Kenilworth company revives the Francis-Barnet marque

[dutchman]

A classic Coventry motorcycle brand has been relaunched after 50 years.



Andrew Longfield has helped revive the Francis-Barnett brand with the production of a vintage styled electric bike in conjunction with Batribike.

The £1,499 bike was launched at Coventry Transport Museum on Tuesday.

The aluminium alloy framed bike can reach between 28 and 60 miles depending on the level of pedal assist selected.

The new bikes embodies features from the Francis-Barnett motorbikes such as its classic lines, vintage design and heritage green paint work.

Andrew said: “Seeing this amazing brand be brought right into the 21st Century, whilst maintaining the heart and soul of the original company, has been a dream come true.”

Steve Coulson, managing director of Batribike, said: “Our design team has worked hard to ensure every detail of the bike honours the vintage styling and values of Francis-Barnett’s wonderful machines of yesteryear.

“Francis-Barnett was known for its stylish, yet unfailing workmanlike machines that would be built to both make a design statement, yet reliably get you to work on time.

“We really wanted to incorporate both the design and steadfast reliability into our new bike, and the result has surpassed all of our wildest dreams.”

Francis-Barnett was originally founded in 1919, by Gordon Inglesby Francis and Arthur Barnett, and based in Lower Ford Street, Hillfields.

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 250cc 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, remaining in business until 1966.

A number of models were named after birds including the Falcon, Hawk, Kestrel, Merlin, Plover and Snipe.

The company, which is now based in Kenilworth, is also producing three new motorbikes.