HOREX Imperator 400 (1955-1960) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Horex Imperator was a naked motorcycle manufactured by Horex from 1955 to 1957. It was the only mass-produced motorcycle powered by a two-cylinder four-stroke engine with OHC valve control built by the maker after the war.

In early 1954, the maker took the Imperator project to the next level, and the new motorcycle entered production in less than half a year. The bike was presented in 1954 and released into the world in 1955.

The bike's visual department was characterized by features such as a round headlight with a chromed housing, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a two-piece dual seat, side-mounted rear shocks, a dual exhaust system with a chromed muffler on each side, wire-spoke wheels, and a center stand.

In the performance department, the 1955 Horex Imperator 400 was powered by a 400cc four-stroke air-cooled parallel-twin engine fed by a single carburetor. It delivered an output power of 26 hp at 6,790 and was assisted by a four-speed manual transmission with a final chain drive.

An Earles telescopic fork on the front and two side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear set the bike's riding characteristics, offering optimum suspension performance and handling capabilities.

For braking power, the motorcycle was fitted with two 190 mm drum braking units, one front and one rear, providing optimum stopping performance.