Brough Superior SS100 revealed at Milan, to launch next year
It has been 90 years since Brough (pronounced Bruf) Superior created the SS100, the motorcycle that came to be known as the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles. And now, in 2014, there is a new one, featuring a 1000cc V-Twin Sport Classic. The company says the new bike is a limited edition that goes on sale next year and is the first of many Broughs to come.
In design terms, the new SS100 pays unstinting homage to the original. It begins with the typical shape of the tank that incorporates in metal the three ribs just like the original did. The rest of the body work is minimalistic, the visible bit being a flat, sharp tail that looks like a continuation of the tank's lines, interrupted gently by the seat.
This is the work of Boxer Design, which was entrusted with the design for the rebirth of the one of the hallowed marques of all.
OVERDRIVE spoke to CEO Mark Upham at the Milan show and he said, "We knew it had to be a V-twin but it couldn't be a Ducati, or a Honda or something like that. It had to be unique for the SS100." The final engine was created by Boxer Design and Akira which created the bespoke 88 degree V-twin. The 997cc engine has cylinders integrated into a "horizontal seal plan semi-dry crankcase." The ECU setting depends on the customers, offering between 100 to 140PS as per their requirement.
The engine, in fact, is the main chassis component. Brough say this cuts the weight of the steel frame components and what is left is the titanium trellis frame which wraps around the carbon fibre airbox, seat structure and suspension triangles. The swingarm itself is made from magnesium-aluminium alloy with a fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock.
The front fork isn't a telescopic Ohlins either. Brough uses a double wishbone setup that separates the steering and braking forces, which should bring better steering ability as well as braking ability. The fork legs are made of the same alloy as the swingarm while Ohlins, once again, supply the damper and coil spring that nestle where the usual steering head goes.
Similarly, the brakes are innovative too. Beringer makes the twin disc setup that doubles the rotor area by offering two small rotors side by side. The advantage is that it reduces the gyroscopic inertia of a bigger disc by placing mass closer to the axle. Two of these units are up front and one at the bag, giving the Brough six small discs all around. The disc are made from ceramic and aluminium materials. Brough says this setup increases the brake force available while making steering easier. It also happens to reduce weight. The calipers, obviously, are radially mounted.
Brough says the bike at the show is a prototype and various prototypes in various stages of finishing have been tested. However, the bike will be ready for test rides and sale only in a year's time with sales starting after that. Deliveries will take another three-four months more after that.
To keep the buzz going and to have fun, the chaps from Brough have been racing Broughs at the Bonneville Salt Flats taking multiple records at their debut.
Between the beautifully finished metal components, the attention to detail and some very innovative engineering, the SS100 holds great promise for Brough as a brand in the process of a resurrection. Lawrence of Arabia loved his Broughs (he owned eight in all and the ninth was never delivered) and next year, you will get your chance to own your own Boanerges.
Technical specifications of the Brough Superior SS100Engine: 997cc 88 degree V-twin, 4v per cylinder, DOHC
Power: 100PS@10,000rpm (tuneable upto 140PS)
Torque: 125Nm@8,000rpm
Wheelbase: 1550mm
Weight: 180kg dry
Chassis: Steel and titanium trellis frame
Front suspension:Â Ohlins damper on Fior double wishbone
Rear suspension: Ohlins monoshock
Front brake: Quad ceramic 230mm Beringer disc
Rear brake: Twin aluminium-ceramic 230mm disc