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£900
c.1955 James Captain K7 trials, Project, 197 cc. Registration number, not registered. Frame number 55 K7 3356. Engine number 59288 E.
Like so many famous and not so famous motorcycle firms, that founded by Harry James in 1880 started out as a bicycle manufacturer. Based initially at Sparkbrook and then Greet in Birmingham, the James Cycle Company built its first motorcycle in 1902. From the mid-1930s onwards James began concentrating on the lightweight two-stroke models for which it is best remembered, and continued the policy after WW2. In 1951 the company became part of the Associated Motor Cycles group, joining Francis-Barnett. Thereafter the two marques' model ranges became ever more similar until the transfer of Francis-Barnett production to the James factory in 1962 ushered in an era of unashamed 'badge engineering'. Villiers engines were used exclusively at first, though from 1957 AMC's own power units were fitted to many models. James first adopted the 'Captain' name for its (nominally) 200cc model for 1950, while both the cycle parts and engine would be upgraded periodically as the years passed.
These well-built machines were an easy conversion to trials bikes and at some point in the past this has happened with this one. Although never completed due to other commitments, the frame has been overhauled and the engine rebuild. Please note there is no oil in it.
There is no paperwork with this lot.
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