classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: steve2505 on March 03, 2006, 07:47:03 PM

Title: BARNES
Post by: steve2505 on March 03, 2006, 07:47:03 PM

My mother who has recently passed away said our Grandfather (Walter Barnes, with a brother called Tom) was the son of a small specialist company that produced Motorcycles also called Barnes.

Nigel Wynne informs me that:-

Barnes England 1904

is a little known make which fitted various proprietary engines including the MMC and 211cc Minerva.

 
Does anyone have any information at all? Nothing is too small, pictures, location anything?

Feel free to mail direct : steve.j.johnson@blueyonder.co.uk

Thanks!

Title: Re: BARNES
Post by: steve2505 on July 05, 2006, 04:52:38 AM

Please don't forget this topic - I am still looking for information, pictures, anything!

Thanks

Steve

Title: Re: BARNES
Post by: 33d6 on July 10, 2006, 07:53:18 PM

There was an F W Barnes closely associated with the Zenith motorcycle company in its heyday. I'll look around and see if I can find a little more but it might take a little time.
Cheers, Bob

Title: Re: BARNES
Post by: steve2505 on July 10, 2006, 09:00:01 PM

Thanks Bob.

My grandfather's name was Walter Barnes ... he had a brother Tom ... but there were more.

FW Barnes ... if the W was for walter would likely be a perfect match.

Not sure of the actual relationship ... just have aunt's recollection and some gossip from my Gran when she was alive

Thanks again

Steve

Title: Re: BARNES
Post by: VintageBike on July 10, 2006, 09:38:11 PM

It was Freddie Barnes who started Zenith at Weybridge in 1904.  He patented an infinitely variable gear known as the Gradua.  He stayed with the company until 1930 when the Zenith company was sold to the dealers "Writers".  I can't find anything to suggest that this was the same Barnes as the Barnes motorcycle - but you never know!

Regards

Nigel.

Title: Re: BARNES
Post by: steve2505 on July 11, 2006, 02:35:33 AM

Is there any data you don't have ?

... twice now google has failed me and you have appeared with the data instantly ...

maybe www.nigel.com is the new search engine ;D

Thanks

Steve

Title: Re: BARNES
Post by: VintageBike on July 11, 2006, 05:50:27 PM

I use an alternative to Google from time to time.  It's called a "book"...  It's a real pain having to turn the page every now and again, but it seems to work!
If I come across anything else, I'll let you know.

all the best
Nigel.

Title: Re: BARNES
Post by: zjsagurs on July 19, 2006, 09:53:54 AM

Steve it is your lucky day....

Barnes 1904-1906

George A Barnes of Lewisham, London entered the market using Stevens engines of 2.75, 3 or 3.5hp. He offered both a solo and forecar, the latter having a twin exhaust pipes that ran down to a single silencer.

For 1905 the forecar could have a 5hp water-cooled engine or a 4hp air-cooled engine one, the latter also availalbe for the solo, lighter versions of which used a 2.25 engine.

The extract above was taken from a book by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth...and not my words.

I have resized a couple photos of the bikes for you....and hope this helps you with finding out about your Grandfather.