The James M15 Cadet

The James M15 is the same as the Francis Barnett Plover 95.  It was designed by Francis Barnett designer, Mr. King.  I think they were all produced at the James works in Gough Road, Birmingham.

When Norman Moore, development manager at the James, first saw the design he felt sure the frame would not be strong enough and insisted on taking the development machine to the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) development track and booking a lengthy session on the 'Belgian pavé'  which was a punishing stretch of cobbled road such as was common on the Continent.

Sure enough he got the frame to break at the steering head as he had predicted.  Development work strengthened this part of the frame but seems to have transferred the stresses down the frame spine to the point where the swinging arm lugs are attached.  A number of bikes - my own included - appear to have cracked at that point and been welded.  On my own bike the repair has left the frame twisted and it is very difficult to get the engine to line up with the frame if it is removed for repair !