Every now and again we see this sort of thing – a tie-up between a famous car brand and a motorcycle maker, producing a slightly weird, generally over-priced piece of kit, that appeals to a niche audience of well-heeled petrolheads.
We’re not talking about proper car/bike firms like BMW or Honda here mind: both of those firms have well-defined divisions that concentrate on four or two wheels, and make their own machines for those sectors.
Rather, we’re thinking of the special edition Ducati Lamborghini models which have appeared in the last decade, or the KTM/Brabus partnership that has produced some very trick limited-edition Super Dukes.
And here’s the latest: the Aston Martin AMB002 Roadster, produced in association with Brough Superior Motorcycles (AMB stands for Aston Martin Brough). This is a very fancy option on two fronts: Aston Martin is a niche supercar maker in its own right, and Brough Superior is a modern re-interpretation of an old classic brand, with very high-end bespoke engineering.
The modern Brough bikes are made at a factory in Toulouse, France, in very low numbers, with hand-made engine and chassis designs that evoke the original 1930s superbikes but with modern performance.
The first ‘AMB’ machine was the AMB001 – a non-road-legal concept bike, complete with 180bhp turbocharged motor. But this new bike is road-legal, which implies a new level of seriousness about the project.
It still looks like a one-off concept machine mind, more in the vein of a movie prop from the latest Batman movie, or the Marvel cinematic universe. The heart of the AMB002 Roadster is based on the same powertrain platform seen on the other Brough machines: an all-new 1,083cc four-stroke water-cooled V-twin engine making 130bhp with 110Nm of torque.
The firms say it’s been tuned for strong low and mid-range torque with a smooth and thrilling top-end with accessible, exhilarating performance. Designed, machined and assembled in-house at Brough Superior’s plant, the AMB 002’s engine features engine cases CNC-machined from billet which means superior optimisation for weight reduction and structural efficiency.
The motor sits in a unique super-light titanium frame. Milled from a solid billet of the tough metal, it forms a structural spine; a striking feature of Brough Superior’s unique backbone architecture.
Weighing just 5kg – a fraction of the weight of a conventional design – the AMB 002’s frame is key to achieving a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. With an exceptionally low centre of gravity – achieved with the help of carbon fibre body panels and fuel tank – the AMB 002’s centralized mass creates an immediate sense of balance and agility.
Combined with its lightweight build – just 190kg – and strong low and mid-range torque, the AMB 002 looks like it should have pretty brisk performance on tap.
The AMB 002 also has a very funny front end. The distinctive double-wishbone ‘Fior fork’ front suspension is a trademark of the Brough bikes, and gives a unique look to the front end.
Avoiding the compromises of conventional telescopic forks, the Fior design separates steering and braking forces while maintaining precise control of the front-end geometry. An evolution of the system developed for the AMB 001 Pro, the AMB 002 delivers outstanding steering precision and agility while also giving the rider confidence-inspiring stability through high-speed corners.
And, thanks to the Fior system’s anti-dive characteristics also give it exceptional stability under braking, especially when braking while leaned over into a corner.
The styling is dominated by the carbon fibre fuel tank and side fairings, while crescent-shaped gills aid engine cooling and streamline the airflow. Wire-design stalks for the low-slung mirrors embody the AMB 002’s lightweight construction.
The Aston Martin design influences are easy to see. The car firm’s iconic side-strake has been reimagined, piercing through the side fairing and extending forwards to encapsulate the headlamp. Twin oval exhausts feature ribbed heat sinks which echo the exhaust finisher design of Vanquish, DB12 S and DBX S.
An array of rear light blades are the same type as those seen on the tails of the Aston Martin Vulcan, Valkyrie and Valhalla hypercars, while keyless function, a backlit ignition button and hand-crafted saddle leather seat pads bring touches of luxury and craftsmanship found in Aston Martin’s series production road cars.
Marek Reichman, chief creative officer of Aston Martin, said: “Having created two of the most remarkable track-only motorcycles ever built in the AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro, it was always a long-term dream to make an Aston Martin motorcycle for the road.
Combining the bold design aesthetic and pioneering engineering innovation which define Aston Martin and Brough Superior’s work to-date, the AMB 002 is the vivid expression of our shared passion for sculptural, visceral, covetable machines.
It promises an ownership and riding experience unique in the world of motorcycling; an irresistible road bike for keen motorcyclists and discerning collectors alike.”
Thierry Henriette, president of Brough Superior Motorcycles Sas, added: “This motorcycle is truly one of a kind, both in its design and in the riding experience it delivers.
Every bit as striking dynamically as it is visually, this razor-sharp roadster offers exhilarating sensations, creating the impression of becoming one with a lightweight, precise blade, propelled by our all-new, even more powerful engine.
The rider’s upright posture and the completely unobstructed field of vision combine to create a unique feeling of gliding above the road with absolute confidence and complete control.”
And Stefano Saporetti, director of brand diversification for Aston Martin commented: “What began as an ambitious union of two historic British names has evolved into a powerhouse of luxury co-creation.
The commercial journey from our first limited run to our current portfolio proves that the appetite for Aston Martin’s design language extends far beyond four wheels when paired with Brough Superior’s unparalleled engineering. This is a partnership that has successfully transitioned from a milestone debut to a proven, long-term driver of brand value.”
Initial orders are now being taken for the hand-built strictly limited (to 300 bikes) AMB 002, with deliveries commencing in Q3 2027. No confirmed price as yet, but expect a tag well over £100k.
More information: www.brough-superior-motorcycles.com.