2014 EICMA: 2015 Brough Superior SS100 Preview
Loyal MO readers will, no doubt, remember that Brough Superior had a three-month-old prototype of its SS100 on display at the 2013 EICMA show. Well, a lot has happened in the last year. Namely, Thierry Henriette, owner of Brough Superior Motorcycles SAS, says the SS100’s development has advanced to the point that he’s openly talking about assembly plant tours and product test rides. MO’s Editorial Director, Sean Alexander reports from Brough’s Eicma display that these latest prototypes are seriously impressive up-close and in the metal.
For those who need more proof of the company’s seriousness, Brough Superior unveiled the production version SS100 and says that pre-production models are being assembled for the testing necessary for regulatory approval. Additionally, Brough Superior announced that the SS100’s development has been finalized and parts designs are validated and being manufactured: “the production tools for the parts are in place and we have received 80% of the parts from our sub-contractors.”
EICMA 2013: Brough Superior SS100
Over the past year, some significant changes have taken place. First, the engine will now be made in-house. The casting molds and machining tools required for producing the SS100’s 88° V-Twin engine have been developed – which means the crankcases, covers and cylinder heads will be ready to go. Similarly, the forging tools required for the con-rods, cranks, cams, plus the primary drives and transmission gears are set.
The SS100’s pistons will be forged out of 2618A-T6A aluminum. Adding to their performance capabilities, the pistons will also undergo stabilization, sand blasting, shot peening of non-functional areas, finish machining, and anti-friction coating. The clutch caliper was merged with the primary drive cover’s design to protect the hydraulic components.
EICMA 2013: Brough Superior SS100 First Impressions – Video
The fuel injection system was developed “in close collaboration with a renowned OEM supplier” to meet Euro 3 requirements, with Euro 4 in the pipeline for future integration (possibly as soon as during the SS100’s homologation process). To aid in emissions, the ECU manages the AIS air injection into the exhaust that has been built in to the cylinder head.
The SS100’s chassis combines retro-styling with modern technology sourced from recent advances in aircraft technology. The chassis is made of a combination of steel and titanium and, for much of the construction, uses machined plates instead of tubing. The frames are welded in-house and feature an enameled Brough Superior emblem. The fork has been updated with new geometry to allow for steering accuracy and improved damping. The unique “4D” calipers are milled from billet 6082 T6 aluminum and are radially mounted for a claimed 10% weight savings from other radial-mount calipers.
The SS100 will be sold in three identically-priced finishes: SS100 Traditional (black, silver and gold), SS100 Titanium (titanium texture on chassis and suspension components), and SS100 Black (well, uh, black). Brough Superior says the SS100 will be available in late 2015 priced around $64,000 (EUR 49,900).
Cooling SystemWater-cooled
| 2015 Brough Superior SS100 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke 88° V-Twin |
| Displacement | 997cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 94 x 71.8mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11:1 |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Frame Type | Steel and Titanium tubular trellis |
| Rake/Trail | 24.6˚ / 3.8 in. |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | Fior double wishbone, Ohlins Shock 120 mm (4.72 in.) travel |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Progressive system, Ohlins Shock 130 mm (5.11 in.) travel |
| Front Tire Size | 120/70 ZR 18 |
| Rear Tire Size | 160/60 ZR 18 |
| Front Brakes | 4D Ceramic Beringer 2x floating double discs, aluminum-ceramic composite material, diameter 230 mm (9.05 in.), 2x four pistons calipers with radial fixation and special sintered metal pads |
| Rear Brakes | Single disc brake, aluminum-ceramic com posite material, diameter 230 mm (9,05 in.), 2 pistons caliper with special sintered metal pads |
| Dry Weight** | 395 lb |
| Wheelbase | 61.02 in. |
| Color Choices | Traditional, Titanium, Black |
| MSRP | $64,000 approx. |
| Warranty | TBD |
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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I think negative commenters are looking at this in a too-serious way; to the intended buyers, $64k is pocket change, not requiring such heavy analysis. This bike, with its historic name, will be a somewhat-interesting, attention-getting machine that few others will have, and that's enough.
60k? it's border line hideous..