JAMES CADET 125cc 1954. full sympathetic restoration

James Cadet 125cc.

This bike is 60 years old. It began its life up in Scotland. The story of this bike is what makes it that bit special. how many bikes or cars of this age can be traced back to the original owners. well this has only had 2 previous owner before me. The gentleman whom we purchased the james from. had owned the bike from 1983. this was by default really. it had belonged to his grandfather. he had bought it when it was only a couple of years old. he had used it as his main form of transport and had used the james every weekend for salmon fishing. hence the bags on the back. these were the pictures that were used when we went to Scotland to purchase the bike.

When his grandfather died. as a young boy he had used the bike in the fields. bent the forks and then just left it to stand in the garage. a few years later he decided to rebuild the engine. new pistons etc. When we collected the bike it was last on the road in 1983. the old tax disc was still on it. we got the bike running in a relatively short time. then began the strip down. The bike was nut and bolt stripped. the frame. wheel rims. tank. small dent included) chain guard. tank trim. side box etc. all powder coated. I managed to source new forks from the same model of bike and with a lot of searching many other essential parts. The wheel rims were powder coated. (as they were in those days). They have been fully re spoked in stainless. All parts are virtually new. Handle bars. grips. levers. cables. all bearings. chain. replica badges. seat. peg rubbers. rear light. headlamp grill. The tyre and tubes are new. the bike has been rewired. the dip switch new. new gasket set from Villiers for the carb and engine. the exhaust header pipe is original. but the angles were made to relocate the exhaust and a new Sammy miller exhaust fitted. The new alloy mudguards have been used and lifted for that trials look and the overall appearance is  that of the pre 65 trials. albeit the frame is original and not as sturdy as the original trial bikes. The bike has a side stand fitted that came from a vintage bike and works a treat. I have had the bike tested. not because it needed it. but just to make sure all was as should be. I have ridden the bike a little. but it probably needs a bit of setting up. not used to wooden brakes. all a bit vague. used to modern bikes nowadays. This isn't concourse. its a sympathetic restoration. great for the enthusiast to take to shows or even on the bike runs. r 2 stroke meets. we are reducing our collection a little ready for the next project. what that will be. I have no idea at the minute.

This bike has the original registration. and is transferable. we have had it valued at ?1200. We thought it a shame to separate them and believe it give the bike a much better sense of thehistory. The helmet and goggles in the picture are not included in the sale. the bike can be viewed anytime. any questions please email me or ring. Dianne on 07578473937. The bike will need to be collected and payment on or prior to collection. The bike is a great classic light weight and runs on 16-1  2 stroke mix. the smell and sound with that exhaust is very throaty. good luck and thanks for looking.

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