In 1919 Arthur Barnett and Gordon Francis, who were related by marriage, hounded the Francis-Barnett Motorcycle Company, utilising proprietary Norton-Villiers, JAP and Blackburne engines in their own motorcycle frame. By 1923, Francis-Barnett Motorcycles released their first tubular bolt-together frame that was said to be able to be assembled in 20 minutes or less. This was a very rigid yet lightweight triangular shaped, tubular frame that was bolted together like a bridge
By the 1930's Francis-Barnett Motorcycles released their first Cruiser motorcycle which incorporated built in leg-shields to protect its rider.
Although the Francis-Barnet Factory, which was located in Birmingham, was destroyed during the Second World War, due to being bombed badly, immediately following the Second World War they were able to quickly restore their production facility thanks to a moped that they had designed during the war.
By 1947, The Francis-Barnett Motorcycle Company had been acquired by AMC due to some degree of financial instability, but under AMC, the Francis-Barnett Motorcycles were still able to produce their motorcycles. After AMC acquired the James Cycle Company in 1952, Francis-Barnett Motorcycles and James Cycles were able to work together and in 1962, the Francis-Barnett production lines were actually moved into the James Cycles factory.
The fall of AMC was also the fall of The Francis-Barnett Motorcycle Company as well, and by October of 1966, the Francis-Barnett Division of AMC, closed their doors and ceased production forever.
Original Authors: Nicholas
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 02/06/2008
