Most of their light motorcycles, often with the characteristic maroon finish, used Villiers and, later, AMC two-stroke engines.

In 1890, the company relocated to a new factory at Sampson Road North in Sparkbrook.

[2] In 1902, the company introduced its first motorcycles under the leadership of Fred Kimberley.

The first machine was a moped that had foot pedals and a Werner engine powering the rear wheel through a friction roller.

[2] James produced the 98 cc Autocycle, 98cc Comet, Commodore, also 1954/55 Colonel 225cc Villiers single cylinder, several Captains as well as trials and scrambles bikes.