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New Imperial was a British motorcycle manufacturer founded by Norman Downes in Birmingham, between 1887 and 1901, and became New Imperial Motors Ltd in 1912, when serious production commenced. New Imperial made innovative motorcycles that employed unit construction and sprung heel frames long before they became commonplace, and were moderately successful in competition. The 1920s were a financially successful decade, enabling the innovations of the 1930s that fought decline. New Imperial suffered financially from the sales-destroying Great Depression of the '30s, and then the founder died in 1938. New Imperial was sold, and sold again, and then ended production in late 1939, its former facilities subsequently serving the needs of a nation at war. ==Before First World War== The history of New Imperial, founded by Norman Downes, goes back to the early days of the bicycle industry in Birmingham. From 1887 New Imperial made bicycle fittings and, later, complete bicycles,〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=New Imperial Owners Association History )〕 possibly after he bought the ailing bicycle business of Hearl and Tonks (founded 1892).〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Ian Chadwick History )〕 It is also said that he created New Imperial in 1901, but no official record of the earliest company formation has been found. Official records do show the formation of a limited company in 1908 called the New Imperial Cycle Company.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Birmingham Clifford Aero History )〕 In 1901 New Imperial made their first motorcycle. The engine was mounted forward of the handlebars with a leather belt driving the front wheel. It failed to sell.〔 In 1910 a bike went into production using a 293 cc JAP engine.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「New Imperial Motors」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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