Author Topic: 1950s Francis Barnett  (Read 1359 times)

Offline iansoady

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #15 on: February 02, 2024, 10:38:37 AM »
That definitely looks like a Plover - I had one as my first bike way back. It was quite reliable but slow.......

197cc 8E engine IIRC.
Ian
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958-ish Tre-Greeves

Offline 33d6

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #16 on: February 02, 2024, 09:36:31 PM »
We diverge a little. The engine number remains a mystery. It looks like a 30C in the photo but the number given doesn’t.
Villiers advise the 30C number is found on the front engine lug. I expect it to be in two lines one above the other and if the original engine for it to commence 295B. I’ve never seen an original Villiers number just as a row of numbers.
It can be an awkward place to look and the numbers are sometimes faint. It can take some effort and is one of the reasons I don’t like photos of them.

Offline Barryhill8

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #17 on: February 03, 2024, 12:19:47 AM »
Thanks all who helped on this one. It seems it is a 1957 Plover. All I need now is the ignition switch and a wiring drawing if any one can help?

Offline R

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #18 on: February 03, 2024, 04:27:07 AM »
I think this will be your switch ??
Check with them 1st - very useful suppliers.

https://villiersservices.co.uk/product/villiers-four-postion-lighting-switch/

Finding unobtanium for less than a squillion quid would seem quite remarkable !!

Now, do you have a battery in this beastie.
FB, James and misc other villiers all used approx the same diagrams.
Although the wiring colours and feature may vary, across the millenia..
Its possible new harnesses may abound.
Determining which features you need on which diagram may keep you entertained, for some time ??

The specific Owners Manual for your bike may have a diagram ?
https://www.britishmotorcyclemanuals.com/acatalog/1958-Francis-Barnett-Plover-78-instruction-manual-Book_0591.html#SID=206

Offline 33d6

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #19 on: February 03, 2024, 05:54:51 AM »
As with most postwar Villiers engines there are two wiring diagrams available. One the “rectifier” diagram that provides for charging a battery and thus having a steady lighting plus a stop/brake light. The second the el cheapo “direct” no battery lighting system where the degree of lighting available rises and falls with the engine revs and fitting a stop light requires a bit more shenanigans.
Both are archaic and my electronic engineer nephew positively gurgled with horror when first I showed the two options to him. Most people find it no great drama to update and vastly improve Villiers electrics using modern electronic components.
Francis Barnett used these same Villiers diagrams. There is no special Francis Barnett wiring drawing. Both Villiers Mk 30C Operators Instructions and the Francis Barnett Plover Owners instructions are cheaply available from multiple sources, I’d suggest Villers Services for the engine as you’ll be bound to use them sooner or later for bits and bobs and the UK National Motorcycle Museum for the Fanny Bee handbook. The NMM are very handy for overseas buyers as they will send an electronic download. You’re not waiting weeks for a book coming through the post.
Best of luck.

Offline Barryhill8

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #20 on: February 05, 2024, 06:27:45 AM »
Thank you all, very helpful!

Offline Barryhill8

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #21 on: February 07, 2024, 11:47:08 PM »
I think this will be your switch ??
Check with them 1st - very useful suppliers.

https://villiersservices.co.uk/product/villiers-four-postion-lighting-switch/

Finding unobtanium for less than a squillion quid would seem quite remarkable !!

Now, do you have a battery in this beastie.
FB, James and misc other villiers all used approx the same diagrams.
Although the wiring colours and feature may vary, across the millenia..
Its possible new harnesses may abound.
Determining which features you need on which diagram may keep you entertained, for some time ??

The specific Owners Manual for your bike may have a diagram ?
https://www.britishmotorcyclemanuals.com/acatalog/1958-Francis-Barnett-Plover-78-instruction-manual-Book_0591.html#SID=206
[No battery so very simple thanks, found a switch and just need a tailight. I can put a non original but if there was an original around?]

Offline R

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Re: 1950s Francis Barnett
« Reply #22 on: February 08, 2024, 05:33:21 AM »
What does the fitting(s) for the tail light look like.
Round/square/oblong 1,2 or 3 holes.

Finding anything electrical and original is a black science these days.
Usually you have to make do with replica/offerings. Or get very lucky.

Here is a smattering of choices.
Anything look suitable.
Such things were often quite small back then, usually owners now opt for something bigger and more visible.
Not being rear-ended by some noddy on the phone has much to commend it ...

https://www.classicbikepartscheshire.com/electrical-c3/rear-lamps-lenses-c15/francis-barnett-t28