1930 New Imperial 11B 500cc twin port

[DM]

Looking for info or history on this bike, I have been told it was raced at Mallory Park in the late 70's so hoping someone has a photo of it in action.

[cardan]

Hi DM,

Nice looking New Imp, but are you sure it's a Model 11B? The 11B was the "Blue Prince Deluxe" from 1931, but there are a few things about your bike that look more like a c1929 model. Chas Lipscombe's lovely New Imperial book has details of all the models. Have you dated it from the engine and frame numbers? A pre-1931 date means a ride at Banbury if that floats your boat.

Racing? New Imp did, but not with bikes like this one. It looks like the standard sports roadster, so it may have done a few laps in a vintage parade in the 1970s, but there is nothing at all that suggests serious racing.

What's your plan for it?

Cheers

Leon

[R]

Its difficult to get a match to those mufflers  ?
This 1930 advert notes the new type of mufflers, and everything being chrome plated.

https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/images/b/b8/Im19291205MC-NewImp.jpg

Got a photo of the timing side ?

[DM]

Definately a Model 11B.

Engine frame and gearbox numbers are correct according to Chas Lipscombe, engine and gearbox numbers date it to December 1930.
My plan is to get it back on the road and use it .

Luckily it's reg number is still live with the DVLA and it came with it's old RF 60 showing its owner history back to Aug 1938.

As found picture timing side, before loosely re fitting the parts taken off for storage.
Mufflers I think are later, you can still buy an almost identical one today.
It is cleaning up nicely having had a coat of waxy preservative.

[iansoady]

Looks like a nice project. Keep us informed.

[cardan]

Yes indeed nice project! There was a new rear carrier for 1930 models, but in the depression it's hardly surprising that a "1931 model" bike is wearing the old-style carrier.

By the way, even though the bike is a 1931 model, I believe Banbury Run eligibility is based on the build date, so if the numbers are December 1930 the bike should be eligible? Nice of New Imp to put the build date in the engine and frame numbers.

Cheers

Leon

[cardan]

Some guff from the Show Edition of the Motor Cycle in November 1930.

[cardan]

Double page spread the previous week, 6 November. Full colour.

[DM]

Thanks Leon

My bike seems to have much larger brakes compared to pictures I have seen of other 500 Blue Prince's.

Yes, Banbury run eligibility is manufactured before 1st January 1931 so the 11B just sneaks in, and the magazine extracts are interesting to see.

As a unexpected bonus I also got most of a December 1930 10B engine, and a spare gearbox with the bike when I collected it.

Dennis

[cardan]

Hi Dennis,

Yes most of the photos show the small (5"?) front brake - presumably the standard Model 11. Is your front brake 6"? In the fine print of the article above it mentions the extras you get for an extra 30 bob, including a 6" front brake, larger tyres, steering damper, knee pads and twist grip. Presumably the extras are features of the Model 11B.

Cheers

Leon

[R]

This 1930 advert notes the large car type front brake

https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/images/b/b8/Im19291205MC-NewImp.jpg

[DM]

My brakes are 7" front and rear, bike looks to be right except for the mufflers and mudguards.

[R]

Probably both accessory items when the originals were past it  ?
With rough use back then, and rough roads, mudguards often cracked something terrible,
and the mufflers likely succumbed to rust.  Unless you are chasing a concours finish from the
beginning, both look to be quite serviceable and presentable to begin with ?

Do you have the cover over the clutch, and the rear chainguard. ?

[DM]

Mudguards are good enough to use, I do have the clutch cover and rear chainguard.
Only missing parts are the rear brake rod and some fasteners.

Biggest problem is that the bottom of the combined fuel  / oil tank is rotten.

A tidy bike on the road is the aim, something I can use without worrying about keeping it clean and dry.

[cardan]

Will you be doing the cream wheels? Here's an early photo that suggests this was at least an option https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/new-imperial-owners/New-Imperial-1930-Blue-Prince-NL-Privohome.htm and it's backed up by the "colour" illustration I posted above.

Some bikes even used blue frames?

You could stand out from the pack at a vintage rally on this machine!

Leon

Edit: I see the show edition does mention cream wheels, but not blue frame. The frame looks black in most period illustrations.