1947 Famous James Ml125 on 2040-motos

Other FAMOUS JAMES description

This James is fully restored. It is suprisingly agile, and is a great pleasure to ride it. Engine by Villers. Notice the cool hand shifter on the right side of the gas tank. It has three gears, and the clutch is on the left handlebar just like modern bikes. The saddlebags are good looking and useful for hauling a loaf of bread and a bottle of merlot. The Famous James was popular in the US in the late 50’s. It competed in the neighborhoods with the Harley Hummer’s. Neither of them was a match for the Tiger Cub, but they were a genuine motorcycle and didn’t cost nearly as much.

The James Cycle Company, as it names suggests, was originally a cycle manufacturer and was founded around 1883 - 1884 by Harold James (sometimes known as Henry James.) Some authors shew James as starting in 1870 but this is incorrect.(I thank Birmingham author Ray Shill for his research)

James were one of the earliest successful cycle manufactures in Birmingham and continued making bicycles into the 1950s.

Henry James first appears in the trades directory as a bicycle manufacturer around 1883-84 occupying premises at the rear of 121 Constitution Hill, a former bed making works. Later on the premises are shown occupied by one, Harold James, before the move to Sampson Road.

On May 22nd 1897 the company was incorporated, becoming the James Cycle Company Limited. It is believed that the company at this stage moved to Sampson Road North. Harold James retired from the company at its incorporation.

The first James motorcycle, which was designed by Frederick Kimberley  was produced in 1900 and motorcycle production continued until 1904 and then was suspended, recommencing again in 1908.

The company moved to much enlarged works in Greet in 1907.

In 1911 James pioneered and introduced the all enclosed chain drive with countershaft gear.


During the First World War, James produced over 600 motorcycles for both the Belgian and Russian armies as well as supplying military pedal cycles for the British and Allied governments.  James also still specialised in bicycles, tricycles, tandems and in later on in specially designed tradesmen carrier bicycles.

In 1930 James took over Frank E. Baker Motorcycles Ltd of Alvechurch Road, Northfield, Birmingham.

During The second World War the company was again pressed into war service, making 2600 lightweight military motorcycles. Additionally, two stroke autocycles were also made for the Allied Forces.

The works, which occupied half of Tomey Road, was badly damaged by an air raid in November 1940. Full production was not able to be resumed until 1943.

The manufacture of lightweight motorcycles during the war and possibly the air raid damage, seems to have changed the post war direction of the company, as they never produced a four stroke motorcycle again. Also post war production was changed to exclusively lightweight motorcycles.

James experienced financial difficulties in the early fifties and were taken over by Associated Motorcycles Ltd. (AMC) in 1951. Unfortunately for James, the AMC style of management was not to be its saviour.

In 1956 AMC made the key move that would be the start of the 10 year end for James. Unhappy about the supply of two stroke engines from Villiers and feeling that their engines could be improved upon, they decided to make their own engines which were designed by the Italian, Vincent Piatti. They spent three enormously expensive years developing the engines but they proved to be so troublesome that Villiers had to be employed to rectify them! It was typical of AMC management!

In 1956 the Cadet was given a new frame, the Commando was introduced and the Comet changed.

In 1957 James models were combined with Francis Barnett of Coventry who had been taken over by AMC in 1947. Engines were now AMC!!!!

In May 1960 James announced a scooter, with an AMC 149cc two stroke engine, four speed gearbox and a Duplex frame.

In 1961 it was becoming obvious that AMC were in serious financial trouble. In order to reduce overheads Francis Barnet production was transferred from Coventry to the James factory at Greet in 1962. Both marques continue to appear alongside each other. The range being integrated and similar. Only the colour and badges distinguished the difference between the two marques. (James was maroon and Francis Barnett was arden green)

On August 4th 1966 the end came for AMC and the James and Francis Barnett names disappeared for ever.

Post war models;

99cc Comet
122cc Cadet
197cc Captain(P) The James factory survives in Tomey and Gough Road, Greet.