Francis-Barnett Owners Club

25T crankshaft

mike Sayer — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:50:54 GMT

Is there anybody out there who can help a North Yorks. (Nr. Scarborough), member locate a crankshaft/conrod assembly for the 25T engine in his Cruiser 84? Said member put his `bike in for MOT, engine broke down & strip has revealed the crankshaft is U/S having been WELDED together in a supposedly reconditioned engine! Obviously time is of the essence & any leads would be greatly appreciated. I will pass on any messages as the member in question is not on the internet.

Thanks chaps, ...

frame help

bantamboy — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:53:31 GMT

Hi i am the owner of a james captain sports well thats what is says in the green log book but i am unable to check this as the frame has no frame number i cant see any evidence of a number been filed of or anything, does anybody have any clues why this has been done, was it in an accident and deemed unfit for the road or was it stolen.Any help apreciated

20T Sport crankcases

bantamboy — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:47:20 GMT

Hi does any body know where i could find a pair of 20T sport crankcases cheap, i think the engine number should be v20ts or 20ts.Any help apreciated

AMC oil seals and bearings

bantamboy — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:14:39 GMT

Hi does anybody know where i can obtain oil seals and bearings for my amc 20t engine.

Technical Data On this Site.

Marsh. — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:22:56 GMT

Hi,

How about a part on the site where we can put technical data?

Regards Marsh.

help please

Anonymous — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:48:26 GMT

is there anyway to know how old or what sort of francis barnett i have i was given the bike by my dads freind but it has not been registered for 30 yrs all i have is the bike and reg number which starts yz then three numbers

1938 cruiser help please

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:31:48 GMT

Hi All

I have just registered because i have a 1938 Francis barnett cruiser of a mates ,that he wants me to get running and sort out for the mot.

I have/have had lots of british bikes but nothing like this ,i have never seen the miller dynamo/points thingy before(what is it called)

I am having a bit of difficulty getting a spark at the moment ,and a few problems with the wiring.

I don't know the history of the bike or when it was last running ,but at the moment i have no spark ,i have ...

1951 rigid falcon

barbill — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:46:30 GMT

Hello

I have recently acquired a 1951 rigid falcon and have re-built the engine.It runs great but is missing a few bits.I do'nt have a detailed photo of what the bike should look like so I'm not sure what type of speedo or tail light and number plate it should have and the manual does'nt show very much.The exhaust pipe which looks correct actually touches the frame just in front of the silencer.Is this correct? Does anybody know where I could get a detailed picture

...

Built Like a Bridge

Sprockets66 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:04:05 GMT

Hi,

I have just bought a "built like a bridge" frame, engine and tank, a flat tanker so pre 1928? Does anyone have a manual, pictures or information? Or know someone who does?

what have I bought?

Chris Booth — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:23:28 GMT

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 ...

My Old F/B 89. Marsh.

Marsh. — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:07:01 GMT

Hi All,

The pressed steel centre section has been knocked in with a hammer at some time. I don't think I can get it back to shape, as I would have to get inside the box-section. I will just have to bodge it. The T4 engine is in need of work. As I have a spare T2 engine allso in need of work I might put the T2 in this bike as the T4 has a bad name.

Has any one a frame assembly illustration for the F/B 89? Like the one on this page. This is a James Commodore in the illustration.

...

Falcon 67 Shocks

auroraman — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:28:17 GMT

I can't get the wretched things apart to replace the seals! Can anyone help or suggest where I could get the units refurbished? The lower shrouds are in poor condition also and probably need to be replaced. I'd appreciate any advice.

F/B 89 1964

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:39:51 GMT

Hi All,

I am a member of the club can you help?

I have a F/B 89 1964 in bits. I have the old log book and it says COLOUR RED/BLACK.

Have you a 89 red & Black? If so can I have a photo please?

If no one has a bike this colour, can you tell me what parts are red & what parts are black please? Allso what colour was the red.

All help appreciated.

Regards Marsh.

If you have a photo please send to albertmarshallhornby@yahoo.co.uk

Replacement Tyres

Anonymous — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:52:06 GMT

Hello

A friend is looking for replacement tires for an unidentified francis-barnett powerbike. The old rotted tyres state that they are a 2.25 x 21 size. We have been unable to find any information on them or where replacements might be purchased. Any help would be great!

- Jeff

identifying this cycle

mark — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:28:05 GMT

greetings all;

i am trying to identify this machine which was purchased by my father in bermuda in the early 1960's, the machine was pre-owned at the time of sale and seemed old to myself as a 10 yrs old lad ... i am attempting to attach two photos of the bike upon which both my grandmother and i are perched upon it ... any thoughts or insight would be most appreciated...

apparently i have no idea how to add the photographs- perhaps i can find a small child or infant to assist this ...

use of helicoils to secure engine sidecovers cruier 80 1960

john bland — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:56:49 GMT

hi . has any one used helicoils on engine reconsruction on a m c 25T ? JOHN

Centre stand(s)

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:08:00 GMT

I am currently making three, high lift centre stand assemblies for the Cruiser 84, (two for myself & one for another member) & whilst making these I am producing full size drawings for all the numerous parts required and eventually will be able to pass on these drawings to any member who would like to make a stand for themselves. I have also constructed a basic Jig to enable the component parts of the stand to be held securely whilst being joined together either by welding or brazing. ...

Need Falcon exhaust

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:41:30 GMT

Hi. I'm in the U.S., Southern California, and I am restoring an old Falcon (Circa '50's) from boxes of parts. It will be ready to run as soon as I get a carburetor on it, but I need a headpipe and silencer, if anyone has one. Also, I do have a lot of extra parts available.

Rex K. Thoma fordcobra2@hotmail.com

Usefull link

kerabo — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:18:30 GMT

I can recomend this page for carburettor information. Also if you have problems they are very helpfull.

http://www.amalcarb.co.uk/

If you choose Search now and enter the details of your bike it will bring up spares.

Ken

Speedo drive

kerabo — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:06:06 GMT

Has anyone got a spare 2:1 smiths speedo drive or can tell me how to get one apart. I have a broken cable in mine and it looks like the last owner has hammerd what left in tight. Tried to drill the bits out but of course its spring steel and too hard to drill. I have tried to remove the brass ends but they dont seem to want to move. Was thinking I may be able to drill a small hoile behind the drive and knock the broken bit out.

Thanks Ken

20t gearbox

willie wilson — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:14:03 GMT

hi everyone

need help , have falcon 20t 1962 with gear selection problem, lots of travel to get gears,difficult to get into any gear, found what looks like a locating dowel in bottom of box?(a small top hat) can anyone help? and can i strip the box in place as i have just fitted engine in after having crank bearings replaced,

looks like i will be meeting the boys one the long run up on 4 WHEELS rather than two.

hope someone can help?

cheers willie

What can the Club offer you?

Admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:30:51 GMT

This is real aimed at those people who owner a FB but do not join the owners club.

Why is that?

We have the lowest subs of any owners club, currently at �10,we are a family friendly club. So why do some people choose not to join?

Is there anything you would like to see the club do, or offer its members. Your input would be very much appreciated.

Mark Swindells Club Magazine & Website Editor

Hello from australia - and please help identify a bike

aussie-bob — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:19:13 GMT

First of all hello everyone from australia.

I was hoping someone would be able to help me identify a bike which i used to own sometime in 1958.

From looking at photos, i think it was a cruiser 80, but not sure. It was a 250cc two stroke single cylinder. I believe it had a clinton engine (i can't find any reference to this). The colour was similar to british racing green. It also had a chrome plated cross bar, bike stand, telescopic front and rear suspension, avon fairing, enamel green ...

Brake spring

kerabo — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:49:06 GMT

I am searching for a return spring for the rear brake lever (not the pedal) on my falcon 87. its the one that coils round about 2 times and hooks around the arm to pull it back. Stainless would be nice but would be pleased with anything. I have tried villiers services and they are looking for an old one but would like a new. Anybody know where to obtain one from?

Thanks Ken

front forks falcon 87

kerabo — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:47:04 GMT

After having all my parts sandblasted painted and built back up I filled the forks with the correct amount of oil 55cc but on operating the suspension I could hear it grinding, So I came to the conclusion there must have been a little grit left in the tubes. Sooner that dismantle them and scratch it all up I decided to fill them to the top so making sure all parts were covered in oil and then drain all out and refill. The puzzle is I filled them with about 200cc of oil each but on draining them ...

Falcon 74 parts

comm748 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:06:16 GMT

Hi,

Can anyone suggest a supplier for fork bushes and seals for my 1956 Falcon 74. Not a lot of Francis Barnett dealers around these days!

Re. my last post about paint - thanks Willie for your responce but I didn't understand your suggestion about the directory. What directory? British Racing Green seems about the nearest so far.

Regards,

Graham.

membership renewal

willie wilson — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:45:02 GMT

hello admin

as i would prefer to pay by cheque, would it be possible to put a reminder on the forum as i like to read through the forum almost every night to see how every body is doing ,many thanks, willie

Cruiser Model ID

Anonymous — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:15:03 GMT

I have a Francis Barnett Cruiser 225cc, engine type 1.H. (Villiers) which I have just received from my late Dad's estate. The engine number is 842A/9980 so I have identified it as a Cruiser 225cc (from web site but I cannot find the frame number to be able to identify the model (68, 71 or 75).

Please can you advise where I will find the frame number?

Any help will be much appreciated.

falcon 54 gearbox

fannybfalconboy — Sun, 25 May 2008 23:21:34 GMT

Hi everyone. I own a 1949 Falcon 54 with a Villers 6E 3 speed unit and would like to know if it is possible to fit a 4 speed gearbox to the 6E using parts from a 7E or 8E unit. I would rather keep my engine and just change the gearbox. Regards, fannybfalconboy

Paint match

comm748 — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:51:36 GMT

Hi,

I have a 1956 Falcon 74 and the original paint was, I believe, 'Arden Green'. Can anyone tell me if there is a good match currently available in aerosol cans?

Thank you,

Graham.

1963 Cruiser 80 crank case

Anonymous — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:43:06 GMT

Hi, new member here!

My dad and I have recently discovered and started to restore a 1963 FB Cruiser 80, it's in a bit of a state at the moment! :

We've not done too much at the moment, but we've come across something that's puzzled us:

This is a photo of the timing side crankcase, there're two holes of approx 3/32" diametrically opposite each other in the main bearing housing. Does anyone know what purpose they serve? Should they be there?

Thanks!

Cruiser Renovation

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:53:48 GMT

Hi All,

I'm a new member with a 1963 Francis Barnett Cruiser 89 restoration project. The bike has covered just over 25,000 miles and was in use up untill the early 1970's. Since then it has been dry stored.

Lots about the bike seem good apart from a fairly big dent in the tank and a broken rear light, and of course light rusting here and there.

I've had the saddle rebuilt by R.K. Leighton (fantastic job!), and I'm currently stripping the bike down for respraying (I have a very ...

AMC clutch has me puzzled! Help!

Cruiser 79 — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:27:57 GMT

Hi folks, am piecing back together my 17T engine at the moment and have two problems. This is hard to explain and will prob confuse you! First is my clutch. I have loads of old clutch plates but i seem to have different types? The diagram in the manual shows that the plain plates should have teeth to the inside to engage the clutch centre and friction plates should have teeth to the outside. However plain plates i took from a spares engine have the teeth to the outside? I want to assemble the ...

avon fairing

Anonymous — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:34:48 GMT

Could anybody help me to locate an avon fairing and a rear luggage rack for my 1960 falcon 87

Cheers

2 Stroke Oils

kerabo — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:33:11 GMT

You may find these from Fuchs and Castrol interesting reading

Hi Kenneth

Modern two stroke oils are a little different to the old basic oils - it should in theory smoke less ! I normally suggest 30:1 as a start point - I would also suggest one of the Scooter semi synthetics may also burn a bit cleaner - but in theory, using a modern two stroke at the original mix ratio should be fine

As you suggest, it could also be drawing oil in if the bike is old and the seals are past their best ...

Thoughts on this Kens rebuild

kerabo — Sun, 25 May 2008 20:31:29 GMT

Well after lots of work i got to the pont to start it up. It runs but smokes so bad. I dont think its the fuel mix as I went 25:1 with a good synthetic oil. Would you think its drawing the gearbox or clutch oil into the crankcases and burning it? Looking back I should have changed the seals but the rubber lips looked soft and I know they were fitted not many miles ago although it was queit a few years. Not a lot of time to fit these and complete my wiring loom before the big trip so looking ...

brake shoes

kerabo — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:32:21 GMT

As you may know I am awaiting brake shoes for my falcon 87 before i can get the MOT and colplete the long run. As yet I have been sent 3 shoes and am awaiting the last one so would need a matching pair if they dont turn up in the post Sat morning. Does anyone have a pair of shoes that will fit a Falcon 87 I can borrow if all goes wrong. My MOT is Tuesday so would need recorded next day delivery that I will pay for. Or if anyone lives in driving distance of Spalding lincs I would collect. and ...

4 wire stator

willie wilson — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:56:33 GMT

hello, advice required

have new stator with 4 wires the colours are green,white,orange and yellow,the old stator has green white and orange, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE YELLOW WIRE, any advice would be grateful.

cheers willie

kens bike the long run

kerabo — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:50:10 GMT

Well I thought all was going well until i attempted to fit my break shoes. Villiers services had sent me back 6" instead of 5" shoes. Booked for MOT onTuesday and as yet hasent been run in 8 years. Wish me luck or i shall have to get the Honda ready

Of the Falcon 87 does the front brake cable run at the front of the r/h fork leg or the back. I suspect I have it wrong.

Ken

Francis Barnett in Finland

RussianFlyer — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:57:35 GMT

Hi Mark, It's good to see Reijo from Finland on the Forum. Reijo might be interested to know, in August 1999 there were two FBOC members on their Francis Barnett Cruisers in Finland. I was one and Jeff our ex chairman was the other. We were on the homeward leg of the Russian Trip. We entered Finland at the Russian boarder, and left by the ferry to Sweden, at the port of Turku. We spent just one night in Finland, that was at the port called Kotka on the Gulf of Finland. If anyone would like to ...

Falcon 81 Front Brake - Advice Needed

Jack Enright — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:31:58 GMT

Hallo, all -

I'm in the process of buying a Falcon 81 (1959), have read an owner's article which was somewhat uncomplimentary about the 5" front brake - describing it as "spongy and feeble."

I live in the Peak District, which is not noted for it's flat roads, and will be using the bike to go to work and to the steam railways I work on - one of which involves travelling the notorious Cat and Fiddle road - so this is of some concern.

Do other riders feel this is a ...

Swinging arm bushes replacement - Falcon 74

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:43:31 GMT

Does anyone sell replacement swinging arm bushes for a Falcon 74 or has anyone ever attempted to make or modify their own from another bike ?

petrol oil mix

willie wilson — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:30:58 GMT

hi all

your thoughts on the oil mix when running an engine in ?

the normal is 20 to 1 mix, which i think is three and a half of the fuel cap , to one gallon , any advice would be grateful.

many thanks

willie

roadside recovery

kerabo — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:44:18 GMT

Can I ask members for recomendations/advice and prices that they use for motorcycle roadside recovery.

I need to obtain one very soon and they all seem so expensive.

Thanks Ken

lucas stator

willie wilson — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:56:54 GMT

required one lucas stator 6v with 4 wires orange,white,brown,green. or does anyone know where i can buy one.

all help welcome.

cheers willie.

Wipac light switch/rear light. Cruiser 89.

Roger Owen — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:38:34 GMT

Does anyone know the magic way of seperating the 2 halves of the light switch on a Cruiser 89? At the moment I can't budge it from the headlamp unit.

Also, does anyone know where I could try to get a servicable rear lamp unit? (and even a new head lamp as well).

Thanks,

Roger

Footrest rubbers

kerabo — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:57:03 GMT

Anyone know where i can get front and rear footrest rubbers that are like my originals on my 1961 falcon Also kickstart rubber John Bull on old one

Thanks Ken

FRANCIS-BARNETT MODEL 85 TRIALS

rufwil4 — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:41:49 GMT

Does anyone have drawings,pictures or any information at all?

I have a frame without the footbrake assembly, I am looking for the parts and information where they fit.

Can anyone help please? (the bike was modified to take a Villiers engine frame prefiix letters D C T.)

felt seals

willie wilson — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:03:34 GMT

felt seals req for both front and rear hubs for falcon 87 1962 can anyone help or supply name and phone no of company who can supply them please

thanks

willie

This looks interesting

kerabo — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:10:57 GMT

Looks in good order may be cheap

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Francis-Barnett-250-1963-Spares-or-Rebuild_W0QQitemZ330236888993QQihZ014QQcategoryZ36796QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Ken