classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Identify these bikes! => Topic started by: Willie on October 27, 2004, 02:16:33 AM

Title: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: Willie on October 27, 2004, 02:16:33 AM

Was wondering if anyone could ID the attached picture.   This bike has a Villiers XIVA engine with a Albion gearbox.  If possible, can you tell if parts are readily available?
Thanks
Willie

Update:  

This is a 1940 Francis Barnett K43 Seagull.
Frame No: KC40461
Villiers Engine: Mark XIVa - 249cc (2 1/2 hp)
Villiers No: BYPF 6020, Villiers Carb
Albion Midget 3 spd Gearbox EJ:   No: MK174

Possibly one of the last ones built prior to the bombing of the FB Coventry factory in November of the same year.

**Currently undergoing restoration.

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gea
Post by: ken on November 10, 2004, 01:25:09 AM

Hi,

Yes its a Seagull, I owned one 52 years ago,
it was the loudest bike i ever had.

I still have the spare ignition coil for it .
If you want it, just say the word and its yours.

Ken.

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: peteR on November 10, 2004, 01:55:20 AM

Ken,

what's a Seagull?  I've never come across this one before..

Pete

Sorry, just seen the update -  it's an FB.

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: Willie on November 10, 2004, 03:45:06 AM

Ken,  

     Yes, I am interested.  Is the coil in good shape?  How much are you asking for it?

Regards

Willie

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gea
Post by: Ken on December 10, 2004, 12:40:32 AM

Quote

Ken,  

     Yes, I am interested.  Is the coil in good shape?  How much are you asking for it?

Regards

Willie

Hi, I don't want anything for it ,
just pay the shipping cost.
I'm not sure about the shape, its been around the workshop a long time.
Send me an email.
Ken.

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: Sean on February 27, 2005, 08:22:13 AM

I was wondering if you had any more pictures of the Seagull, I too am restoring one at present, although mine looks to have been converted at some time to trials trim, and I'm intrigued to see what it should have looked like. Also have you any idea of how to tell its age?
Chassis No. 19776
Engine No. BYPF 412 (villiers Mark XIVA)

Any help of any kind appreciated.
Thanks, Sean

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: Willie on February 27, 2005, 12:25:14 PM

Sean,

Check out the page below.  Ray has been a tremendous help on getting information on FB's.  FYI:  the left front of the frame/yoke should have a serial number that starts with two letters.  The first designates the year.  Not sure what the second letter reps.  For example:  
K= 1940
J=  1939
I=  1938
H= 1937
The Coventry factory was bombed in November of 1940 and production didn't start again until 1946 with the letter "L".  Try joining the VMCC.net club or the British two stroke group and they can help you get manuals on engines, gearboxs and other related parts.  I am in the middle of a move and will be a while till I get my FB stuff.  So in the mean time.  Good luck

Willie
http://www.backtobasic.net/raymond/francis-barnett/index.htm

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: Sean on February 28, 2005, 04:25:37 AM

Thanks, I've had a look on the headstock and it just reads 19776, and definately no letters, I'm even more intrigued as to its origins now. I was told by a previous owner that it had competed in a late 1930's ISDT, so it would be nice to trace if it had any competition history. Maybe someone would be able to date it from its original registration number which was OF 6814. Sadly this was transfered a couple of years ago and its now on an SV age related.
Someone please help solve my puzzle

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gea
Post by: TriSpec on February 28, 2005, 10:09:54 AM

Sean, 1930.
The Birmingham registration of OF ran from May 1929 to April 1930. The first registration of 1930 was OF 6368 so you can roughly work out which month of 1930 it was.

Peter C.

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: pj on April 12, 2005, 10:30:25 AM

I have a hand change type Albion gearbox for sale, it has a two hole fixing & is complete with clutch, i'm in  Essex.

Title: Re: What is this?  Villiers Engine/Albion Gearbox
Post by: bent on July 23, 2005, 05:26:36 AM

I could be interested in your gearbox. I have an old Wolf
from 1931, and my gearbox is in very bad shape. It is a 3 speed Albion model E / EJ. If this is the one you have and nobody else want it, i would like to buy it.