Photo ou archives : M. Woollett
7619
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.