Ninety years after the debut of the first SS100, the brand is returning with an all-new motorcycle modeled after it. The 2014 Brough Superior SS100
isn’t just retro styling though, its performance is thoroughly modern.
And it should be, because the company hopes to get close to $100,000 for
each one it sells.
The 1925 Brough Superior SS100
Advertised as, “The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” the original SS100
was famous for its performance guarantee. Each model left the factory
having been ridden at over 100 mph by George Brough himself, hence the
name. T.E. Lawrence famously rode an SS100. In fact, that’s what he was
riding during his fatal crash in 1935.
The most obvious styling cue adapted from old to new is the
cylindrical fuel tank. But obvious inspiration is also seen in the
V-twin motor and its exhaust layout, as well as in the girder front
suspension.
2014 Brough Superior SS100
That’s not to say that the SS100 is a throwback. The 88-degree,
liquid-cooled, 997cc V-twin serves as a stressed member in the steel and
titanium trellis backbone frame and uses a horizontal-seal, semi-dry
crankcase. It can be tuned to deliver anywhere between 100 and 140 bhp
depending on customer specification, with the former presumably
sacrificing outright power for greater flexibility. Making 92 lb.-ft. of
torque, that flexibility should be generous.
Brough says that stressing the engine has helped keep weight down to a relatively light 395 lbs (dry).
Front and rear suspension is Ohlins monoshocks. The front girder is
designed to separate braking and steering forces and is constructed from
titanium triangles with aluminum-magnesium alloy legs. The swingarm is
made from the same alloy.
2014 Brough Superior SS100 stripped naked.
The brakes were spec’d because they somewhat resemble old timey
drums, but are in fact dual-discs clamped by radial calipers. The
Beringer system uses a static central brake pad, with calipers pushing
in from the outside. In addition to looking fancy, the arrangement is
said to help reduce unsprung weight.
That’s good, because Brough has curiously chosen to use 18-inch rims.
Doing so not only carries a weight penalty, but reduces tire choice.
2014 Brough Superior SS100
Brough Superior hopes to make 20 motorcycles a year, with deliveries
starting in 2014. Considerably fewer than the 69 bikes George Brough
rode to 100 mph in 1925.
2014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS100Originally posted in Rideapart.com
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