1931 New Imperial Model 17

My initial attraction to this Model 17 was the sprung rear end and the purposeful feel of this forward-looking motorcycle. This particular example was a show model for the Olympia Show, where the model 17 made its debut in 1931.

Overall, the Model 17 presented itself as a standard touring machine, but closer inspection will reveal two major developments; firstly, the sprung rear end, this is a similar arrangement to Phil Vincent's design for the Vincent cantilever rear suspension, which he patented in 1928. While versions of rear suspension had been floating about since the turn of the 20th century, most motorcycles of the time stuck with a rigid rear end. This was New Imperial’s first attempt at rear suspension, using Bentley and Draper’s patent components, it would have certainly stood out at the show. Another first on the Model 17 was the use of unit construction, combining the gearbox and engine into one complete unit. After this first appearance, unit construction New Imperial continued development and by 1938 the entire range was using the firm’s own unit construction engines.