The James Cycle Company was a British firm that had a 70 year run that abruptly ended in 1966 when Japanese imports started to dominate the market. Until then, they produced plenty of bikes (most of which were painted maroon) with Villiers and AMC engines. One of their more popular models was the James Captain you see before you.
Using a Villiers 8E 197cc 2-stroke engine, and a 3-speed transmission, this was barely changed between ’54 and ’59. The ’56 model got a longer silencer and a little bit of extra weight. For all the information you could want about the “Famous James”, check out the James Motorcycle Website.
This specific James Captain is numbers matching and comes with aftermarket carb, new rubber, and a new chain. It’s been restored and is claimed to be in great condition for its age. You’ll also get a spare engine and carb – not bad.
Find this James Captain for sale here on ADVRider (registration required) in Ontario, Canada for $3,500.