1930 Brough Superior SS100 - Jay Leno's Garage

1930 Brough Superior SS100. Born in 1890, George Brough was the second son of W.E. Brough, the creator of the original Brough motorcycle. As William junior turned his energy to shipbuilding, George became his father's most dedicated road tester, proving his greed for speed in the London - Edinburgh Trial. George placed first in 1910, 1911, and 1912, thus winning the Motor Cycling Cup.
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1930 Brough Superior SS100 - Jay Leno's Garage
• 1930 Brough Superior S...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

In my whole life I've seen only one Brough Superior, and that was a static exhibit - effectively dead. I absolutely adore the fact that Jay rides his and makes it live. 😀

[@franktechmaniac7488]

Most oldtimer enthusiasts barely ride their motorcycles. They spend hours and hours and shitloads of money for having a pile of iron.

[@zeroatomfault]

I was in Killarney Ireland about ten years ago and two TWO came to a stop beside me and went for tea in a little roadside cafe in a place called Ladies' View. I have the photos if anyone wants to drop an email. I might pop on overhead here on my profile image now that I think of it. Edit: I'm having difficulty getting to full image onto the banner section. I've resized it ten times and anyway, there they are and I've a few close-ups too if anyone is interested.

[@greatestytcommentator]

My Grandfather had one... somehow..

[@k.w.churchill4397]

I LOVE the way Jay has spent his money.! This is an honarable thing to invest in

[@darrellmount7020]

A lot of celebrities spend it on partying and wasteful stuff, I'm glad Leno at least, has something he can share with all of us and likes doing it, I sure like watching.

[@jeffwilliams8464]

K. W. Churchill don't be fooled. he only spent "some" of his money

[@Winterstick549]

Jeff Williams Some? He earned it by investing.

[@gaoxiaen1]

I look forward to visiting the Jay Leno Museum, unless I die before he does. Would love a tour (or just a look-around) next time I'm back in CONUS.

[@tedmccauley9319]

We owe him our gratitude for preserving these vehicles for future generation’s, it is an expensive task.

[@druidofthefang]

This bike is soon 100 years old. That is unbelievable. Thank you Jay for everything you do to preserve these machines and the history tied to them.

[@mcmoose64]

Thanks Jay, I have been a motor cycle enthusiast for over 40 yrs and although I have seen photos and museum examples , this is the first time I have seen or heard a Brough in action .

[@speiss2002]

Eloquent,economical, and absolutely enthralling, Jay's series is a first rate example of a programme too smart for TV. I'm a Jay Leno's Garage addict.Keep it up Jay.

[@bitfreakazoid]

"Your only hope is that the vehicle coming at you will be so entranced by it's beauty that they will sacrifice themselves so as not to hit you." I actually had to pause that section because I was laughing so hard.

[@richardpope3063]

1923 m/c manual : choice, pedestrian or wall, be a man and take the wall.

[@johntechwriter]

bitfreakazoid I grew up in a remote Canadian small town. My Dad was a car nut, European cars especially. One year he bought a big Citroen DS-21 sedan. While he was driving through town one day, a local farmer in his pickup going the other way was so freaked by the Citroen, he stuck his head out his window to look at it as it went by. As a result he collided with a parked car! (No injury tho.)

[@nicholasclark4079]

You can just tell how much Jay loves his cars and bikes. It really makes me glad that there are still people willing to scoop up collectibles, keep them nice, and then drive them.

[@Yosemite-George-61]

Jay exells when he's by himself... I really enjoy his way of explaining stuff... shoul have been a professor...

[@garymolines9550]

I enjoyed watching this. As a caretaker , and mechanic on a remarkable collection of motorcycles for a private collector , I have had the honor of working on and riding the SS100 , SS80 , and a 680OHV. Remarkable machines !

[@Paiste402]

Best part of all this is that he actually get it out on the road and uses it. I would not be game to take a piece of motorcycle history into traffic but Jay is all "Well... enough talking about it lets go!"

[@dorsetdumpling5387]

I often drive past Clouds’ Hill, Lawrence’s home, on the road where he crashed, leading to his untimely death. Sometimes on my Honda CB1100, and I sometimes fantasize about meeting him on his Brough, and swapping bikes for a test ride. I am pretty certain that both of us would be blown away by our rides, and would be happy to exchange bikes there and then!

[@CaneFu]

Jay, I am named after my great uncle, Eric Fernihough, whose name I'm sure you'll recognize from motorcycle racing history. He rode a Brough Superior and I really appreciate your reviewing this bike in such detail as I always wanted to know more about it. Thank you.

[@666t]

Flue Brush

[@isshun2292]

For anyone interested in how the speedometer works: This particular model is a Bonniksen Isochronous speedometer made in Coventry, England by Rotherhams & Sons Ltd, of Coventry, an old established firm of watchmakers and engineers, which were established in 1750. Looking at the photos you will notice there are two hands. On starting, one was at the rest position, zero, the other at the last speed indicated. So one hand is at zero or rest is awaiting for the new speed to display and the other hand is displaying the speed that occured,. Brough Superiors were often fitted with Bonniksen speedos with the 100mph version being introduced in May 1925 on a BS. Today they are expensive to purchase secondhand...how much.... US$1000 wouldn't surprise me with another US$300 plus for the gearbox.

[@brandonbentley8532]

I literally scrolled down hoping someone would add a detailed explanation and history of the speedo...if I knew you in real life I'd buy a top shelf drink!

[@stevenwebb9861]

Is that for the bike?? I will take one!

[@mayankimmortal]

I'm in India I think I can buy this man a drink

[@joanrattray387]

i know some one who has one for sale

[@DAeMoN3vil]

@@brandonbentley8532 he lives near me. in melbourne australia i can buy him drink on your behalf. please transfer the amount to me. ping me for account details.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Jay for your info TH Lawrence was riding his much-loved Brough motorbike, on his way from Bovington Camp to Clouds Hill, when he swerved to avoid two boys on bicycles - they were Frank Fletcher and Albert Hargreaves

[@richardpope3063]

Marrowbones D H Lawrence author. Those days of celebrity and achievement. El Aurens. They are remembered.

[@vincentlawler3033]

At the time of his accident he was known as Airman T E Shaw.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Jay for your info: TH Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) was riding his Brough Superior SS100 motorbike, on his way from Bovington Camp to Clouds Hill, when he swerved to avoid two boys on bicycles (not a drunk postman) - they were Frank Fletcher and Albert Hargreaves - You can find his cottage at Clouds Hill - A stone where he crashed in the country lane & Bovinton camp is a huge Tank Museum and army tank training center - you would love it

[@whisperingdeath308]

I own an Indian Chief Vintage and although many love the way it looks, I love the look of the older more vintage bikes. There's just something about the old engineering that fascinates me.

[@Locoandchooch]

All his vehicles will probably go to museums when he retires. I’m really glad he restored so much history.

[@larrywardell2459]

Had the privilege of going up Kop Hill (near Tring, in the UK) in the sidecar of a 1937 Brough Superior SS100 Grand Alpine Sports back in 2015 (worth about 250k GBP) , and then later in the day, up again in a 1935 Brough Superior 8 cylinder drophead (very rare, as Brough also made cars - but not many). Check out the videos on KZbin. Great day out, thanks to my work colleague friend, Nick - a great guy!!

[@pinbret]

a motorized cycle fit for a gentleman well J what a beautiful piece of art it just happens to go like spit I knew a old time time 19 thirties motorcycle racer for used go on on about how he always wanted to try one that is a piece of work and it makes music thanks for sharing it ...

[@Brough1111]

Thank you for sharing your bike and WOW what a great sense of humor!!!

[@fatwasp6458]

Jay. Great video. I really enjoyed this. Thanks for drawing attention to the rich heritage of British bikes. It’s very much appreciated. Cheers from Wales.

[@jimg691]

Thanks Jay, what a great piece of motorcycle history. Fantastic that you get to ride it.

[@artlewellan2294]

Jay's collection suggestion of the day: A rebuilt Honda CMX Rebel. 234cc twin. Swap the stock 33-tooth rear sprocket with a 28-tooth and disconnect the accelerator pump/valve. Rated 70mpg, the Rebel gets 60-65mpg. Disconnect this valve and get 85-90mpg with a wider range of useful low rpm torque. At 20mph, my Rebel in 5th gear will Full Throttle 20 seconds to top speed of 75mph. Dazzling dazzling speed. The sweet spot at 20mph is in 4th gear, 4 seconds to 50mph, 5th gear another 10 seconds to 75mph. Slow but who cares? Jay you gotta try this marvel on a Rebel. Sounds like a song lyric, marvel on a rebel, doo wap a doo wap.

[@Buttermilkbandit]

Love it, thanks for posting. this is the first Jay Leno's Garage for me. I've read the 7 pillars too and it's... ( let's just say) it has an extraordinary amount of detailed descriptions...

[@richardpope3063]

TE was an archaeologist, the design is in the detail.

[@nigelft]

I love this video, not only because Mr. Leno gives a masterclass on a superb motorcycle, but, as volunteer of a steam museum (abet on a hiatus due to health reasons ...), seeing that he has both a marine (possibly dual/triple expansion) engine, plus a rotative engine (single cylinder ...?), mounted on bricks, with the correct brass handrail around it, in the background of this shoot, reminds me of what my museum has in its collection ... So Mr. Leno is not only a petrol head, but seemingly a steam head, too ...

[@TheXeroid]

I could listen to Mr. Leno all day long. Very knowledgeable and great delivery!

[@austin2842]

My grandfather trained for the army at the area where T.E. Lawrence was based, going on to serve with the British 8th Army, 7th Armored Div. (Desert Rats) during WW2. Anyway, he saw Lawrence riding his bike quite a bit, and described him as a madman with a death wish. Said it was no surprise how he went out.

[@spitfire3280]

Just purchased the Model Factory Hiro 1/9th SS100, the kit is a work of art and modeled on Lawrence's GW2275 he was riding when killed. Keep up the good work Jay...a fan from Perth Western Australia

[@StanfordCrane]

Jay is amazing! He knows so much about his toys and he tells us about them in such an entertaining way. Congrats and keep it up!

[@davegunne5824]

Hey Jay...I love your chats on these bikes. You're doing a great job keeping these old girls alive. Facinating. From Oz...Dave

[@christianfischer3267]

Jay's collection is superb in every way. The fact he owns and cultivates the knowledge about such outstanding masterpieces as the Brough emphasizes his claim being a true enthusiast in classic cars and motorcycles.

[@sprngrdave]

Thanks Jay, it's Great that you ride or drive all your wonderful Autos & Motorcycles. And it's Awesome for you to share them with us. I know I could never afford all those Wonderful machines, but at least I can get a bit closer to them through you and these Great videos.

[@ray847]

Love your motorcycle video and great fun listening to your stories in your typical way, very nice to see someone so similar minded (about motorcycles).

[@peteacher52]

Imo, one of your best videos; interesting, clear and factual. Cheers.

[@qwasd0r]

It's great that Jay keeps these things running and rides/drives them.

[@corvusala]

R.I.P. Peter O'Toole.

[@allenazali]

Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed the demo. It is rare for a reason!

[@nathanielpnesakumar9624]

Nice Jay! An awesome review on a vintage bike.

[@jonlen1]

A piece of mechanical art, most truly the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles, Thank You Jay!

[@D_in_DC]

I just heard about the new 2014/2015 Brough Superior. Fantastic motorcycle that is modern but hearkens back to the Broughs of the 1930's. I'll bet Jay gets one.

[@barrydaniels1719]

As a graduate of Art Center College of Design who for two years lived in a boarding house with a bunch of automobile design majors, why wouldn't I like Jay Leno's Garage? One is now head of GM's design program. I used to find clay in the chicken as it was passed around the supper table.

[@JokerrRuth]

I wish Jay could offer a download of his brain; concerning mechanical engineering. I bet this man could drive damn near ANY vehicle on the planet. They ALL have their own nuances. Somebody had to buy all of these old masterpieces, then drive them for us on video so we could experience it too. I've learned a lot. Thank you Jay.

[@cvshasta]

Thanks Jay. Learned a lot about this bike and enjoyed your presentation.

[@chipleach]

Thanks for the tour, Jay!

[@DJWRailroad]

Jay, Jay, Jay, typical Hollyweird. As another commenter on this forum cited, Col. Lawrence was killed when his SS100 swerved to avoid hitting two children on bicycles in the roadway, unseen until seconds before approaching them, ejecting Col. T.E. Lawrence over the handlebars. Lawrence survived for 6 days after that accident, his last heroic deed. On another note, excellent video about the SS100.

[@Rog5446]

I once saw two Brough Superior cars on the same weekend (one Saturday and one Sunday in two different locations) and there's only about six of them on the road in the UK. They were basically Hudsons that George Brough imported in chasis form with 4 litre engines, that he had bodies made for by a coach builder in Birmingham.

[@exb.r.buckeyeman845]

Fabulous to see you keeping the old Bikes going Jay. Greetings from Cornwall.

[@jimclarke1108]

Jay does the talk, and the walk, great guy, great show

[@daiseypaisley]

I could not stop smiling through this whole video. Good stuff Jay.

[@georgesealy4706]

Pretty cool. I learned a lot. Thanks for posting.

[@shananagans5]

Jay,if you ever read this I must say I am very impressed that you ride these old bikes & drive the steam cars. You are a true collector,historian & all around good guy.

[@acadianfever]

Another great vid. Thanks Jay! Awesome bike

[@happyeggs911]

thanks for taking the time to make these videos jay, your garage videos have changed my opinion about you

[@wolfganggugelweith8760]

What a dream of a Motorcycle! Greetings from an old cyclist from Austria 🇦🇹🏔⛷🛶🍺🥨😎👍💐🐺 Europe!

[@russellmarshall5288]

Informative and entertaining. Nice one Jay.

[@sergpinto1]

Great video, thanks

[@thesillyhatday]

Looking at them and keeping them clean is good fun and satisfying. That's only half the fun. You got to take these things miles away, have an adventure to get them dirty. Thar's how to enjoy any vehicle. Jay certainly seems to do that. Fantastic!

[@bscepter]

Saw a couple of these at the Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA. Absolutely gorgeous in person.

[@1990braveheart]

This is the 3rd time I watch Jay video, He is the best

[@kholt1776]

Currently trying to make my way through Seven Pillars. Thanks!

[@ExternalInputs]

Some people (not American) have managed to do a complete rundown of Brough Superior bikes and their history without mentioning Lawrence of Arabia dying on one, but Jay makes it the very first thing he mentions.

[@harveymushman2219]

2019 now...I bet this bike is even looking better in Jay's care than in 2014 if that is possible....Thanks Jay for sharing the love.....

[@campbellpurdie7274]

What a bike, you lucky lucky boy. I'm so envious of your collection.

[@marleymason5479]

Jay knows all his vehicles inside and out amazing knowledge!.

[@brandywell44]

Hi Jay, I really would like a big garage again with interesting things to play with in it. Its not happening right now but my point is just to say a big thankyou for sharing your varied and interesting travel machinary. I get to enjoy vicariously in the comfort of my living room...youre a true gentleman

[@elmowilcox]

What a wonderful machine. Crazy amount of knobs to tend to, that’s wild.

[@ronaldhull1352]

nice to see you use it :) still use my grandads Brough Superior Mk1 and its as near dam 100 years old now :)

[@Ritalie]

This is Jay's funniest video of his entire car and motorcycle video series. His explanation of the oil valves and the engine suddenly locking up if your forget one, or the brakes that don't actually stop, and how the speedometer will cause you to crash haha. Then he says, you'll hope any oncoming vehicles will sacrifice themselves, as to not hit you. This is a great video, and low key hilarious.

[@allenmcdaniel1470]

TOO FUNNY. JAY, I LOVE YOU!!! (AND your bikes, esp. THIS one!!) LENO: Keeper of our mechanical History!!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

great presentation of a great vintage bike and i didnt know it had so many control levers like a plane..amazing top speed for something made almost a century ago!

[@gimmethecarkeys]

cool video Jay! very educational for me, I never really knew that much about these bikes. they sure are pretty though! keep it up!

[@ghahandi]

Jay's Late Show comedy can come up short from time to time- But he is a veritable encyclopedia when it comes to motor collecting. I tried to sell him a 1948 Tucker (I was brokering it)- First question out of his mouth- "Does it back up?" Sheepishly I answered.." UHH...nooo….how did you know?" Love these vids the tongue in cheek when describing things like poor braking issues with a classic- LMAO~! He is a car (and bike) guy- I'll have beers and talk motors with him anytime! Keanu Reeves is another cool bike guy- I would love an Archer- unfortunately-not in this lifetime.

[@SlowEarl1]

hi Jay, You are a class act and you make us guys from Boston proud.

[@simoesc]

Last week i visited the Top Mountain museum in Austria Timmelsjoch. I fell in love with the Brough Superior my god what an elegant bike. Obviously i was riding a motorcycle through the Alps.

[@TurboTyler]

Man that thing sounds great. Better than any Harley. Thanks for the tremendous upload!

[@michaelwyllie7778]

outstanding .gorgeusness .superior indeed ...always wanted one of these...and the sound...is..awesome

[@MrDaiseymay]

+Michael Wyllie It's strange how --over the decades, maker's of ALL engines, strived to make mechanical parts as silent as possible. If you were going to buy a used vehicle, chattering valves and noisey pushrods etc. was a sign of wear, and to be avoided. NOW--listening to this noisey masterpiece from the past, is GREAT.

[@tryarunm]

Hahaha! very pertinent point. My uncle rode a Norton 16H for 20 years, then was grateful for the silence of his new Vespa.

[@richardpope3063]

tryarunm nice to refine ones' taste as age enters the picture. New Vespa are now really powerful me thinks.

[@TheMickvee]

I'm halfway through The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and I am really enjoying it! A bit heavy going, but no more than Dickens. Lovely Brough Jay!

[@patrickkelly7085]

Dickens now you are talking about a great author

[@richardpope3063]

Patrick Kelly What the...D

[@ltuomela]

Really cool bike..never heard of it, love how its so mechanical..

[@stevelorenz6091]

I'm sure there's no compliment Jay had never heard in regards to A responsibility to collect the history Of AMERICANA/ WORLD ,MOTORCYCLES,CARS ETC,. Salutations!!!!! WHAT ID BE SURPRISED TO SEE. Is the rails folks was tared and feathered on and ran out of town However than again. He might just have one. Ooooo the splinters

[@Jeff46u]

Jay you are so correct old iron needs to be ridden not put in a museum. There might be some the love motorcycles as much as I but none love them any more. This comes from a 44 year none stop rider where most of my years my only transportation was my bike just like not at 59. Really enjoy your videos on motorcycles and I all so love steam. Do not have the big steam engines you have but at one time I had over 180 small ones. Keep up the great work. Jeff Macon, GA

[@robpeters2296]

What a fascinating piece of antique mechanical engineering

[@adrianfumi]

Haha! The best review on my favorite motorcycle of all time! That was great! Thank you so much! Anti-stop! Haha!!!

[@groovyhippie1165]

So glad to see this great bike out'n'about and not collecting dust.

[@Azzlad]

Beautiful!

[@kylestarfaux]

what an amazing looking bike. It must be amazing to ride

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

This was delightful, I owned a 1929 brough back in the day, I still can't understand why Jay doesn't wear gloves and glasses every time he rides

[@lancelottavola9685]

great motorcycle SS100, very advanced for year 1935, nice video.

[@tubeengineer]

Jay, this video made my day. When you've made a video for every vehicle you've got you should start again, and with this one :-)

[@michaeldillon9080]

just amazing that is Beautiful

[@johndonahue4777]

I've never owned a car but I have to see all these episodes. I guess I am still deciding what to get. Very interesting and Dr. Leno has the lowdown.

[@bane817]

so cool jay, so cool

[@mattpenner420]

cool bike jay, your very entertaining and educating. you always make me laugh.

[@984francis]

Good job, thanks.

[@yeriaf]

Jay, love your video's.

[@speedfinder1]

For me, the best thing about this motorcycle is that it is in good condition. Personally I'm sad when I see an old classic bike that has been allowed to deteriorate. The owner says, "Oh it is in original condition!" This is not true. "It is in unmaintained condition." George Brough would not have allowed a machine to leave his factory covered in rust or with bits ruined by time...... Well done Jay for keeping the machine in the condition George Brough would have preferred.

[@timpennyan]

Jay sure does know these bikes, history and all!!

[@poppaonboard]

Beautiful looking motorcycle..

[@williamcovey9703]

JAY LENO'S GARAGE: Every gearhead's dream!!

[@brjplummer9415]

Thank you Jay. Love it! Brian Plummer in New Zealand

[@TSK-py2vy]

Love the bike and Jay's delivery but one word: GLOVES!