AN INVERKEITHING mechanic is in the process of building a motorcycle fit for a legendary name within the world of sport.

Garage owner Robert Wilson is working hard to build a bike for Lee Munro, a New Zealand rider with a surname etched in history.

Lee's great uncle, Burt Munro, is famous for setting a land speed world record at Bonneville Flats, Utah, on August 26 1967.

He was 68 at the time – his speed feats were later made into a film starring Sir Anthony Hopkins – and his record stands to this day, 38 years after his death in 1978.

Robert, 54, was stunned when he was asked to build the bike for Lee, who is based on the other side of the planet.

Despite this long distance relationship, the pair are now preparing to tackle the Manx Grand Prix this month, in the hopes of registering a good time in order to qualify for the famous Isle of Man TT race.

He said: "I thought he was having a laugh. I asked him whether he was any relation to the great Burt Munro, and when he told me who he was, I couldn't believe it."

The bike, a 2013 Suzuki GSX-R600, is almost ready, and Robert is working on it in his Street Evolution garage in Inverkeithing.

He added: "The bike was sitting covered in dust for three years and it hadn't been raced. I could sell it for about £7,000 tomorrow but that's not the point. The history behind it is the true value.

"It's looking good. Lee is over the moon with the whole thing and he's really looking forward to it.

Sir Anthony Hopkins starred in The World's Fastest Indian, a 2005 film that immortalised Burt and his achievements.

The movie tells the story of the New Zealander who rebuilt his 1920s Indian Scout motorcycle and his quest to go faster and faster, culminating in the land speed world record.

Robert said: "I watched the film almost nine years ago and it's just one of those films that you get really interested in.

"I must have watched it over 100 times! The film makes you want to stop at the end and just rewind the whole thing and watch it again. "Once you see the movie you will really see the whole history behind the bike."

The Munro name will always attract attention within the sport, and as a result, a documentary crew will film the team as they prepare for the Manx circuit at the end of this month.