James 1915 No. 6 4¼ HP 598cc 1 cyl sv combination 3503

James 1915 “ No. 6” 4¼ HP 598cc side valve combination frame # D6834 engine # 4727

The James Cycle Company became a public company in 1897. Then Harold James, the founder of the company, quietly retired from the scene. When the first James motorcycle was marketed in 1902, Harold had already passed away. The veteran James models were merely strengthened bicycles with Derby and Minerva engines. Later on FN engines were used. The firm prospered and already in 1912 countershaft gears were offered on James machines. For 1913 six variations of the 86x96mm bore x stroke 3½ HP model were offered, varying from a single speeder belt driven option (“James No. 1”) to a three speed countershaft machine (“James No. 6”), the latter being more than 20% more expensive. A notable feature of this engine was the cylinder layout with “staggered radiators” as the company put it. This typical layout of the cooling fins would become a James trademark. In 1914 the range was widened to suit every type of customer: there was a 495cc 3½ HP twin that was especially designed for solo work, the 3½ HP single got a 103mm stroke and was upped to 598cc and 4¼ HP to satisfy the sidecar enthusiasts and last but not least a 225cc two stroke model was available for those who preferred a light and economical machine.
During the Great War James supplied machines to the English, French, Belgian and Russian armies. James continued making mostly four strokes in the twenties, but after 1930 the range focused on two strokes of less than 250cc capacity. In the early fifties the company came under control of the Associated Motor Cycles organisation and about ten years later production stopped.
New for 1915 was the position of the gearchange lever that moved from the side of the petrol tank to a slotted opening in the tank close to the top tube.
The combination we present is an older restoration that comes with Powell & Hanmer acetylene lighting system, Bosch magneto, Eversure bulb horn, internal expanding band brake to the rear wheel and sprung footboards.