Harold Karslake

Harold "Oily" Karslake was a British motorcycle enthusiast who is best known for his association with the Brough Superior brand. Grown up in London he developed a passion for motorcycles, beginning his career in the industry as a mechanic and eventually became a sales representative for Brough Superior.

Karslake quickly became one of the most prominent supporters and riders of the Brough Superior brand. He was particularly drawn to the company's high-performance models, which were renowned for their speed and reliability. He was also a skilled rider, and he competed in many races and rallies throughout his career.

In 1928, Karslake rode a Brough Superior SS100 to victory in the London-Edinburgh Trial, one of the most prestigious motorcycle events of the time. He was the first person to complete the course in under 24 hours, and his victory helped to cement Brough Superior's reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles.

Throughout the 1930s, Karslake continued to ride and promote Brough Superior motorcycles. He participated in many races and rallies, including the Scottish Six Days Trial, where he won a gold medal in 1935. He also set several speed records on Brough Superior machines, including a new world record for the fastest motorcycle under 1000cc in 1937.

During World War II, Karslake served as an officer in the Royal Army Service Corps. After the war, he returned to the motorcycle industry, working as a sales representative for several different brands. However, he remained a loyal supporter of Brough Superior until his death in 1960.

Today, Harold Karslake is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Brough Superior. His victories on the track and his passionate advocacy for the brand helped to establish its reputation as one of the most prestigious and desirable motorcycle manufacturers in the world.