Circulates throughout the world Established 1903

James recognised

The photo is of my grandfather, Willie Evans (always known to his two sons as ‘Captain Bill’), aboard his own James taken near home in Attercliffe, Sheffield in the 1920s. I had not been able to confirm it was indeed a James until now, though my dad was pretty sure it was. But now I know for sure – thanks!

There are one or two details which differ from the (beautifully) restored example in the magazine, but it’s definitely the same motorcycle and the same sidecar too. My grandfather’s outfit had the spare wheel carried between bike and chair as per the James  catalogue illustration in the article, and the valves and springs appear to have some ‘modesty covers’ fitted rather than being exposed on the restored example. The gear lever seems a little longer too, and my grandfather’s outfit also has side-screens fitted – it was after all year-round family transport.

My grandfather must have been very proud of his outfit, and my dad remembered it as having been something a bit special. Your article bears this out and the 1920s James was clearly a very different machine from the one I was familiar with, ie just another badge applied to uninspiring Villiers engined lightweights. The model 10 has a very refined air to it and shows a great deal of care taken in its manufacture, in short a lovely machine that I’m sure it inspires just as much pride of ownership today as it did back in the 1920s.

The James was one of a series of outfits my grandfather owned, including a BRS Norton (a rather unlikely sidecar tug and a little hairy with direct drive and no clutch!) and ending with a 1000cc V-twin BSA, before moving on to four wheels. The outfits carried a family of four from home in Sheffield on innumerable outings as well as the annual holiday to Scarborough or Bridlington.

As an aside (and of course a huge long shot!), I wonder if anyone may be able to shed any light on the fate of my grandfather's bike. Does WA 5765 survive today?

Roger Evans
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