Saw this on craigslist, interesting 125cc moped. Pedal start. Pretty cool.
https://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/d/west-haven-1940s-famous-james-125cc/7086125295.html
1940s 125cc James Moped
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
That is sweet.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
Yep 2gs....
To spend 8gs restoring for a loss of 4gs
Tough call...
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
neat... that's art though at this point
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
Or 30's scan and remake about the same price ratio but then you can make more.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
The 30's-40's era two strokes of that size were typically making less power than the 49cc mopeds of the US moped era, just like the mopeds of that era are making a fraction of what modern 49cc scooters make.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
Yea, I bet it did 30 in its best days. But it looks cool.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
Doesn't look like 125cc to me. Must be a really long-stroke, low rpm engine.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
A lot of the early motorcycle engines had long strokes. Coukd have been for more top end, or Maybe it was needed for the fuel at the time, it didn't have as high of a flash point as today's gas?
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
That could be. Still looks like a great ride.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
The motor is likely a Villiers . Looks smaller because that's how 2Ts were made back then .Same as my Simplex 125cc :
My Simplex makes 4 HP and will do 50 MPH , on a good day . 40 - 45 comfortably .
The motor design didn't change much since the late 30s , but for a switch from rotary valve to a timed internal crankshaft intake . Not sure if that was the best move , but, much more simple .
Anyway , the Villiers are believed to be a bit better motor , so ...
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
Thanks for the info.! Probably changed trying to be more efficient MPGs.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
They had Villiers engines. It looks alot like a Simplex.
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
My James has a Villiers motor on it. Nice to know my 800$ bike is worth more than 2000$ in USA (more because mine only needs fresh fuel to run... and it is licensed...)
> P D Wrote:
> -------------------------------------------------------
> The motor is likely a Villiers . Looks smaller because that's how 2Ts
> were made back then .Same as my Simplex 125cc :
>
> https://i.postimg.cc/QdQghrpd/HPIM1800.jpg
>
> My Simplex makes 4 HP and will do 50 MPH , on a good day . 40 - 45
> comfortably .
>
> The motor design didn't change much since the late 30s , but for a
> switch from rotary valve to a timed internal crankshaft intake . Not
> sure if that was the best move , but, much more simple .
>
> Anyway , the Villiers are believed to be a bit better motor , so ...
Re: 1940s 125cc James Moped
Rebelmoby! Lo and Behold
Do you have a photo of your James? What is the top speed and is it a peddlar?
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