From Nottingham to the Desert Sands
The Brough Superior brand was founded in 1919 by George Brough in Nottingham, England. From the outset, George was on a mission to build the best motorcycles in the world, and he largely succeeded. Between 1919 and 1940, just over 3,000 Broughs were built, each one assembled with meticulous attention to detail. No two were exactly alike.
The marque quickly attracted acclaim, none more so than from one of its most famous enthusiasts: T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence owned several Broughs, his preferred model was the SS100, and famously declared them “the most thrilling thing in life.” Tragically, it was while riding one of his Broughs in Dorset in 1935 that Lawrence suffered the accident that ultimately claimed his life. His passion for the machines, however, helped seal their legendary status.
Where Craftsmanship Meets Protection: LITELOK & Brough Superior
In a world increasingly dominated by disposable design and mass production, LITELOK and Brough Superior stand apart, united by a shared ethos of precision, craftsmanship, and purpose-driven innovation.
In June, Brough Superior was proudly exhibited at Wheels and Waves in Biarritz, one of Europe’s most celebrated gatherings of motorcycle culture, custom builds, and surf heritage. Among vintage classics and futuristic customs, Brough’s presence reminded everyone that timeless design, when paired with uncompromising craftsmanship, never goes out of style.
At Wheels and Waves 2025 in Biarritz, two brands, focused on protecting the riding lifestyle and freedom, and on engineering excellence, finding common ground. When Professor Neil Barron, LITELOK’s Founder & CEO, visited the Brough Superior stand, it wasn’t just admiration, it was recognition. Recognition of a kindred commitment to engineering excellence, materials mastery, and a refusal to compromise.
Watch the visit here!
A Revival
In the 21st century, motorcycle designer Thierry Henriette revived the long-dormant Brough Superior name, not out of nostalgia, but to fuse its iconic style with cutting-edge materials and modern engineering.
Brough Superior has been resurrected with the same obsessive attention to detail that made it legendary. Carbon fibre, titanium, billet-machined aluminium, these aren’t just specs; they are symbols of engineering without compromise, the same principle that drives every LITELOK product.
Models like the SS100, a respectful reimagining of the original, now feature state-of-the-art engines, lightweight frames, and bespoke detailing that rivals the finest in automotive craftsmanship. Just as every Brough motorcycle is assembled by hand to preserve its artisanal integrity, each LITELOK is also hand-built with the same dedication to precision and quality.
Both brands understand that their customers aren’t buying commodities. They’re investing in craftsmanship, safety, and legacy.
•Brough Superior crafts motorcycles that are borderline irreplaceable — bespoke, hand-built, and infused with mechanical purity.
•LITELOK designs security systems worthy of protecting such machines — because when what you own is rare and valuable, your lock must be just as extraordinary.
Aerospace Innovation on the road and beyond
In a move that underscores the brand’s commitment to cutting-edge engineering, Brough Superior’s operations have now been relocated to Toulouse, in the south of France, a city synonymous with aerospace innovation. The factory is situated adjacent to the Airbus campus, and this is no coincidence. Brough has consciously aligned itself with the aerospace industry's standards of precision, material science, and quality control.
Toulouse provides access to a highly skilled workforce, advanced tooling capabilities, and an engineering culture that complements Brough’s philosophy of excellence. It’s a union that blends the high-octane legacy of British motorcycling with the technical rigor of modern aviation manufacturing.
This same spirit of aerospace-driven innovation is reflected across industries, including in advanced security technology. At LITELOK, we drew inspiration from aerospace engineering when developing Barronium®, a fused composite material designed to resist angle grinders. Created over five years in collaboration with Swansea University’s School of Engineering, and backed by UK and Welsh Government support, Barronium® brings aerospace-level technology to consumer security, raising the bar in both protection and performance.
Keeping the Flame Alive
The rebirth of Brough Superior is more than just a business story. It’s a love letter to engineering, to craftsmanship, and to the romance of the open road. It’s proof that even in a world dominated by mass production, there’s still room — and demand — for machines that are made with soul and substance.
Brough Superior is not just a name; it’s a philosophy, one that blends British heritage with French precision, past glories with future aspirations. For riders and engineers alike, it remains a symbol of what motorcycles can be when every detail matters.
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