Brough Superior
From Graces Guide
Brough Superior were Motorcycles produced between 1919 and 1940, by George Brough, the talented, motorcycle-loving son of William Brough.
- 1919 Geroge Brough leaves his father's Brough works to set up Brough Superior in Nottingham. From the outset his machines were built for the connoisseur who appreciated the best available style and workmanship.
- 1920 The press revealed the first Brough Superior as a magnificently stong, curvaceous machine. This was to be the hallmark of the brand throughout its history.
- 1923 The model line was revised and the 988cc sv JAP V-twin engine made its debut.
- 1924 Until now the braking system had been the weak point in the design. The brakes were changed to drums in both hubs, and as a reporter had dubbed the model 'The Rolls-Royce of Motor Cycles', Brough used this accolade to boost publicity. With the JAP engine came the three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox, modified Harley-Davidson bottom-linked forks and a stylish tank. Capable of reaching 100mph, this was truly the first 'superbike'.
- 1932 By this time many more models had been produced and/or revised and modified. George persuaded Herbert Austin to supply him with bored-out Austin Seven 800cc engines, fitted with an alloy head and he overcame the problem of having to offset the rear-wheel drive by fitting two rear wheels - one either side of the prop shaft.
- 1935 A revised SS80 model was produced powered by a 982cc sv Matchless V-twin engine engraved with the name 'Brough Superior'.
- 1938 Brough exhibits his four-cylinder Golden Dream. Two of these were built, and the golden finish of one gave it its name. The cylinders were arranged as a transverse four layout and did not need water cooling. The outbreak of war prevented development of this model and it never went into production.
- 1940 Wartime brought all production of motocycles to a close and, instead, the engineering works turned to the war effort. The capabilities of the factory to produce high-precision engineering resulted in the supply of Merlin crankshafts for Rolls-Royce.
Sources of Information
The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press