1928 Brough 680 OHV_3
Brough motorcycles were described in period literature, and advertising, as the “Rolls Royce of Motorcycles.” Big, touring quality motorcycles with large, by British standards, v-twin engines and nice details like the nickel-plated fuel tanks and leather tool kits, Broughs were at the top of British two-wheeled designs. George Brough, pronounced “bruff,” was a flamboyant designer and racer who personally certified every motorcycle built in his Nottingham, England factory. As Brough was not an engine maker, J. A. Prestwich, J.A.P., supplied the overhead valve engine for this model and other British makes.
Though not as desirable as the larger, faster SS100, the 680 still shared Brough “genes” and was made from 1926 to 1936. In 1928 when this bike was made, only 155 of all Brough models were made; rarity is still a reason Broughs are sought after and command high prices. And even today we recall some of George Brough’s wealthy celebrity customers; T.E. Lawrence, a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia and George Bernard Shaw, the composer, equally flamboyant men.
Around 1920, George Brough had left his father’s company, Brough, founded in 1909, to start his own adding the word Superior. Brough Superior built motorcycles, sidecars and a few cars from 1920 to 1940 switching to manufacture of aircraft parts shortly after the start of World War II. Bold to have used the term Superior in the motorcycles’ names, the reputation was born out on the road. Brough’s machines were superbly styled and beautifully made and had performance to match. The often made-to-order Brough Superior was desirable, especially when you added in the list of celebrities who owned one.
When you visit the National Motorcycle Museum you can get up close to about four Broughs including an SS100 Pendine racing model, similar to the 110mph machine used to set a land speed record on Pendine Sands in England. Elevated on a platform in the Best of the Best gallery, you can really take in its fine detail. Other Brough’s are on display near a group of Vincents and a BSA Y-13, the relatively rare BSA V-Twin.
Specifications:

  • Engine: 50 Degree OHV V-Twin
  • Bore & Stroke: 70mm x 88mm
  • Displacement: 680cc’s
  • Carburetion: Dual Remote Float, Amal
  • Ignition: Magneto
  • Electrics: Battery/Mag-dyno
  • Primary: Chain Driven
  • Transmission: 4-Speed, Sturmey-Archer
  • Starting: Kick Only
  • Front Suspension: Castle Girder Fork, Friction Damper
  • Rear Suspension: Sprung Seat
  • Wheels: 3.25 x 19 / 3.50 x 19
  • Brakes: Drum, Front & Rear
5 replies
  1. Elvis Valla
    Elvis Valla says:

    What a lovely & well engineered machine. Inspires me to strap up my Gasolina boots put on some goggles & a scarf & play “Lawrence of Arabia”. Great write up!

    Reply
  2. KS Morris
    KS Morris says:

    This is a beautiful machine. However, this English machine is not well served by poor use of the English language. The verb “born” denotes birth. You appear to wish to express the sense of bearing up or carrying. This should be spelled “borne “, denoting the notion of being carried out or proven performance on the road. George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish author best known as a playwright and was not a composer. Shaw did write a large number of music reviews (1876-1950) and perhaps your inaccuracy arose from a misunderstanding of this portion of Shaw’s work.

    Reply
  3. Jim K
    Jim K says:

    C’mon K S. Those bikes were born on the road, not carried as “borne” would suggest. I know Shaw must have composed during his lifetime since he’s been decomposing since 1950.

    Reply
  4. Fast Eddie in Mn.
    Fast Eddie in Mn. says:

    Great article, superior bike, all the years I’ve been around motorcycles, I’ve always pronounced it as “Bro” as in “Though”. I guess I learn more by accident than I do on purpose! And it doesn’t end there… thanks also to KS, all I can say is I’d love to have you go to Sturgis with me, you could correct everyone on the “inaccuracies ” of their motorcycle knowledge and stories, possibly help them with their use of the English language! It would be the best trip of my life! Thanks for the insight and entertainment ,(….you too Jim) I can’t wait to get back to Anamosa and the cycle museum this spring!

    Reply
  5. john
    john says:

    Another great story and the pictures are always great too. Thanks. You should put these on the Facebook site too so we could share them.

    Reply

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