New Imperials Time-line
1930 14mm spark plugs, first used in TT.
1931 A New Imperial 500cc OHV V twin was the first British motorcycle to put in more than 100 miles in the hour, lapping at 102-105. The record was 102.25 miles in the hour, Ginger Woods the rider.
1932 Round footrest rubbers Twist grip throttles on all models Knee grips to tank Steering dampers standard (no steering damper on Model 23) Spring frames introduced, Model 16 Total of 1853 machines produced. Assembly line time of 20 minutes for a Model 23. Model 23 road test showed good handling, maximum speed 45-50 mph. Model 23 was under 150cc, so only had a road tax of 15 shillings. A few – four Model 24 and four Model 25 – were produced. These were used for trials and competition. Works riders were unaware that these machines were not 150cc but 175 and 200cc.
MODEL 23 Engine: 150cc Unit Minor. Bore x stroke: 55mm x 62.5mm
1934 3,262 total production. Models 23 (150cc) and Model 30 (250cc) making up 72% of total.
` 500cc V twin racing machine debut at IOM TT.
1937 Spring frame model reintroduced at 3 pounds extra.
1938 Production ceased 13 October, 1938. New Imperial was progressive and a leader in motorcycling manufacturing and technology, but over-stretched their financial resources and were closed down due to a bank overdraft being called in on November 7th 1938.
PRE-WAR New Imperial had raced the 250cc Grand Prix Model and won more races than any other manufacturer except Norton.