THINKING OF BUYING?
Before I bought mine, post-war Francisbarnetts all looked the same to me. Mainly green, mainly small, mainly Villiers-powered and mainly named after birds. In fact they are more diverse than they first look. Post-war Cruisers have pressed steel frames with bolted on tubular steel loops and, apart from the engines, are very much the same.
Personally, I prefer the twin. Much more perky and different to the single cylinder 2-strokes I have enjoyed until now, in my opinion. The pressed frames can be prone to cracking around the engine mounts and any rust will need dealing with. It handles well and is nicely balanced with the performance of the chassis. Later 89s had 4T engines but otherwise they’re much the same.
Villiers twins are a truly curious design and a delight to work on. There are a few ideas seen in there which you won’t find on many other bikes – the kickstart mechanism for example is a joy to behold, and you don’t have to faff about with crank end-float shims. The gearbox looks like it’s unit construction but it’s not, it just bolts onto the back of the crankcases and is a separate interchangeable unit.
2T or 4T? Most components are shared between the two, the top end and crankshaft being the most notable difference. Later 2Ts and all 4Ts have a slightly better gearbox and selector mechanism. But the gearboxes can be fitted to either engine. The 4T is said to rev more freely at the expense of a little torque. Both have supporters and detractors, so best to try both before you part with your cash if you want to make the right choice for you. 4Ts are better cooled.
Competition in the class includes the James Superswift, Royal Enfield Turbo Twin, Panther Model 35, Sun and Ambassador – all Villiers powered. You might also look at the Ariel Arrow / Leader and Excelsior Talisman Twin.