Founded 1919 | Ceased operations 1966 | |
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Francis barnett sneak peak of the new merlin model
Francis-Barnett was an English motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1919, by Gordon Inglesby Francis and Arthur Barnett, and based in Lower Ford Street, Coventry, England. The company manufactured motorcycles that were affectionately known as the "Fanny-B".
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 (15 cu in) 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.
Francis & Barnett Ltd. of Coventry also made bayonets. The finish quality was not the same standard as the government factories. These bayonets were very rare, with only a handful of known examples.