1915 James 600cc 4 ¼ HP side car

Single cylinder side valve

Engine No. J57786

Frame No. 65365

Founded in 1883, The James Cycle Company Ltd became a highly-successful manufacturer of penny-farthings in Birmingham, UK. It initially marketed strongly to the female market, one of the advertising slogans declaring, "Remember – All bicycles are not alike" becoming one of the countless West Midlands bicycle manufacturers to enter the burgeoning motorcycle market.

"The Famous James" renowned for distinction in design and dependability in service and reputed as an affordable commuter vehicle began building motorized bicycles in 1902 and by 1910, complete motorcycles went into production.

At the outbreak of war in 1914, most of West Midlands' motorcycle manufacturers supported the war effort by turning over their production to the army. James supplied pedal-cycles to the British military as well as supplying 4-stroke v-twin motorcycles to the Belgian and Russian armies.

This 600cc 4 ¼ HP, built in 1914 for 1915 release, is equipped with full chain drive and a three speed James gear box with the gear change lever distinctively positioned through a slot in the petrol tank. This sensitively restored example retains original fittings including handle bars, levers, lamps, cables, foot pedals still clearly bearing the James inscription and original tinware housing the fully enclosed rear chain and primary chain. Rear phosphor bronze expanding band brake-lining is original still requiring oiling as per the manual instructions, with spring drive in the rear hub.

We are told by the vendor that this motorcycle's unique Australian history starts with a Mr. Chapman, the local butcher of Port Augusta, SA. It is believed Mr. Chapman bought the James new in 1915. He rode it for about a year until his wife loathingly relegated it to under the house until a Mr. Warren Hicks bought it in 1958. It was then sold to the late Mr. David Provan who undertook the restoration. Originally, it had a wicker sidecar but this had rotted and was replaced with the period sidecar. It was then purchased by the vendor's father who left it to him when he passed away. It has been in the current ownership for twenty five years.

Finished in brown, gold and red, sporting original James decals, acetylene lights, leather tool panniers and superb alloy appointments this is a well preserved veteran side valve single with period side car.

This motorcycle will be sold unregistered.