Swiss luxury watchmaker Richard Mille and motorcycle builder Brough Superior debuted a unique co-branded, high-end, track-focused motorbike earlier this month.
Richard Mille (founder of Richard Mille) and Thierry Heriette (CEO of Brough Superior) worked in close collaboration for eighteen months, producing twelve iterations to achieve the ultimate production model, the RMB01 Motorcycle, available in three variations, in a limited numbered edition of 150 bikes total.
Co-Branded
“Breaking with convention in every aspect — materials, technical solutions, shapes, and design — this bold construction is the result of a constant creative one-upmanship that succeeds in preserving the aesthetic codes specific to each brand,” according to Richard Mille.
Design
“Inspired by Boardtrackers, the first racing motorbikes to appear in the United States in the 1910s, the RMB01 pays tribute to the raw and radical spirit of these machines. A completely uncluttered engine, a slimline fuel tank finished off by a minimalist seat, and a typical ‘dropper’ racing post. These were the directions Richard Mille provided to steer Brough Superior in the design of this bike. Taut and muscular elliptical lines lend the machine a dynamic, feline silhouette, its lightness enhanced and accentuated by extensive skeletonisation and a design that suspends it from a backbone.”
Dashboard
Speaking to the Richard Mille USA team, they stated, “The dashboard is both mechanical and electronic, and incorporates titanium wheels. It shows a tachometer, speedometer, and indicator lights. It takes visual inspiration from the RM 40-01.”
Wristwatch Inspired
In addition to the Richard Mille RM40-01 for the dashboard, the crankcase draws design inspiration from the RM 022, and the engine casings are inspired by movements of the RM 003, RM 002, and RM 021.
Powertrain
Boasting 130 hp, the Brough Superior x Richard Mille RMB01 Motorcycle features a 997cc water-cooled DOHC 88˚ V-twin four-stroke motor with four valves per cylinder and composite chain/gear cam drive (94 mm x 71.8 mm). The power is controlled by a 6-speed cassette-type gearbox and a multiplate oil-bath clutch with hydraulic operation, APTC slipper clutch. The sculptural 997cc twin-cylinder engine, crafted from solid blocks of high-quality aluminium (5000 series alloy, with a high magnesium content), feature casings entirely machined by a 5-axis numerical control machine. Weight is optimized by a precise contour of the internal parts and numerous recesses. The process took 160 kg (352 lbs) of raw material and resulted in 23 kg (50 lbs) of finished parts.
Frame and Suspension
All components were designed and engineered specifically for this ultra-exclusive motorcycle. The RB01 Motocycle features a forged carbon frame, a self-supporting exoskeleton, combined with a structural engine entirely machined from solid blocks of aircraft-grade alloy. The same goes for the running gear (swing arm and fork). The front suspension consists of a Fior-type CNC-machined aluminum fork with twin articulated triangular links and preload and rebound adjustable monoshock with 85 mm travel. The rear suspension is constructed with a CNC-machined aluminum Swing Arm pivoting in engine crankcases, with monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping, and a progressive rate link with 113 mm travel.
Exclusive Availability
The RMB01 is a limited series of 150 units. Each motorcycle is manufactured and hand-assembled in France, and tested on a bench to ensure optimal performance. Three versions are available: Pearl of Speed, Selene, and Nocturnal Sapphire. The price is 200,000 Euros, and purchases are made directly with Brough Superior (not Richard Mille).
Final Thoughts
Being part of a race bike design — not just designing a gauge cluster — from start to finish, with results like this, is impressive. Multiple parallels between watchmaking and motorcycle mechanics were co-developed, such as the visible electronic and mechanical speedometer, innovative use of materials like forged carbon, and wheels that replicate the layering of gears in watch movements. Watch design elements that were added to the crankcase, components inspired by numerous Richard Mille mechanical watch movements, and the overlapping of hubs and disc rotors with matching designs that suggest a mechanical stacking system similar to a tourbillon, result in a distinctive limited edition luxury product that appeals to both fans of handcrafted motorcycles and watches.
Learn more at Brough Superior and Richard Mille.
Photos by Richard Mille.
