The Brough Superior is a legendary marque in the motorcycle world, best known the super high-end, high-performance machines. Often likened to "the Rolls Royce of motorcycles", if you owned a Brough, you were a lucky man. George Brough was a racer, designer, and showman - he personally certified by him, making sure each bike was up to his high standards. The original SS100 model was ridden at 100 mph (160 km/h) or more prior to delivery - starting in 1924. The last Brough Superior was produced in 1940...until now.
Austrian-based businessman Mark Upham now controls the brand name, and is putting out a new SS100. Staying true to form, the bike will be made of top-notch materials and be a high-performance machine - just like its predecessors. The new SS100 997cc 88° V-twin, DOHC capable of 140 hp, and only weighing 395 lbs (180kg).
The frame is a steel and titanium tubular trellis. The front is suspended by a double wishbone Ohlins shock offering 120 mm travel. The rear is a progressive Ohlins system as well, with 130 mm of travel.
The fit and finish of the bike is superior, as it rightfully should be. At frist glance, the front brakes don't appear to be anything special, but they certainly are. The front braking system consists of 4D Ceramic Beringers, 2x floating double discs, aluminum-ceramic composite material, diameter 230 mm, 2x four pistons calipers with radial fixation and special sintered metal pads.
Small numbers are going into production this year for an estimated $65,000 USD. As Chris Hunter suggested, Geroge Brough would likely be happy with the overall specifications of the bike but the aesthetics are still in the eye of the beholder. What are your thoughts - does this new SS100 work for you? Will it stand the test of time?
