Brough Superior
The name Brough Superior carries a significant weight in the motorcycle realm, akin to a badge of honor earned through years of unwavering dedication, superior craftsmanship, and an insatiable quest for performance. This illustrious motorcycle brand has woven a rich tapestry of history, embedded with stories of innovation, resilience, and unparalleled engineering that continue to inspire to this day. A name coined as the 'Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles', Brough Superior's legacy is laced with the allure of luxury and an air of exclusivity.
At the heart of this narrative stands William Brough, the ingenious British entrepreneur who set the stage for Brough Superior's birth. While working at a colliery, William established Brough Motors in his spare time, a pioneering enterprise producing cars and motorcycles in the early 20th century. His creativity manifested in the form of a 3.5 hp De Dion-powered tricycle and later, in 1902, the first Brough Motorcycle, demonstrating an innovative spirit that would continue to drive the brand's success.
However, it was George Brough, William's son, who truly etched Brough Superior into motorcycling history. Following World War I, George collaborated with his friend Jack Montgomery to construct a new sporting motorcycle that would ultimately redefine the landscape of road-riding machines.
Indeed, by 1925, Brough Superior had earned its position among the world's elite motorcycle brands. George's ambitious endeavour was encapsulated in the Brough Superior SS 100, a super-sports model that set unparalleled standards in performance and style. This magnificent machine laid the groundwork for future Brough Superior models, including the innovative "Miniature SS 100" that George introduced at the Motorcycle Show, with a new 680cc overhead-valve JAP engine.
Despite facing several trials, including financial struggles and World War II's onset, the Brough Superior brand endured, transitioning into military motorcycle production during the war. This marked a crucial turning point in the company's trajectory, but its original essence—building exceptional motorcycles—remained at its core.
Prominent figures such as Thomas Edward Lawrence, known as "Lawrence of Arabia", Noel Pope, Eric Fernihough, Bert Le Vack, Ron Storey, Joe Wright, Harold Karslake, E.C.E. Barry Baragwanath, and the Meyer brothers, all played pivotal roles in championing Brough Superior. Their shared passion for these distinguished machines significantly contributed to the brand's esteemed reputation and enduring legacy.
The story of Brough Superior is undoubtedly a captivating narrative of determination, innovation, and passion. As we continue to appreciate these exceptional motorcycles, we honor the Brough family's enduring commitment to creating the ultimate ride and the enthusiasts who echoed their vision. The legacy of Brough Superior continues to resonate powerfully within the motorcycle world, and with each turn of the throttle, its story continues to unfold.
Additional Brough Superior Logos
Author: William Flaiz
