James Comet

The James Cycle Company Ltd of Greet, Birmingham, was founded in 1880 by Harry James and was a well-established manufacturer of both pedal cycles and motor cycles. 

Along with so many other British motorcycle manufacturers of the period, James moved from bicycle production to motorcycles at the turn of the century. Initially making sporting machines, they soon focused on the utility market and made a range of durable and dependable commuter bikes with engines ranging in size from 98cc to 250cc.

Typical of these was the Comet which was launched in 1948 and remained in production until 1964. Initially only available with a rigid frame, it gained plunger-type suspension in 1954 and a rear swing-arm on the Comet L1 model of 1956. All models featured the tried-and-tested 98cc Villiers two-stroke engine. James continued making motorcycles until 1966 by which time the onslaught of cheaper, better Japanese machines forced the company to close its doors for good.

This particular Comet is thought to date from around 1948. Not much is known of the history of the bike but it has clearly been restored at some point in the not-too-distant past. Looking very smart in red with pale blue tank decals, it comes with a V5C but no other documents.