Francis-Barnett
Encyclopedia
Francis-Barnett was a British motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1919, by Gordon Inglesby Francis and Arthur Barnett, and based in Lower Ford Street, Coventry
, England,
The company developed a triangulated frame using straight tubes which could be bolted together using basic tools.
Most of their light motorcycles used Villiers
and later AMC two-stroke engines. In the 1930s the company developed the 250 cc Cruiser, one of the first motorcycles to have a faired engine, protecting the rider from oil and dirt.
Francis Barnett was taken over by Associated Motor Cycles
in 1947 and combined with James
in 1957. The combined firm remained in business until 1966.
A number of models were named after birds including the Falcon, Hawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Plover and Snipe.
Coventry
Coventry is a city and metropolitan borough in the county of West Midlands in England. Coventry is the 9th largest city in England and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom. It is also the second largest city in the English Midlands, after Birmingham, with a population of 300,848, although...
, England,
The company developed a triangulated frame using straight tubes which could be bolted together using basic tools.
Most of their light motorcycles used Villiers
Villiers Engineering
Villiers Engineering was a manufacturer of motorcycles and cycle parts, and an engineering company based in Villiers Street, Wolverhampton, England....
and later AMC two-stroke engines. In the 1930s the company developed the 250 cc Cruiser, one of the first motorcycles to have a faired engine, protecting the rider from oil and dirt.
Francis Barnett was taken over by Associated Motor Cycles
Associated Motor Cycles
Associated Motor Cycles was a British motorcycle manufacturer founded by the Collier brothers as a parent company for the Matchless and AJS motorcycle companies...
in 1947 and combined with James
James Cycle Co
The James Cycle Co Ltd., Greet, Birmingham, England, was one of many famous British cycle and motorcycle makers centred around the English Midlands, particularly Birmingham...
in 1957. The combined firm remained in business until 1966.
A number of models were named after birds including the Falcon, Hawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Plover and Snipe.
External links
- Francis-Barnett Owners Club
- http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/wiki/Francis-Barnett