The tinted sports windscreen bobs up from behind the Swiss-clock instruments as I pull in the lightweight clutch and switch gears in the precision transmission, then settles down again as I wind on the throttle.
I smile and I nod. This is a bike like no other.
SS100 (All photos by Steve Spalding)
Iām riding the reborn Brough Superior SS100 and alternating with the Pendine Sand Racer model through the verdant back blocks of Brisbane when I have an epiphany about these $A105,000 motorcycles:
Throw out the rule book about writing reviews.
Forget about tech specs.
Donāt even think about the cost. (As they say, if you have to ask the price, then you simply canāt afford them.)
These bikes are simply out of the realm of the normal PAYE taxpayer/rider.
Itās a unique experience that is not lost on me.Ā
Something to savour and enjoy, then hand back in the hope I havenāt become too carried and away and troweled one!
Works of art
Rather than riding a ānormal motorcycleā, these are like riding works of art.
And just like works of art they are more valuable than the sum of their parts.Ā
For example, The Mona Lisa is worth more than the canvas, a frame and some oil paints.
They also have little to do with the tech specs, although I have, for the benefit of those with a technical mind, included them at the end of this article.Ā
There are bikes that are faster around a track or more comfortable on the open road. But nothing quite beats the experience of riding something that feels like it came from the current Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art Gallery exhibit, Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire.
Brough bikes are exactly that: design, art and desire.
Ok, letās address a couple of issues.
At the moment there is only one distributor in Australia so service and warranties issues could be a logistical concern.
However, Fred says he is āadding some dealers ASAPā and is making āa good effort lately with spares and warranty mattersā.
There are also some anomalies in bolts and various parts due to their handmade nature.
However, these are not commuter nor touring bikes that will do regular or long-distance duties.
SS100
Most will sit on a plinth or a mirror in the pool room to be brought out on a special occasion were everyone can admire their beautiful design.
They are about bragging rights, exclusivity and luxury.
They will appreciate that history which adds an intrinsic value to the bike and improves the investment value of the machines.
In fact, unlike almost every other new bike, they could even appreciate in value with the years.
Riding experience
Pendine Sand Racer
If you need to know about the riding experience, I can tell you they are different to ānormal bikesā.
The SS100 is a naked sports bike, while the Pendine Sand Racer is a more relaxed riding position with vintage-style beach bars.
They are both powered by a 87-degree twin that feels a little like an older Ducati, but sounds more like a raging, crackling bushfire.
It revs more than most big V-twins, is married to a slick transmission and the bike comes to an abrupt stop thanks to oversized brakes. On the SS100, there are, in fact, four floating front discs!
Quad discs!
Hitting the brakes or even pulling in the clutch to change gears activates a slight fork dive that makes the headlight and windscreen (on the SS100) bob up and down.
That Fior cantilevered and shock-absorbed front end is yet another unique feature on a bike that surprises at almost every turn.
In fact, customers can elect to change a lot of the trim and details and make this a truly bespoke handmade machine if they are willing to wait a few months.
Despite the price tag, itās not overly technical.Ā
In fact, there is only ABS and no traction control, multiple screens, comprehensive information, Bluetooth connectivityās blind spot alert, cruise control nor any of the other mod cons appearing on modern bikes. They don’t even have a lockable fuel cap!
It doesnāt seem to make sense just as a McLaren or Pagani doesn’t make sense.
Instead, it will forever remain an interesting and desirable motorcycle.
Brough Superior range
Importer Fred Drake with the Brough models
These bikes are part of a small, but exclusive line-up: