Difference between revisions of "Brough Superior"

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For the 1930 season, when the example offered was built, the SS80 represented the middle machine in the range, for those with deep enough pockets there was the overhead valve SS100, whilst the more impecunious would look to the pretty, but slightly small (in George Brough's eyes) 670. Those seeking a machine that balanced performance and stamina would opt for the SS80. All three machines utilised [[JAP]] powerplants, however, the SS80 (so named because 80 mph was guaranteed to be attained by the machine by the manufacturer) employed a side valve engine instead of the over head valve units fitted to its larger and smaller siblings. The 981cc vee twin transmitted the power to the rear wheel via a three speed gearbox, in the case of the machine offered a Sturmey unit , fitted with high gears and a chain final drive.
For the 1930 season, when the example offered was built, the SS80 represented the middle machine in the range, for those with deep enough pockets there was the overhead valve SS100, whilst the more impecunious would look to the pretty, but slightly small (in George Brough's eyes) 670. Those seeking a machine that balanced performance and stamina would opt for the SS80. All three machines utilised [[JAP]] powerplants, however, the SS80 (so named because 80 mph was guaranteed to be attained by the machine by the manufacturer) employed a side valve engine instead of the over head valve units fitted to its larger and smaller siblings. The 981cc vee twin transmitted the power to the rear wheel via a three speed gearbox, in the case of the machine offered a Sturmey unit , fitted with high gears and a chain final drive.


==Models==
*[[Brough Superior SS80|SS80]]
*[[Brough Superior SS100|SS100]]
*[[Brough Superior Model 6/80|Model 6/80]]
==SS80==
==SS80==
[[Image:1926-SS80.jpg|thumb|350px|1926 SS80]]
[[Image:1926-SS80.jpg|thumb|350px|1926 SS80]]

Revision as of 23:05, 1 February 2011

1926 Brough Superior SS100


George Brough named his bikes Brough Superior to the displeasure of his motorcycle engineer father William Brough, thereby relegating William's bikes to be henceforth known as Inferior. George used his own frames and bought engines and various other parts to produce exciting, exclusive, and expensive bikes.

The source of the Father-Son disagree was concerning cylinder angles. W.E. Brough had become an advocate of the flat twin, adopting ABC engines for his motorcycles before moving on to the production of his own engines retaining the configuration with capacities of 496cc to 810cc, a move that George did not support and which prompted the production of some of the most iconic motorcycles ever produced.


George's bikes did prove to be superior and not just against his father's bikes. In the 1920s and 1930s George racked wins and records. Located in Nottingham, England the firm was thought to produce some of the best bikes in the world. The Motor Cycle claimed they were essentially "the Rolls Royce of motorcycles", and Brough used this quote as a slogan in advertising - Rolls didn't object.

George was well known as a competitor in motorcycle racing, highly regarded as a technician and understood the value of marketing. He successfully utilized all of these talents in elevating his machines to being objects of desire, items that did more than simply provide transport.

His flair for marketing, permission was sought and secured from the illustrious carmaker to describe his machines as "The Rolls Royce of Motorcycles", combined with his insistence that only the best components were used in the creation of the motorcycles bearing the Brough Superior script and that they were then assembled with a level of care and precision beyond that of other manufacturers ensured that the motorcycles leaving his premises were more than the sum of their parts. His competition background resulted in machines that handled and went as well as they looked, whilst the "bespoke" nature of the machines ( although a catalogue was published the machines therein represented a starting point for the would be owner, in 1930 the range consisted of the 680, SS80 and SS100, which would then be tailored to your specific requirements) attracted a clientele that included the "a" list celebrities of the day.

For the 1930 season, when the example offered was built, the SS80 represented the middle machine in the range, for those with deep enough pockets there was the overhead valve SS100, whilst the more impecunious would look to the pretty, but slightly small (in George Brough's eyes) 670. Those seeking a machine that balanced performance and stamina would opt for the SS80. All three machines utilised JAP powerplants, however, the SS80 (so named because 80 mph was guaranteed to be attained by the machine by the manufacturer) employed a side valve engine instead of the over head valve units fitted to its larger and smaller siblings. The 981cc vee twin transmitted the power to the rear wheel via a three speed gearbox, in the case of the machine offered a Sturmey unit , fitted with high gears and a chain final drive.

Models

SS80

1926 SS80

The SS80 (Super Sports) model was developed in 1920, soon after George Brough set up Brough Superior. The SS80's model designation was based on Brough's guarantee that it could reach 80mph. Finished to a standard that put it well beyond the reach of most motorcyclists, the SS80 set out the key features of all Brough Superior models to follow. It was written in period of this model, " Despite the price at which the "SS80 Special" is marketed, I am prepared to guarantee the materials and workmanship throughout this machine to be identical with the remainder of the Brough Superior range, and also justify what "The Motor Cycle" said of the original S.S. 80 model : "The Rolls-Royce of Motor Cycles". It was designed at the request of a large number of B.S. riders, who favour a reliable, silent, side-by-side valve twin, with a performance and price equal to that of the ultra-high-compression OHV single. Experienced riders tell me that this "SS80" is the most charming thing they have ever sat across."

SS100

1930 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport
1938 Brough Superior SS100

The most famous Brough was without a doubt the SS100. It was produced from 1925 till 1940. It was initially powered by a 980cc V-twin from JA Prestwich (JAP). Each bike came with a signed guarantee from Brough that the bike had been timed at over 100mph for a quarter of a mile. Brough advertised the hands-off stability at speeds of 95mph. Fewer than 400 SS100s were built, the last 100 or so were powered by a Matchless V-twin. Brough constantly changed the specifications of the bike resulting in each one basically being a custom job. In 1928 he introduced an option for rear suspension, foot gear change in 1935, and a four-speed Norton gearbox in 1936.

TE Shaw, aka Lawrence of Arabia owned a series of Superiors (the last of which cost him his life in a crash), which all were fitted with a special stainless steel petrol tank. In 1938 Brough revealed the Dream, which consisted of an exotic flat four engine with twin gear-linked crankshafts. Dev elopement on all Superior's was halted when World War 2 broke out and was never restarted again.

Model 6/80

1927 Brough Superior Model 6/80

The 6/80 was a less expensive alternative to the illustrious SS100 & SS80 Broughs, and was known as "The Miniature SS100". Offering good performance with outstanding flexibility, combined with low weight, made this model extremely popular. Brough made nothing in house, but purchased or had built the components to assemble a motorcycle.