Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1952 Francis Barnett Powerbike
Proper Shed Find
Registration No: LVC 446
Frame No: RN 17377
MOT: Exempt
Recently found in a shed
Mostly complete and a worthy project
Off the road since 1965
Complete with its RF60 logbook
Francis and Barnett Ltd of Lower Ford Street, Coventry were formed in 1919 by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett. They were motor cycle manufacturers who, for the 1939 season, produced an autocycle called the "J50 Powerbike". The Francis-Barnett Powerbike followed the usual pattern, the first model having the Villiers Junior engine. Just after the K50 was announced for the 1940 season, the engine was changed to the new Junior de Luxe. A feature of the Powerbike was a rear hub brake was actuated by back pedalling. This had a trip action that allowed it to be disconnected when wheeling the machine but automatically re-engaged it when the machine was ridden.
When the war ended the Powerbike was quickly re-introduced but it now had a girder fork that used rubber bands to provide the springing. In June 1947 Francis Barnett was amalgamated with AMC.
This 1952 Francis Barnett Powerbike was put in the shed in 1965, and that's where it stood until it was rediscovered recently. It is mostly complete and still retains its original paintwork. The Francis Barnett comes with an old-style RF60 logbook, an original insurance document, and a 1964 MOT certificate, ideal to ride or restore over the coming winter months.
