Photo: Matti Blume / Freisteller: Auge=mit · CC BY-SA 4.0
Brough Superior SS100
79/100 Overall
57 On the road100 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Brough Superior SS100 vs Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
Brough Superior SS100 scores 79/100 overall against Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead on 74/100. On the road: 57–58. As classics: 100–90. Overall result: Brough Superior SS100.
Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
74/100 Overall
58 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Brough Superior SS100 | Harley-Davidson FLH | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 5 | Brough Superior SS100 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 4 | Brough Superior SS100 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 4 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 5 | Brough Superior SS100 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 3 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 9 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | Brough Superior SS100 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Brough Superior SS100 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 8 | Brough Superior SS100 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Brough Superior SS100 if…
you want the ultimate pre-war prestige motorcycle, combining performance, craftsmanship, history and exceptional rarity.
Choose the Harley-Davidson FLH if…
you want relaxed long-distance presence, unmistakable American V-twin character and traditional Harley styling.
Background
History
Brough Superior SS100
The Brough Superior SS100 was produced from 1924–1940 and used a approximately 1000cc air-cooled V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, collector appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Harley-Davidson FLH
The Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead was produced from 1966–1984 and used a Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Brough Superior SS100
- Its production span in this library runs from 1924 to 1940.
- The recorded engine description is: approximately 1000cc air-cooled V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, collector appeal.
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Its production span in this library runs from 1966 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Brough Superior SS100
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Brough Superior SS100. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Harley-Davidson FLH
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Brough Superior SS100
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Brough Superior SS100
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson FLH
Final result
The verdict
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Brough Superior SS100 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Brough Superior SS100 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.