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 James - 500 Grey Ghost
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James Grey Ghost motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : M. Woollett
7619

Capacity : 500
Model : Grey Ghost
Production : 1930 -
Category : (R) Street Bike

JAMES

500 Grey Ghost -1930

Became famous with Karl Abarth

Based in Birmingham, the James company was founded in 1880 by Harry James to build "velocipedes." And like so many other cycle makers, the works began to build motorcycles as soon as practical, reliable engines became available.

Traditionalist Title

Right up to its closure in 1964, the marque retained its original name of "James Cycle Company." After WWII, James only made twostroke lightweights, but its reputation had been earned by more sophisticated machines, of which the most famous was the 5OOcc sidevalve V-twin known as the Grey Ghost.

Own-Make Engines

The first James motorcycles had appeared in 1902, powered by Belgian Minerva engines. A machine with an FN power unit followed in 1904, before James began manufacturing its own engines - initially a 300cc two-stroke and then larger four-stroke singles. The first twin, with side valves, appeared in 1914. It was advanced for its day, with an own-make three-speed gearbox, an all-metal clutch and primary and secondary transmission by chains. In 1928, James launched an overhead-valve model, from which they derived a speedway version, with which an Austrian named Karl Abarth (who later moved to Italy, where he became famous as an automobile tuner under the name Carlo Abarth) achieved early success. The 1930 model had Timken taper roller-bearing hubs and Lucas Magdyno lighting and ignition. The exhaust pipes and mufflers were highly stylized, and the oil pump was mounted on the timing chest.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 49&c (64x77.5mm) air-cooled V-twin four-stroke

Power Rating: 12 hp @ 3800 rpm

Valves: side

Fuel System: single carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed, chain primary and final drive

Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 26 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 346 lb

Maximum Speed: 60 mph

 

The james Grey Ghost 500cc side-valve V-twin was designed for solo or sidecar use, and was also available with a 750cc engine or in speedway tune with overhead-valves.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.