Bike Identification

This gallery covers as many as possible of the models produced by New Imperial from 1914 to 1939. It is not possible to illustrate each model, but pictures representative of each family of models are provided, with explanatory notes.  Click on the links at the bottom of the page to find the years in which each model was produced, and to see other useful information.

Identification by engine and frame numbers: Up until 1925 JAP engines were used (Google ‘JAP engine number codes’).

From late 1925 to October 1927, letter codes were used for engines and frames:

• A = 250cc OHV Model 5
• B = 300cc SV Model 1
• C = 350cc SV Model 3A
• D = 350cc SV Model 2
• E = 350cc OHV Model 6

From October 1927 until the end of production, a coding system was used which enables the date of manufacture and model number to be easily determined.

The following example illustrates the code:
123/12345/23 = December 1933 Model 23. The first two or three numbers give the month and year of manufacture, the central numbers are a unique serial number, and the last set is the model number. However, there can be some confusion: 128 could be December 1928 or December 1938 ~ in this case the model number needs to be matched to its period of production.

See tabs at the bottom for more model dating charts.

			New Imperial Single Cylinder SV Machines
			Capacity: 293cc Model Years: 1914 - 1919 These machines were initially clutch-less and push-start with two speeds. From 1915, kick starts and clutches were introduced.

	New Imperial V-twin 680cc and 980cc SV
	Capacity: 680cc - 980cc Model Years: 1915 - 1929 Manufactured from 1915 to 1929 with capacities of 680cc and 980cc SV. From 1924 the fuel tank became wedge-shaped.

			New Imperial Flat Tank Machine 1919-1928
			Capacity: 250cc - 350cc Model Years: 1919-1928 Typical flat tank machine with 250cc or 350cc JAP side valve engine.

	New Imperial OHV Engine Model 5
	Capacity: 350cc Model Years: 1926-1927 250cc Model 5 or 350cc Model 6 OHV flat tank: the first machines with a New Imperial OHV engine

			Typical New Imperial Machine 1928-1931
			Capacity: 350cc - 500cc Model Years: 1928-1931 Typical machine with 350cc or 500cc OHV twin port engine.

	Typical New Imperial Machine 1928-1932
	Capacity: 350cc - 500cc Model Years: 1928-1932 Typical machine with 350cc or 500cc OHV engine.

			New Imperial Saddle Tank Machine 1928-33
			Capacity: 250cc - 350cc Model Years: 1928-1933 Typical saddle tank machine with 250cc or 350cc side valve engine.

	New Imperial Model 16 / 17 OHV Machines
	Capacity: 350cc - 500cc Model Years: 1932-1934 350cc Model 16 or 500cc Model 17 OHV unit construction engine with optional sprung frame.

			New Imperial Model 23 OHV Machine
			Capacity: 150cc Model Years: 1932-1939 150cc Model 23 OHV unit construction engine. New Imperial’s longest-running and highest-volume model.

	Model 50 and 60 OHV Grand Prix Machines
	Capacity: 250cc - 350cc Model Years: 1933 - 1935 250cc Model 50 or 350cc Model 60 OHV Grand Prix. Over-the-counter Clubman machines for road or race use. Pistol-grip fuel tank.

			New Imperial Model 30, Unit Super
			Capacity: 250cc Model Years: 1933-1935 The Model continued in 1935 - 36 but was then based on the 350cc Model 40, having a visually similar but overall bigger engine. Engine parts are not interchangeable between the two types.

	New Imperial Model 40 Machine
	Capacity: 350cc Model Years: 1934-1936 350cc Model 40 OHV unit construction engine. Visually similar to Model 30 but bigger all round.

			Model 70 or 500cc Model 76 Sport
			Capacity: 500cc Model Years: 1935 - 1936 500cc Model 70 or 500cc Model 76 sport. OHV unit construction engine.

	SV Model 80 (1935) or SV (1936) Machine
	Capacity: 500cc - 550cc Model Years: 1935 - 1936 500cc SV Model 80 (1935) or 550cc SV (1936). OHV unit construction engine.

			250cc Model 90, 350cc Model 100 OHV
			Capacity: 250cc - 350cc Model Years: 1936 1936 250cc Model 90, 350cc Model 100 OHV. One year of production only.

	350cc 46, 100, 500cc 76, 110 Twin Port OHV
	Capacity: 250cc - 350cc Model Years: 1937-1939 250cc Model 36, 350cc Models 46 & 100, and 500cc Models 76 & 110. Unit construction engine, twin port OHV optional sprung frame.