1914 JAMES 225cc MOTORCYCLE Registration No. FX 3690 Frame No. 91743 Engine No. 7084 Engine: single cylinder, 225cc, ignition by magneto; Gearbox: countershaft two speed; Suspension: coil springs to front forks; Brakes: front wheel. One of a number of pioneering British motorcycle manufacturers, James began building machines in 1902. Established in Birmingham, where much of the industry was developing, the new company initially looked to Belgium for its power, choosing FN units from the outset. However they were soon to build their own engines, offering 297cc two strokes, and then 496cc single and 596cc V twin side valves. Although their designer Renouf created some fairly unorthodox motorcycles, the head, Kimberly kept the company on track and turned to Villiers to provide engines for the range of more conventional James's, of which this an example of their 225cc model. This purposeful machine is confirmed as being of 1914 manufacture, and carries a Pioneer certificate enabling to be run on the annual Banbury run. At some stage the subject of an older restoration, which is now mellowed, the motorcycle presents well, and is competently equipped with a rear carrier, foot-boards, and bulb horn. The registration prefix 'FX' was first used in 1904 by Dorset County Council, so one can assume that this is original to the machine, however little is known of its early history, but more recently it has spent many years in an extensive collection of pre-war motorcycles. In present ownership the James has been run, although it is recommended that re-commissioning be carried out before it is used on the road. Pioneer certificate and V5 registration document are included in the sale.
1914 JAMES 225cc MOTORCYCLE Registration No. FX 3690 Frame No. 91743 Engine No. 7084 Engine: single cylinder, 225cc, ignition by magneto; Gearbox: countershaft two speed; Suspension: coil springs to front forks; Brakes: front wheel. One of a number of pioneering British motorcycle manufacturers, James began building machines in 1902. Established in Birmingham, where much of the industry was developing, the new company initially looked to Belgium for its power, choosing FN units from the outset. However they were soon to build their own engines, offering 297cc two strokes, and then 496cc single and 596cc V twin side valves. Although their designer Renouf created some fairly unorthodox motorcycles, the head, Kimberly kept the company on track and turned to Villiers to provide engines for the range of more conventional James's, of which this an example of their 225cc model. This purposeful machine is confirmed as being of 1914 manufacture, and carries a Pioneer certificate enabling to be run on the annual Banbury run. At some stage the subject of an older restoration, which is now mellowed, the motorcycle presents well, and is competently equipped with a rear carrier, foot-boards, and bulb horn. The registration prefix 'FX' was first used in 1904 by Dorset County Council, so one can assume that this is original to the machine, however little is known of its early history, but more recently it has spent many years in an extensive collection of pre-war motorcycles. In present ownership the James has been run, although it is recommended that re-commissioning be carried out before it is used on the road. Pioneer certificate and V5 registration document are included in the sale.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
