Not having enough to do in the winter one tends to gravitate towards internet surfing. On impulse I purchased the James from a little motorcycle shop in Croyden. The guy delivered it for me.
I had some fairly fond memories of owning a Francis-Barnett in my early impoverished twenties. I thought the little James would be an interesting and different addition to the stable.
There were some fairly minor issues to sort before it could go for its MoT. The centre stand was fractured and broken. After several attempts with my arc welder I think I have put enough new metal on it for it to work without breaking again. I have also ordered a push bike prop stand to fit on it because the centre stand is a bit of heave, even though it is a light bike. The lights also needed a bit of work. I have fixed them up so that I can use a 6v battery wired in with a rectifier if I want or just run it with direct lights as intended. The alternator is not quite strong enough to charge the battery when the lights are on, so after time the battery will discharge. Having the switchable battery option makes the bike more MoT friendly. New chains and rear sprocket and that was about it.
So what is it? A 1965 James Cadet 150cc 2-stroke. It is fitted with an AMC engine. Chain primary drive, 3 speed gearbox, direct lights (they work when the engine is running). Quite decent finish but the wheels are painted silver rather than chromed and the exhaust system is getting a bit tired.
Starting. Normally very easy. Tickle the carb if cold and usually first or second kick fires it up. It is very easy and light to kick over.
Riding. The riding position is standard 'tourer Brit'. A nice low seat height lets me plant my 29" inside leg legs firmly on the ground. The handlebars are quite narrow. The clutch is a tad heavy for such a small machine but not unpleasantly so. On the move the gears engage well, occasionally a false neutral can be found between 2nd and 3rd. The drum brakes are quite effective and can bring the bike sharply to a halt if both are used. The centre stand does ground sometimes when cornering enthusiastically, this might become a bit of problem 2 up with the suspension compressed more. The handling is pretty good and one feels one can chuck the little bike around with confidence. The suspension is a bit rudimentary but generally copes pretty well. Over 45mph some vibration can be felt through the handlebars. The bike cruises easily between 45 and 50mph with about 60mph being its top speed. On hills I would wish for a 4 speed gearbox. The gap between 2nd and 3rd is a bit too big and 1st is a little too high for the power available.
Pros. The bike is very light and easy to ride. Easy starting make it a delight to use for local trips to the shops etc. Excellent economy. I haven't measured it but I must be getting at least 80mpg.
Cons. The bike would benefit from a 4 speed box. The lights and horn are all a bit weedy especially for unlit country roads. There is no toolbox. With a 2 stroke you need to carry some oil to mix with the petrol, a basic tool kit including a plug spanner and a spare plug. A whiskered plug can leave you stranded if you can't remove it. I have bought a small topbox to carry these items in as well as shopping. There is no reserve tap so you need to keep an eye on the petrol in the tank. The bike does need a prop stand because the centre stand is heavy to get the bike on and off. There is no obvious place to fit a propstand on the near side. I am hoping that a bicycle propstand clipped to the off side passenger footrest tube will do the job.
Spares: Consumables are fairly easy to source. I think spares for the AMC engine might be tricky but I haven't tried yet. These little bikes are not as well catered for as the bigger 4 stroke British bikes.
In conclusion a very user friendly little bike that is great for short journeys. Most of the shortcomings (except the 3 speed box) can be addressed with a few owner modifications. Particularly good for the older motorcyclist who does not want to be heaving too much heavy metal around any more.
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