Francis–Barnett

During the 1930s the 250cc Cruiser model 250 cc (15 cu in) was developed with a faired engine that protected those riding from any oil or dirt – one of the first of its kind to do so.

Gordon married a lady whose father was Arthur Barnett and already producing Invicta motorcycles.

[6] During the 1920s Francis Barnett made supple sheet metal work and pressings for the motor industry that proved successful.

292cc side valve engine with two speed Sturmey Archer gearbox , but production costs were an early problem.

Gordon Francis learned from his army days having seen damaged motorcycles in his Motor Transport Workshop and considered a design of bolted straight tubes as a simple replacement frame.

[10][2] Riders like Tom Meeten took part at Brooklands and Scottish 6-Day Trials and stunts such as riding up Snowdon.

Continuing with cost factors and simplicity in mind the new wheels of the new Francis Barnet were on spindles and easily removed.

[14] In 1937 Arthur Barnett died aged 74 and his son, Eric took over his father's position at the company as sales director.

[5] The motorcycles Plover, Falcon and Cruiser were successful right into the 1950s as good light machines in Arden Green rather than the black finish of earlier days.

Also that year the Cruiser 84 with a fully enclosed rear wheel and leg shields as standard equipment was available.

Added to this was an all-enveloping dullness which reflected a tired management, distant from its customer base.

In the early 1960s changes in the marketplace caused a transfer of production to Greet in Birmingham in 1962 to join James motorcycles.

The last new model was produced in 1962, the newly designed Fulmar with a spine frame, pressed steel bodywork, leading link forks and 149cc AMC engine.

Production of Francis Barnett motorcycles continued until 4 August 1966 when the AMC Empire was taken over by Manganese Bronze.

[20][5] In the popular British television series Heartbeat a Francis Barnett Falcon F150 is featured as the police motorcycle, before being replaced by a BSA Golden Flash.