T.E. Lawrence, or the Lawrence of Arabia, owned seven Brough Superiors out of the 69 built before World War 2. This was not because Lawrence was a collector or George Brough’s best friend, but because Brough Superiors were considered the best motorcycles on the market at the time. Brough Superior produced some of the fastest, most exotic motorcycles at the time but was forced to shut down due to World War 2. However, the brand has been revived and remains committed to George Brough’s principles of producing exclusive, bespoke motorcycles.
Today, Brough Superior offers a range of motorcycles, including the legendary SS100 and AMB 001 / Pro, and each motorcycle is nothing less than art on two wheels. While there are more exclusive, expensive, and exhilarating motorcycles available today, none come close to the experience offered by Brough Superiors. The brand’s philosophy is to create the best motorcycles in the world. While it’s a debatable topic, it’s still worth taking a moment to admire these magnificent beauties and their unique features.
In order to give the most up-to-date and accurate information, the data used for this article was sourced from Brough Superior and other authoritative sources, including Motorcyclenews.com and Sons of Thunder by Neil Bradford.
10 The Ultimate Heritage Brand
Production Run Of The Original Brough Superior Brand: 1914 to 1940
When you purchase a Brough Superior, you’re not just buying a motorcycle; you’re buying something more – a chance to experience the heritage of the brand. Established by Georges Brough in Nottingham, England in 1914, Brough Superior produced motorcycles till 1940. In such a short span, the brand had made a name for itself, becoming an exotic motorcycle that was ridden by racers and TE Lawrence. The brand was relaunched by Thierry Henriette and while it may no longer be a British brand, it offers the same charm as the older Brough Superiors.
Brough Superior Historical Facts
- Between 1914 and 1940, Brough Superior only produced 69 machines
- These motorcycles were sold at an average price of $207, equivalent to $9,300 in today’s money
- The original SS100 held several world records set by racers like Georges Brough, Bert le Vack, Freddie Dixon, Ronald Storey, and Noel Pope
9 Conventions Are A Foreign Concept
Brough Superior respects its heritage through a non-conformist approach to motorcycles. Rather than establishing mass production, Georges Brough made tailored motorcycles that fit the riders’ size, weight, and preferences. Some claim that every Brough Superior SS100 came with a unique handlebar. Today, the brand continues to produce bespoke motorcycles in limited quantities, focusing on an artistic approach instead of the highest performance and top speed. The modern SS100 uses a titanium frame suspended on a Fior-type fork with titanium links, and the design is unlike any other motorcycle currently on sale.
Innovative Features On Brough Superior Motorcycles
- Titanium chassis
- Quad-disc brakes
- Fior double-fork suspension
- CNC-machined aluminum components
- Turbocharged V-twin engine (AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro)
8 And The Design Is Mind Blowing, To Say The Least
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The Brough Superior SS100 is a marvel to behold, along with the AMB001 and AMB001 Pro. Georges Brough is known as one of the best motorcycle designers ever for his SS100 design back in the day. Even today, Brough Superior motorcycles feature the same silhouette as the SS100, with innovative components and a sublime V-twin engine underneath. The most modern motorcycle, the AMB 001, looks unlike anything else on the market. Its design philosophy screams purpose, and while it may polarize some onlookers, there’s no denying that Brough Superior and Aston Martin have nailed the design of the AMB001.
Notable Design Elements
- Polished alloy fuel tank, which takes 35 hours to complete
- Beringer quad disc brakes at the front to mimic the look of the original SS100’s drum brakes
- A hand-stitched leather saddle featuring a plaque of the craftsmen who assembled the engine and bike
- A big, analog speedometer inspired by the original SS100
- High-slung dual exhausts polished in chrome
7 Talk About Exclusive Exotica
While exclusive motorcycles like the Ducati Superleggera V4, Aprilia Tuono V4 X, and Bimota Tesi H2 are incredible machines, they don’t hold a candle to the exclusivity of Brough Superior. Even the most common Brough Superior SS100 is only limited to 300 units, and these bikes are collectibles, likely to appreciate in value with time. Each Brough Superior comes with some level of customization, making it safe to say that no two Brough Superiors are identical.
The Most Exclusive Brough Superior Motorcycles
- SS100 Karslake: 8 units
- SS100 Bert le Vack: 9 units
- Pendine Dixon: 19 units
- Anniversary Golden Dream: 38 units
- AMB 001 Pro: 88 units
6 Rolls-Royce Levels Of Attention To Detail
Brough Superior motorcycles are compared to Rolls-Royce, and for good reason. The motorcycles are built with top-notch quality materials and assembled with meticulous attention to detail, just like modern Rolls-Royce cars. Despite this attention to detail, the Brough Superior SS100 still offers modern handling character and performance.
5 Brough Superior And Aston Martin
Perhaps The Most Iconic Automotive Collab
Brough Superior collaborated with Aston Martin to develop the race-spec turbocharged track bike duo: AMB001 and AMB001 Pro. These motorcycles are a testament to perhaps the most iconic automotive collabs ever, bringing together the expertise of two legendary manufacturers. The world’s most luxurious track bike is hand
Aston Martin Announces New Aero Kit For The AMB 001 Motorcycle
With Brough Superior, Aston Martin has brought its iconic blend of British automotive luxury and performance from needing four wheels to only two. With the new Aston Martin x Brough Superior AMB 001 Pro motorcycle, the same sophisticated and suave aspects of the Aston Martin brand that has rendered it so celebrated translate to a luxurious, sporty, and exclusive motorcycle. Adding to its splendor, Aston Martin has announced a new aerodynamics kit that improves further on the AMB 001 Pro, promising “more extreme performance.”
With a turbocharged engine capable of 180 horsepower, that performance is undoubtedly impressive, and the motorbike’s exclusivity, with only 100 examples bing made, it fitting for the Aston Martin brand. With a new performance-enhancing aero kit, the ultra-exclusive Aston Martin AMB 001 Pro turbocharged motorcycle becomes an even more exciting venture between Aston Martin and Brough Superior than it already has been. Despite having two wheels instead of the typical four, Aston Martin still manages to combine speed and style in a way only Aston Martin can.