autoevolution
 

Brough Superior SS100 Unveiled at EICMA with Harley Daymaker Headlight

Brough Superior introduced their new SS100 prototype at EICMA 2013, but the future was uncertain then. However, we’re ever so pleased to see that Brough Superior has fared quite well during the past 12 months… and a commercial version of the SS100 is finally available.
Brough Superior SS100 71 photos
Photo: Original image by autoevolution
Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014Original Brough Superior SS100 at EICMA 2014
Just like Matchless Motorcycles and several other big, old names in the business, Brough Superior has been laying in a dormant stage during the last decades, but it’s now time for a spectacular comeback. When it showed up for the first time, the SS100 was only a promise-laden prototype, but now it brings back to life a spirit which may have been gone, but never forgotten.

A titanium retro bike

If anything, Brough Superior stands for the essence of retro two-wheelers. An iconic bike back in the day and a milestone in the motorcycle history, Brough Superior has a new life. The new SS100 has been designed in collaboration with Thierry Henriette and his Boxer Design team and one of the main goals was retaining the unmistakable Brough Superior retro vein in a modern bike incorporating futuristic technologies.

Basically, the Brough Superior SS100 combines the neo-classical elements with avant-garde ones. The result is spectacular. The chassis is most likely the main attraction in the engineering department. It employs machined titanium plates welded together into a good-looking, high-strength element which also allow a good view of the engine. The original steel frame concept was reduced down to the minimum, and even the subframe is now made from titanium as you can see in our extensive photo gallery.

The swingarm is an aluminium-magnesium alloy piece loaded with a link assembly and an Öhlins fully adjustable monoshock. In the front, the fork employs a Hossack/Fior (Duolever) double wishbone design, so the fork legs can look clean and tidy. Suspension and damping is provided by Öhlins, as well.

Overall the bike is long and narrow, just right for achieving those high speeds that made the brand famous in the first place back in the day. Today, the Brough is a neo-classic sportster. It may not be a racer per say but it will do 240 km/h (150 mph) for sure.

Premium double-disc brakes

The braking system is no less spectacular, as Brough Superior SS100 uses top-drawer Beringer hardware and eye-catching double-disc arrays. The SS100 is equipped with 4D CMM Aerotec ceramic double discs for both the front and the rear brakes. The visual footprint is reduced, but the aesthetic impact and the stopping performance are top-level. At the same time, the gyroscopic effect and the unsprung weight are also minimized.

Brough Superior SS100 is powered by a 1,000cc v-twin 88-degree engine with both liquid and oil cooling. The 2 degree angle shortage was necessary according to the company officials present at EICMA, to allow them to shorten the bike's size. The peak power is 120 hp at 10,000 rpm, while the 100 Nm torque at 8,000 revs should make it really fun to ride. Still, Brough Superior says that the engine can be tuned using different mappings, and it can effortlessly reach 140 hp if the customer is looking for more grunt. The gearbox is a 6-speed unit.

The bike in on the moderate side of the weight charts, posting 180 kg (395 lb) dry. Some could maybe argue that the polished metal shiny finish is a bit too flashy, but Brough Superior has never manufactured dull bikes, right?

Three versions planned already

Speaking with the team behind it we found out that the Brough Superior SS100 will be available in three diferent versions that will be made out of a combination of materials that includes aluminum and titanium. All of them are hand-made and feature impressive attention to detail, a limited number of parts being ordered from various manufacturers.

For example, the tank takes two days to be made. During the first day it is formed while on the second day it is welded together by one person. That speaks miles about the fact that this bike makes no compromise whatsoever. The few parts that are bought come from respected manufacturers. For example, the headlight is a Harley Daymaker that fits it just right.

The price tag sits around the €50,000 - €55,000 mark as well, just like it is the case for the Matchless Model X Reloaded, another bike that features just metal, leather and rubber. However, unlike the Model X that is a cruiser, the Superior SS100 is a retro sportster.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories