James 'Model 12' 1925 V Twin 500cc

Don reviews a beautifully restored 1925 James motorcycle, affectionately known as 'A Jimmy'. Although in later years James motorcycles were known for producing 2 stroke bikes, in the 1920's they produced 4 stroke machines from 250cc to 750cc. This 500cc bike was thought of as the ace in the pack and each bike was tested to 65mph.
Don feels that James was a very honest manufacturer, producing most of the components that went into the bikes themselves.
It has a 3 speed hand change gearbox and 2 levers to control the petrol and air intake. Balancing the 2 levers is part of the skill and pleasure in riding these old machines.
In Don's words 'the Jimmy is a real cracker'.
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[@gadrian58]

When I was about 14 I saved £2.10 shillings from my paper round and bought a little 1955 James 98cc Comet. It had a large saddle and a two speed hand change gears mounted on the handlebars. I lived in a quiet part of the Kent country side and my neigbour came out when he saw me push it home and showed me how to start it. I kept stalling it as I tried to pull away but on about the 3rd attempt like magic it pulled me up a steep muddy hill and out onto the little single track lane. I was sweating like a pig after pushing it home but the little james took me up the hill as fast as I normally went down it on my bicycle. And with my open shirt flapping in the airstream on a hot summers evening with its little motor hummed between my legs I fell in love with motorcycling. Happy days !

[@twinphill900]

Great story 👍

[@daisychain8622]

Can we have more from this guy.

[@anup2282]

I would love to spend time with this guy he knows alot of the lot.

[@davidaustin2172]

Sounds and looks wonderful. Talking about size, things are so complicated these days they just get BIGGER! I had a Honda 250 Super Dream years age. From recollection the engine must have been almost double the size of that 250 Jimmy! Working on a modern engine is a nightmare, but anyone with a few spanner’s could strip and repair Jimmy with ease.

[@rcnelson]

Surprising how modern it sounds.

[@manitobaman5588]

Greetings from Canada. Great review and ride. Bob

[@timcolledge3732]

Can't beat 1920s motorbikes!!

[@VasantKamal]

beautiful bike & beautiful demonstration!!! Mr Don u have a fan of yours in india

[@decadantdog4444]

I love the sound of old British twins.

[@harryviking6347]

Loved the sound!!

[@kidglove100]

Very nice bike so beautiful

[@martinlanigan9202]

Very fast for that time

[@retrothingz]

The "Famous" James

[@johndavidwolf4239]

For those in the USA, his 55 mpg was most likely miles per IMPERIAL gallon, for US gallon it would be 44.

[@admiralbeez8143]

That used to cause confusion in Canada when we read or watched US car ads, as mpg in Canada was always imperial gallon until we switched to the litre.

[@randyrick8019]

Very nice early machine, I'm surprised that it wasn't better known.

[@asd36f]

Trials in the 1920's were a lot different from trials in the 1960's and 1970's :-)

[@bluesharp59]

Nice Bike and a Thumbs Up Liked for you.

[@lecaillenoire9146]

Magnifique!

[@stanleydenning]

This is a motorcycle I have never heard of before. Charming.

[@torrycole6477]

I’ve never heard of them either! I thought I was fairly schooled on vintage motorcycles.

[@pauliebots]

Little cameo of Josh the hooch man!

[@tgrrz129]

Sir please give me one...is very beautyful

[@rogerhector3821]

great sound

[@_1ben]

And thus jimmy cracked corn and i don't care was born

[@bertmonroe2605]

Thanks alway a pleasure great review wonderful bike

[@agusgede5496]

WoWw

[@hawaiisidecar]

Just beautiful!

[@hoxtonmoto]

It really is!

[@danb37]

Does this motor use a shared crank pin design

[@hoxtonmoto]

Sadly, we don't know. But suggest you contact the James Motorcycle Owner Club or the VMCC for detailed information, they may be able to help.

[@rogerlabarr8578]

Lovely!

[@tcdixon1]

Where was the clutch located?

[@larrytownley2231]

Foot clutch! !