The Motorcycle Challenge

[Homer]

We have a winner! 1958 Ariel 650 Cyclone.

[Dannie Boy]

I'm sure this won't be too difficult - what's this bike and what's so special about it?

[PeteC]

Pixar studios used it as a template for WALL-E?

[Dannie Boy]

Well they might have done, but that wasn't what I was looking for!!

[dtaai-maai]

what's so special about it?

...it has eyes!


EDIT: I don't know what it is (1930s?), but are the twin headlights what make it special?

[Dannie Boy]

what's so special about it?

...it has eyes!

Yes sort of but......

[pharvey]

Lawrence of Arabia's bike......

[Ginjaninja]

the levers are the wrog way round....!?

edit: oh and hand gear stick?

GN.

[STEVE G]

Lawrence of Arabia's bike......

I know nothing about motorbikes but T.E. Lawrence famously died on a Brought Superior. I think it was the first motorbike capable of 100 mph.

[Dannie Boy]

There is a TE Lawrence connection, so yes a Brough Superior, but which model and a bit more about this bike?

[pharvey]

There is a TE Lawrence connection, so yes a Brough Superior

[kendo]

I think it's a Brough Superior SS100 TE Lawerence owned eight of these motorcycles and the one he was killed on I think Cline Hill Dorset was custom made for him by William Brough.

Three years before he died he was stationed in Hythe where I live about 250 meters from my house is Mrytle Cottage he lived there for about a year. There's a plaque on the wall outside.

He was seconded to RAF Hythe Power Boat Company I live on part and next to the original site.

Kendo.

[Dannie Boy]

I think it's a Brough Superior SS100 TE Lawerence owned eight of these motorcycles and the one he was killed on I think Cline Hill Dorset was custom made for him by William Brough.

Three years before he died he was stationed in Hythe where I live about 250 meters from my house is Mrytle Cottage he lived there for about a year. There's a plaque on the wall outside.

He was seconded to RAF Hythe Power Boat Company I live on part and next to the original site.

Kendo.

It is indeed a Brough Superior SS100 and although this particular bike was not linked to Lawrence, it was going to Auction yesterday and it was predicted to break the world record for a bike, which it did indeed achieve at £315,000.

[kendo]

TE Lawrence's bespoke bike was personally built for him by William Brough for the astronomical sum of £170 so £315,000 is one hell of a return!

TE Lawrenece was also known as TE Shaw.
Kendo.