Editor’s note: Welcome to National Treasures, where we’ll be featuring many of the amazing vintage motorcycles on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. Of course, nothing beats viewing the museum’s amazing vintage motorcycle collection with your own eyes, so be sure to visit the National Motorcycle Museum website and plan your trip today. 

 
1927 Brough Superior Pendine SS100. 

This 1927 Brough Superior Pendine SS100 is one of several Brough's on display at the National Motorcycle Museum. Brough Superior motorcycles were produced in the U.K. from 1919 to 1940. The estimated total production for those 21 years is 3,048 motorcycles, with around 1,000 still in existence.

T.E. Lawrence, more commonly known as Lawrence of Arabia, owned seven Brough's and died from injuries while crashing one. George Bernard Shaw was another celebrity who was enthusiastic about the brand.

Enjoying legendary status among classic motorcycle enthusiasts, the Brough Superior was dubbed the "Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles" by J.D. Teague of The Motorcycle newspaper.

Editor’s note: Welcome to National Treasures, where we’ll be featuring many of the amazing vintage motorcycles on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. Of course, nothing beats viewing the museum’s amazing vintage motorcycle collection with your own eyes, so be sure to visit the National Motorcycle Museum website  and plan your trip today. 

1911 Detroit motorcycle 
Claimed power: 4hp
Engine: 30.5 cubic inches (500cc)
Suspension: Leading link front fork, rigid rear
MPG: 2gal gas tank; 80-100mpg quoted

 
This 1911 Detroit motorcycle is one of just a few remaining examples from
a short-lived manufacturer.   

The 1911 Detroit motorcycle was designed by a Mr. Breed of Bay City, Mich., (his first name isn’t known) for the Detroit Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. As reported in the Dec. 17, 1910 issue of The Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review, the company was bought by James J. Brady, who had made a fortune with both the Chalmers and Hudson Motor Companies. He offered plans to manufacture Breed’s design starting in January 1911, and hoped to produce 250 machines per month during that year.

The Detroit was a clever, 4hp, 500cc, belt-driven motorcycle with oversized frame tubes that hid fuel, oil, tools and batteries (if coil ignition was used instead of a magneto). The handlebar shape, the unique fork and narrow frame might remind one of a flying horse.

A sales slogan for the Detroit claimed the motorcycle was “simply remarkable and remarkably simple,” but it was expensive for its day. Despite its innovation and handsome styling, it never took off. It is not known how many machines were actually made past the three test bikes reportedly running in late 1910. Here's a short video of the Detroit: