Speedometer Vintage
The History of Brough Superior Motorcycles
The superior was the machine of legends. It was an early superbike before the term was coined and was the “Rolls Royce” of the motorcycle world.
George Brough was also a master in the art of publicity, grabbing the best parts for his machines and truly making the whole bike greater than the sum of its parts.
Much of the legend came from performance by specific men and machines and from the showstoppers that George produced year after year for Olympia and Earls Court.
He also made machines he liked to ride, which may explain the gradual move from all out performance and total sports styling to high-speed sports tourers. There was no such thing as a Standard Superior as for the price charged, there was very individual attention.
There was a standard range, but this was really just the starting point from which the customer could refine the basic choice of SS80 or SS100 to the machine they wanted with an exact specification. It was no wonder they were so expensive.
It is not surprising that the Brough story is full of specials for all people. The best-known owner outside the world of motorcycling was T E Lawrence. George was a perfectionist, and as a hard rider, one of the most stringent and critical inspectors of the machines that carried his name. Many of his customers were friends and all would have their needs and wishes discussed before the machine was put in hand.
During the 1930’s, Brough used V twin JAP engines, prepared to the highest standard and the first was a relatively small one of 677cc with 70 x 80 dimensions. It was an OHV and had a fair degree of go in it, but George said it was too small to be of interest. In its basic form, it had a rigid frame and three-speed gearbox. As the Black Alpine, it was normally supplied as a springer and with four speeds.
The market was small for small deluxe machines and only nine 500s were made. It made sense for Brough to build bigger machines for more money. It was also time for another stunning special to grab the headlines. Whilst all the machines were special in one way or another, the works specials, one offs and prototypes were even more so. For many, the most interesting were the various fours.
Brough Superior felt the pinch in the depression, so early in the year, they announced that the V twins could be bought without electrics, speedometer or number plates at a reduced price. At the same time, they introduced two more side valve models.
It was perhaps only right that the company who used the slogan “Rolls Royce of the motorcycles” should do so much work for Rolls Royce during the war and were one of the very few entrusted to machine the Merlin crankshafts.
About the Author
Dawn has been interested in classic motors since an early age. She has commenced researching different vehicles and manufacturers and has started a website to share this research.
All of her published research will be placed on her website http://www.classicmotorhistory.com and http://www.classicmotorhistory.com/blog
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