Know it's a Francis Barnett Trials but not year

[Bellhouse]

Hi,

We have received a FB trials bike for restoring but do not know the age or cc of the bike  on the engine we can make out  

25 / C       17120


On the frame of the bike it says

AOT13736



Does anyone have any info they could provide us with?  
Thanks from Canada.

Jim and Tia

[Justin_Faithfull]

Looking in Roy Bacon's book 'Villiers singles & twins' gives the following information.
For 1959 the 249cc Model 83 started at engine no.25/C - 16303 & the frame no. started with the letters ACT (you quoted AOT which is not listed as any frame no. prefix), could you have made a mistake - is the frame no. difficult to read?
The Francis - Barnett Model 83 is listed as a trials bike made from 1958 - 59, & was fitted with the AMC 250cc engine.

[Bellhouse]

Yes it is most likely a mistake on our part, I was not sure if it was an
O or a C.  That is great information you've provided us with, now we can move on to locate a parts manual and repair manual.  Thank you very much!

[Justin_Faithfull]

Bruce Main-Smith & Co. have generally been my favourite for photocopy manuals, parts books etc. Here is their link: -
http://www.brucemainsmith.com/

[harry]

If you can contact John Harding of The Francis Barnett owners club who also advertises in Old Bike Mart re Pistons you might find him a great help.His knowledge of f.b.trials machines is good if not great.Good luck Harry.

[Bellhouse]

Great, thank you so much for the info!