1950

ORIGIN: Greet, Birmingham

DATES: 1950 – 1953

By 1940, the James Cycle Co had a reputation for making good-quality lightweight motorcycles. Consequently, during during the Second World War, a type of James bike known as the ‘Clockwork Mouse’ was ordered for paratroopers to use after parachuting. The ‘Jimmy’ we have in the museum is a civilian version aimed at commuters. It had a small 98cc engine and pedals for back-up. The James Cycle Co was one of many famous British cycle and motorcycle makers centred around the Midlands – also, as the name suggests, it was like many other manufacturers in having its roots in bicycle production. James started making penny-farthing bicycles in 1880 and motorcycles in 1902 by attaching a Belgian engine onto one of their bicycles.