classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: nicobiko on January 03, 2020, 12:33:48 PM

Title: Can you identify this bike?
Post by: nicobiko on January 03, 2020, 12:33:48 PM
Hello all,

I've been riding Japanese bikes since I was a teenager and I've discovered more recently that my grandfather used to own what I presume is a British bike.

I would be chuffed if someone could tell me what brand and model the bike in this photo might be. It's from around the late 1930's.

Thanks, Nicholas.

Title: Re: Can you identify this bike?
Post by: Rex on January 03, 2020, 01:26:28 PM
Looks like a Villiers engine, but why are the people wearing black boxes on their heads?
Title: Re: Can you identify this bike?
Post by: DM on January 03, 2020, 01:32:17 PM
Looks like a Francis Barnett to me.

https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/francis-barnett-1920s/Francis-Barnett-1929-Model-9-H-H.htm
Title: Re: Can you identify this bike?
Post by: Vreagh on January 03, 2020, 05:20:46 PM
It could be any one of the FB models of 1928 to '32. Referred to as "built like a bridge" frame. They had 150 or 200cc Villiers engines and some had autolube. Mine is a Black Hawk but there was also a Lapwing and possibly others. Normally named after birds (feathered types).
Title: Re: Can you identify this bike?
Post by: R on January 03, 2020, 09:36:12 PM
It could be any one of the FB models of 1928 to '32.Referred to as "built like a bridge" frame.

Indeed - if you look closely, you can see where each of the frame tubes is bolted together.
Dismantled, it is all 'just' a bundle of tubes.

Distantly related to this concept, possibly......

(https://www.railway-technology.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/10/1-image-9.jpg)
Title: Re: Can you identify this bike?
Post by: 33d6 on January 04, 2020, 03:06:57 AM
Yes, definitely Fanny Bee and powered by a 196cc 2E Villiers engine. Villiers made the 2E from 1930-1940 inclusive. It was a well favoured utility engine of it’s day. A good value, solid and economical working mans bike.
I’m sure your grandfather was well pleased with it.
Title: Re: Can you identify this bike?
Post by: nicobiko on January 04, 2020, 08:29:53 AM
Thank you for your thoughtful answers. Very interesting to put names on that bike and engine and I'll look forward to reading up  on them.

Nicholas.