T.E. Lawrence

T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, was a British archaeologist, military officer, and diplomat who became famous for his involvement in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. But what many people may not know is that Lawrence was also an avid motorcyclist and a huge fan of Brough Superior motorcycles.

Lawrence's interest in motorcycles began in the 1920s when he purchased his first Brough Superior. He quickly fell in love with the sport, finding it to be an exhilarating way to explore the countryside and satisfy his need for speed. Over the years, Lawrence owned several Brough Superior motorcycles, each one customized to meet his exact specifications.

One of Lawrence's most famous motorcycle adventures took place in 1927 when he rode his Brough Superior from London to his home in Clouds Hill, Dorset, in just four and a half hours. This was an impressive feat at the time, as the journey covered over 200 miles and included challenging terrain.

Lawrence's love of motorcycles and association with Brough Superior helped to popularize the brand, which became known for its high-performance motorcycles and stylish designs. He even worked with Brough Superior to develop a new model, the SS100, which he described as the "Rolls-Royce of motorcycles."

Despite his fame as a military leader and diplomat, Lawrence continued to be a dedicated motorcyclist throughout his life. However, his passion for the sport ultimately led to his untimely death. In 1935, Lawrence was riding his Brough Superior near his home when he swerved to avoid two boys on bicycles and crashed. He suffered severe head injuries and died six days later.

Today, Brough Superior motorcycles remain highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike, in part because of their association with Lawrence. The SS100, in particular, is considered a classic of the motorcycle world and is often referred to as the "Lawrence of Arabia bike." Lawrence's legacy as a military leader and diplomat may be well-known, but his love of motorcycles and his association with Brough Superior continue to inspire and captivate motorcyclists around the world.