Long before superbikes and high-performance cruisers ruled the road, there was one machine that set the standard for craftsmanship, luxury, and speed — the Brough Superior SS100. Hand-built in Nottingham, England during the 1920s and 1930s, it was the motorcycle every other brand wanted to be.

At Heather’s Leathers, we admire motorcycles that embody artistry, precision, and timeless design — and the SS100 represents all three.

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Brough Superior SS100 – Born from a Vision of Perfection

The Brough Superior company was founded by George Brough in 1919. Dissatisfied with the limitations of the motorcycles available at the time, Brough set out to create something extraordinary — a bike that was fast, refined, and meticulously engineered.

Each SS100 was custom-built to order, tailored to the rider’s preferences. No two were ever identical. Every component was hand-fitted and tested, with George Brough personally signing off before a bike left the factory.

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A Revolution in Performance

The SS100 was powered by a 998 cc V-twin engine, capable of speeds over 100 mph — an astonishing figure for the 1920s. In fact, the “100” in SS100 stood for its guaranteed top speed, verified before delivery.

Key innovations included:

• A lightweight yet strong frame for stability at speed

• Precision-balanced engines for smoothness and longevity

• Exceptional braking systems for safety — rare in that era

• And a design that blended function with elegance, from its nickel-plated fuel tank to its polished alloy details

Every SS100 was a work of mechanical art, built for riders who demanded nothing less than the best.

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Lawrence of Arabia’s Motorcycle of Choice

Perhaps no rider is more famously associated with the Brough Superior than T. E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia. A passionate motorcyclist, Lawrence owned seven Brough Superiors — including several SS100 models — and was deeply involved in testing and improving them.

He once described the bike as “a skittish thoroughbred,” capturing its spirit perfectly. Tragically, it was also on a Brough Superior that he met his untimely end in 1935 — a story that only deepened the mystique surrounding the brand.

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The Legacy of the Brough Superior SS100

Even today, nearly a century later, the Brough Superior SS100 remains one of the most collectible motorcycles in history. Restored models can command well over $250,000 at auction, celebrated not just for their performance but for their artistry.

Its influence can be seen in countless modern bikes — proof that George Brough’s commitment to precision and beauty still inspires builders today.

At Heather’s Leathers, we share that same passion for quality and craftsmanship. Every handmade leather saddlebag, seat, or tool roll we create is built with the same care and attention that defined classics like the SS100.

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Honoring Heritage Through Craftsmanship

Whether you ride a restored classic or a modern machine, your gear should reflect the same dedication to craft that built legends like the Brough Superior.

👉 Discover custom, handcrafted leather saddlebags and accessories built to last at Heather’s Leathers — made for riders who respect the past and live for the ride ahead.

Real leather. Real riders. Made for the road.