle police officer took his
own, carefully-broken-in Model E to Muroc Dry Lake (now known as Edwards Air
Force Base). He outlined a five-mile circle with flags and flare-pots for
round-the-clock riding. Stopping only for fuel, oil, fruit juice, and to
change a broken rear chain in the 20th hour, Ham completed 1,825 miles,
averaging 76.02mph. He set 43 new speed and distance records for himself and
Harley-Davidson's Model E, single-handedly founding the legend of the
Knuckleheads."

A far as I could find out Googling, the record you mention still stands. I
found mention of a Honda going further, but I got the impression they used
multiple riders.

I found a pic of the actual bike that set the record you mention...

http://www.velocetteowners.com/millenniumcal/sep.htm

There might be a sad-ish ending to the story. I think that very bike was
destroyed in that vintage bike museum fire in England a while back.(is this
is the same bike?)

http://www.oldbikemart.co.uk/lnews.htm

"The fire quickly spread to Halls Four and Three. Many machines were lost
including the works Rob North Triumph/BSA triples, Johnny Brittain's Royal
Enfield and the Rathmell TR5, a pair of Cosworth Nortons, the Johnny Allen
Bonneville Salt Flats record breaker and the Montlhery 24 hour Velocette..."

I wish I could remember where I saw the original article.

Cheers

D.