1959
James Colonel - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 705419 |
|---|---|
| Category | Allround |
| Make | James |
| Model | Colonel |
| Year | 1959 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Single downtube |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Frontsuspension | Hydralic telescopic forks |
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 63.0 x 72.0 mm (2.5 x 2.8 inches) |
|---|---|
| Compression | 7.0:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 225.00 ccm (13.73 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | In-line four, two-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor. Villers |
| Ignition | Magneto |
| Lubricationsystem | Wet sump |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Overalllength | 2,002 mm (78.8 inches) |
|---|---|
| Overallwidth | 860 mm (33.9 inches) |
About James
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Founder:
James Cycle Co. (Birmingham)
Best Known For:
Villiers-powered lightweights and capable trials machines pre/post-war
Company History
James Cycle Co. supplied Britain with honest, light motorcycles from the early 1900s into the 1960s, often powered by Villiers two-strokes. The firm’s commuter singles put workers on the road affordably, while competition variants earned respect in trials, where low weight and tractable delivery mattered more than outright power. Post-war, James became part of Associated Motor Cycles (AMC), sharing components and dealer networks with AJS/Matchless. As cars became accessible and Japanese bikes raised the performance/quality bar, James faded, leaving behind a loyal vintage following. The bikes’ appeal today is clarity: simple magnetos, straightforward gearboxes, narrow tyres that teach smoothness. Historically, James stands for the British lightweight that did daily duty between wars—transport first, hobby second. Preserved examples remind riders that 8–12 horsepower can be deeply satisfying when the chassis talks and the roads are intimate.