rewdco Posted April 12 Share Posted April 12 It is a little-known fact that the American Army had ordered several British motorcycles and combinations contracts. Royal Enfield 6HP combinations, Matchless, Rover, Douglas just to name a few: But the other day I found the photograph below. Two French moustaches, but the driver of the outfit could be an American? There are US markings on the petrol tank, but the bike looks very British to me. Does anybody recognise the make / model? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted April 13 Share Posted April 13 Sunbeam? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rewdco Posted April 13 Author Share Posted April 13 Didn't think about that! But I have my doubts, when I look at the pictures of the WW1 V-twin Sunbeams that I have... 😕 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted April 13 Share Posted April 13 https://cybermotorcycle.com/marques/sunbeam/sunbeam-1914-1918.htm I was thinking of the 1916 model with the MAG engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted April 13 Share Posted April 13 Front forks, suspension, tank look similar but looking more closely I concede that the engine is not the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rewdco Posted April 13 Author Share Posted April 13 Indeed, too many differences... But thanks for your input! 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andypugh Posted April 14 Share Posted April 14 Some elements of the New Imperial look the same (tank shifter and oiler, extra right-side pulley, probably for a brake rather than drive) but the magneto drive setup is all wrong: https://images.app.goo.gl/r9tTr4mtewaKaRBc9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rewdco Posted April 14 Author Share Posted April 14 Thanks Andy, it is indeed a New Imperial! I've just done some research... In the spring of 1917 New Imperial (together with several other British manufacturers) had a contract for a number of 8HP solo machines for the Russian Imperial Army: In September 1917 there was another Russian contract, for 8HP motorcycles with a military side car: The Russians did some serious testing of all the British motorcycles and combinations: In February 1918 the US Army also ordered New Imperial (solo) motorcycles: But due to the October revolution in Russia, lots of undelivered Russian contract motorcycles and combinations were diverted to other countries. And so it happened that the Russian contract New Imperial outfits ended up in the US Army... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted April 22 Share Posted April 22 Nice articles Jan! It's known that when the US entered the war, there was not enough equipment to send overseas, so it was locally procured, like the French 75mm. guns etc. etc. Cheers, Lex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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