The James Cycle Company Ltd of Greet, Birmingham
was founded in 1880 by Harry James and was,
therefore, a well-established manufacturer
of both pedal cycles and motor cycles when
it introduced its model J18 autocycle for
the 1938 season. The early version had a small
fuel tank, no springing and no engine covers;
inverted levers were used for the brakes.
Like all of James's machines at the time,
a Villiers engine powered it.
The autocycle continued for 1939 as model
K18 and at a price of 18 gns [£18.90].
A tradesman's version was also available.
For 1940 it became the L18 and was joined
by a deluxe version: the L20. This used the
new Villiers Junior de Luxe engine instead
of the Junior and also had the luxury of engine
covers.
The James factory was very busy during World
War II. Although this production was mainly
armaments and aircraft fittings, motor cycles
were still being produced. Over 6,000 lightweight
motor cycles were supplied to the armed forces.
The autocycle too was still being made in
limited numbers; these machines were probably
supplied to civians undertaking essential
war work. The factory was bombed and very
badly damaged in December 1940. It was completely
rebuilt within three months; however, nearly
all of the company's archive material was
lost in the bombing.
After the war the autocycle was re-introduced
and given the name Superlux - at a price of
£53 6s 10d [£53.34] for 1948.
It continued until 1949 when it was replaced
by a new, Villiers 2F powered model. Both
models were exhibited at the 1948 Earls Court
Show, the new one being given the Superlux
name and the older model becoming the Standard.
The Standard model was soon dropped from the
range. The new Superlux continued until 1953.
| Bike |
Image |
Description |
| 1914 James |
 |
600cc. |
1915 James 4 1/2 hp, 600cc |
 |
This 4 ½ HP (86x103) is equipped with full
chain drive and 3 speed James gearbox. A new feature
for the 1915 model 4 ½ HP was the gear change
lever that was positioned through a slot in the
petrol tank instead of at the side of the tank This
machine spent a large part of its life in Belgium,
which might indicate it's an ex- army machine. Technically
good, externally not restored. |
1918 James Model 6, 600cc |
 |
|
1920 James Light Solo, 225cc |
 |
The two stroke models had bore and stroke of 64x70
mm, giving 225 cc. In the early twenties the bore
was widened to 66 mm, giving a capacity of 239 cc.
A 2 speed James gearbox is employed. Weight is only
about 150 pounds. A nice example of vintage British
two stroke technology. |
1923 James, 600cc |
 |
|
| 1923 James Model 12 500cc V-Twin |
 |
|
| 1925 James 350cc |
 |
James had entered motorcycle production during
1902 using FN engines, however they quickly progressed
to lightweight two strokes of their own design
and by the 1920's were producing machines with
side and overhead valve singles and vee twins
of their own manufacture in various capacities. |
| 1927 James 3 1/2hp |
 |
Model 12 Sports V-Twin, 500cc. |
1937 James I17 |
 |
|
| 1942 James ML 125 |
 |
Know as the Mechanical or Clockwork Mouse |
1946 James 122ML |
|
Engine - Villiers 9D 122cc, two-stroke single
cylinder
Gears - 3 speed hand shift on tank
Power - 3 1/2 hp
Weight - 150 lbs
Note; This model is shod with original 1945
Dunlop Universal tyres
Top Speed - 40Mph |
| 1947 James ML |
 |
Villiers 9D two stroke engine. |
| 1949 James Autocycle 98cc |
 |
|
| 1949 James Autocycle with 98cc Villiers engine |
 |
|
| 1951 James Auto-Cycle |
 |
|
| 1951 James Captain 197cc |
 |
- Engine - Villiers
- Gears - 3 speed
- Bore - 59mm
- Stroke - 72
James Captain
Gallery |
1956 James Cadet, 147cc |
 |
|
1955 James Villiers |
 |
|
| 1955 James Cadet J15 |
 |
150cc. |
| 1956 James Colonel |
 |
Powered by villiers 225cc 1H two stroke engine.
James
Colonel Gallery |
| 1957 James |
 |
149cc |
| 1958 James Comet |
 |
98cc, 2-stroke single.
James Comet
gallery |
| 1958 James Cavalier |
 |
James 175cc Cavalier L17 1958 |
| 1959 James L17 Cavalier |
 |
175cc. |
1960 James Commodore, 250cc |
 |
|
| 1960 James Comet 150cc |
 |
Image supplied by www.andybuysbikes.com |
| 1961 James Cadet |
 |
150cc. |
| 1961 James Commodore |
 |
|
| 1961 James 250 Commodore |
 |
|
| 1963 James 250 Trials |
 |
Mick Andrews replica. Alan Wright frame, Rickman
hubs, Parkinson barrel standard bore, full circle
crank, polished conrod, 1st and 2nd lowered, Motoplat
ignition, Rock shocks. |
| 1963 James M15 Cadet |
 |
|
| 1964 James Superswift |
 |
250cc, 18 Bhp. |
| James M16 |
 |
|
