Brough Superior SS100 has first hit the market close to a century ago. The brand gained a huge popularity back then. However, the history killed and swallowed it. While it is still a pioneer in this industry, the name may no longer ring as many bells as before. These days, the brand belongs to Mark Upham, an Austrian businessman. He spent the past three years commemorating George Brough’s original motorcycles from the ’20s with all kinds of recreations.
But these days, the recreational trend is gone. The enthusiastic businessman has decided that it is finally the time for Brough’s innovation to take a brand new shape and style. This is how the amazingly beautiful SS100 has rejoined the market. The innovative masterpiece gathers together some retro flavors, a vintage styling and plenty of modernist technologies. It is simply a unique piece of art that has come into small scale production during 2014. The price is not to be ignored either – around $65,000.
Brough Superior SS100 dominated the beginning of the twentieth century. This brand was often advertised to be the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles only because it had everything you could think of. Each unit was guaranteed for a top notch performance. George Brough tested each model himself. In fact, he took it out of the factory line and rode it at over 100MPH, only to ensure that it can raise to his quality standards. The motorcycle was not so common among average individuals, since it was quite expensive. T. E. Lawrence rode one though. In fact, his fatal crash from 1935 was caused by losing control of his SS100 motorcycle.
The new model maintains some of those old standards, but it also brings in some innovations. The cylindrical fuel tank is a styling gimmick that has successfully made the transition, but the V twin motor and exhaust introduce fans to a masterpiece.
Brough Superior SS100 tackles its competition with an impressive 997cc V twin engine. It is a pure monstrosity. It is, however, quite compact, despite the huge and sometimes silly sizes produced by modern manufacturers. All in all, the engine comes from Boxer Design and provides around 140HP. With such numbers, the modern SS100 is very likely to become a front runner, but also a rare piece on public roads due to the pricey tag.
Most fans do not even need to know what the frame is made of because it looks fantastic. It represents an actual engineering innovation. A mixture of titanium and steel adds to its power and durability. On the other hand, the swing arm is made of magnesium and aluminum. The fork is supported with quality Öhlins shocks.
Brakes also add to the overall performance, yet they might look a little unusual. They seem small, however, they are double. In other words, Brough Superior SS100 is stopped by four 230mm discs. The system is designed with engineering standards in mind, only to diminish the gyroscopic force. Is there anything else you can ask for?