1923 New Imperial Model 23
Compared to the purposeful design of the Model 17, this later Model 23 is a great example of the all-purpose nature of New Imperial’s smaller capacity machines. Sales literature at the time quoted: “The recognised pioneer and leader of its class. Suitable for any purpose, running at a minimum cost.” Quite a bold claim, but these were solid, 149cc Unit Motors, with totally enclosed valve gear and a primary drive that utilised helical gears, doing away with the traditional chain the gears were ‘silent in operation, unbreakable and wear-proof.’ By the late 1930s New Imperial had developed well-engineered motorcycles that required minimum maintenance and also kept the prices within the middle of the market, making them an attractive option.
This particular example was restored
by David Turner between 1983 to 1991, after he rescued it from a hedge. A wellexecuted restoration was undertaken at the time, with every detail considered. The condition of the bike to this day is testament to the quality of David's work. The Kent numberplate FKR was registered in April 1939 making this one of the last motorcycles to be made by New Imperial as the marque didn’t survive the war. The FKR numberplate also gave the model 23 its nickname of ‘Little F**K*R’ (you can fill in the gaps!) which remains with it today under its new ownership with Martin Short, who bought the Model 23 in May 2022.
Martin had been searching for a Model 23 for a couple of years but couldn’t find ‘the right one.’ The fascination started when Martin’s father William passed some family photos onto him that revealed his parents (Martin’s grandparents), Harold and Gladys Short, owned a Model 23 in the early 1930s, which once took them on a memorable trip from East London to John O’Groats, Scotland. This trip alone is testament not just to the ability of the Model 23, but also the adventurous nature of Harold and Gladys. After this trip, due to the war they moved out of East London to a chicken farm in Peldon, Essex, where their son William – Martin’s late father – learned to ride the Model 23 (which has a three-speed hand gear change) around the farm, further proof that small capacity machines cater for all and are often that all important introduction into the world of motorcycles.