1937 New Imperial 500
1937 New Imperial 500 Unit Major Model 17
Way ahead of its time
Few prewar British motorbikes had unit constructed engine/gearboxes. If swinging fork rear suspension was also included in the specification – as on the 1937 New Imperial 500 – the bike was really something out of the ordinary.
Outstanding Sporting Record
Well-known for the outstanding sporting record of its 250 and 350cc singles, the “New Imp” came from Birmingham – center of the British motorcycle industry – where the company had been founded in 1900. The marque was a technological trend-setter – it used double-overhead cams in 1922, and four-speed transmissions and dry-sump lubrication as early as 1929.
Glorious Swan Song
In the 1936 Tourist Trophy, there was a new bike for works rider Bob Foster. Derived from the 250cc production model, the racer had a unit-constructed engine/gearbox, wet sump lubrication, and leaked oil so badly that “Fearless Foster” nicknamed it the “Flying Pig Trough.” It won the Lightweight TT at record speed, covering the 264 miles of the race at an average of 74.25 mph and crossing the finish line without a drop of oil left in the sump! This ultra-rare 500 was built on the same lines as the 250cc and 350cc New Imps, and was the firm’s swan song. The doors closed in 1938. A rescue plan by Jack Sangster of Triumph supported a brief comeback, but the outbreak of World War II on September 3, 1939 dealt New Imperial its final blow.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 499cc (86×86mm) single cylinder four-stroke
Valves: push rod overhead
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: (front) girder forks;(rear) swinging cantilever
Brakes: drums
Wheels: wire
Maximum Speed: approx 70 mph
The rear suspension of the New Imperial 500 acted on a single helical spring with a friction damper whose settings could be altered while the bike was in motion by a big knob under the saddle.
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