1938 BROUGH SUPERIOR SS100 BACKGROUND
The SS100 (SS stood for “Super Sports”) was built from the very best components available at the time from a wide range of suppliers. The engines that Brough selected for his 1924 through 1936 SS100s was the twin-cam KTOP V-twin built by JAP (named for the initials of its founder, J.A. Prestwich). It was one of, if not the most advanced and powerful motorcycles engines at the time. Gearboxes were the 4-stud, 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox.
CONSTANT EVOLUTION & IMPROVEMENT
Every owner was encouraged to offer suggestions on how to improve Brough Superior Motorcycles, which led to continuing improvement, development and evolution. One result was the upgrading of the Sturmey-Archer gearbox in 1929 to a 3-speed “super-heavyweight” unit to cope with the 50+ horsepower that the big JAP engine produced. In 1928 rear suspension was added, and in 1934, the Alpine Grand Sport received JAP’s new 75-horse overhead valve (OHV) V-twin famous at the time for ”having two of everything: two magnetos and two oil pumps”. Foot-operating shifting was added in 1935, and they upgraded to a 4-speed Norton gearbox in 1936.
NEW ENGINE & FORKS
Starting in 1936, Brough Superior Motorcycles switched over to Matchless V-twin engines. Brough admired some of the features of the American Harley-Davidson, and copied their front forks, forming a new company to do so called the Castle Fork & Accessory Company. The new forks were lighter and stronger, and became a hallmark feature of Brough Superior Motorcycles, and helped the SS100 gain a reputation for excellent handling (by the standards of the day).
A WORK IN PROGRESS
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1938 Brough Superior SS100 SPECS
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Engine type Displacement Engine supplier Output Gearbox Wheelbase Brakes, F/R Suspension, F/R Dry Weight |
Air-cooled 50-degree OHV V-twin 998cc / 60.9ci Matchless 50hp 4-speed Norton 59.0″ SLS drum / SLS drum Springer-style / Rigid 320 lbs |