what have I bought?

I have just acquired a Francis Barnett motorcycle, it is mostly dismantled, and as yet I do not know what is missing, (the saddle is deffinately not there) it is registered 2 July 1957, I think a previous owner has taken the registration number, as it is now AJH 69A.
The frame number isYC 10995, and engine 25T 12556. I was told it is a 250cc. Is it Villiers? All parts seem to be in sound condition some in the original dark green paint.
Does it have a model name? does anyone have a handbook to sell?
Chris Booth

Hi Chris,
You have a Cruiser 80 fitted with a 249 AMC engine (Not the best of engines).
Cruiser 80 Info. 1956-63 AMC 249cc gearbox 4 Front tyre 3.25X18 Rear tyre 3.25X18 Front brake dia.6 (in.) Rear brake dia.6 (in.) Pet. Tank Gal. 3.75.
For Manual BRUCE MAIN-SMITH Tel/Fax (0116) 277 7669
www.brucemain-smith.com

Hope that's OK for you Marsh.

hi chris
you have just bought a part of history, and it sounds good, the fun now begin's , i agree it sounds like a cruiser? 80, can you post a pic, as was said all cruiser's had 6" front brakes,and were full width hub's,
looking forward to seeing pic,
keep the faith,
willie

Thanks very much chaps, I am slowly sorting through the boxes, and mostly everything is there, and seemingly quite unworn, the items are relatively small that are missing, the aforementioned seat, rear lamp, rear number plate, Horn, Pillion rests, centre stand,(it has a prop stand fitted, maybe an option?) one tank badge,and maybe the most awkward to find, the two switch levers, and whatever holds the switches to the lamp. I will have to look around at events and autojumbles to see what these things look like. The rear sprocket has seen better days, so something else to look for.
Chris

Hi Chris,
If you get an instruction book it will be a good help to you. You can get a lot of parts from e-bay if you type in Villiers.Are you a member of the Francis Barnett Owners Club it's a good help.Villiers Services have a lot of parts but not a lot for the AMC engines. John Harding is the technical sec. & validating officer for the F/B/O/C. and he keeps a lot of spares for F/Bs Tel.01989-750731. I even got a AMC piston from him at the AGM 3 or 4 years back. This year 2 pistons for a Triumph T100ss from him by post. All the best with the bike and if we can help we will.
Hope I have'nt put you off with the engine as I have one to do for a James Commodore 250cc same engine (when I get time).
Regards Marsh.



2 bikes and 6 or 7 engines in my shed. All work when I have time!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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We've just about re-built my bike, my son-in-law stripped in down and rebuilt the engine with new rings, had the block re-sprayed, and went to see the garnd first kick over - believe it or not - 2nd kich k and a bit of fine tuning - If you got a set of bearing for the steering head - I'll snap your arm off.

I live in Nottinghamshire - if you want any help - just shout

DONT forget to join the FB club

See you

Peter

If the bearings are 1/4" PM me for my address and you can send a SAE I will give you a set. I am sure I have 40 left

Ken