ALL ENCLOSED BARNETT
New Two-Stroke Ready Next Week
With all mechanism entirely enclosed except the cylinder head, the new 249 c.c. Francis-Barnett Cruiser is to be announced next week.
Its motor is the latest Villiers long stroke two-stroke and the gear box has four speeds, but it is in the external appearance that most interest lies.
Mudguards are deeply valanced, only a small portion of the rear wheel being seen, wide legshields are fitted, the frame is of pressed steel, and the front forks, composed of several pressings, look massive.
The Sun News-Pictorial, (Melbourne, Vic.) Fri 21 Apr 1933. (Trove NLA)
THE MOTOR CYCLE SENSATION AT THE OLYMPIC SHOW NOW INTRODUCED TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Proclaimed by experts to be the most advanced all weather general purpose motor cycle procurable, the Francis Barnett "Cruiser" has well deserved the praise which it received on its first appearance on the English market. In actual performance this sturdy mount has surpassed the most extravagant claims advanced.
There can be no doubt at all that anyone who takes even a ride "round the houses" on the new Francis Barnett "Cruiser" will be impressed, for the machine provides something entirely new in motor cycling. Two features have been studied in the closest detail - comfort and cleanliness - and these may be dealt with first.
Over short and long distances no fault could be found with the riding position: bars, saddle, and rests were ideally placed for the normally tall rider, and the "sit-up" position was particularly appreciated in these days of semi-racing attitudes. The bars were of just the right width, and all the controls were properly placed. Over roads of all kinds the "Cruiser" kept an effortlessly straight course, whether the Bars were held or not, and there was no noticeable rear-wheel bounce. At the same time, fast cornering upheld the reputation of the steering in other moods. By way of a test of ease of handling, the "Cruiser" was taken over "rough-stuff," and its stability on mud and rocks, such as were found on Old Stanway, where the worst path was deliberately chosen, was most marked. Bad surfaces, in fact, could be disregarded.
(From a road test by "The Motor Cycle.")
Super Silenced.
It has never been an easy matter to silence the exhaust of a high efficiency two-stroke. Many manufacturers have tackled the problem, and among them is that well-known firm of two-stroke specialists, Francis and Barnett, Ltd. The latest development from this quarter consists of a combination of old and new systems, which has proved by experiment to be highly successful.
Another change of peculiar interest lies in the method of fixing the lug to which the engine plates are bolted at the lowest point. Last year brazing was adopted for the first time, but the process has not proved to be entirely satisfactory at this point, and in future the lug will be clipped to the main cross-member, and will therefore conform to the general brazeless construction for which Francis Barnett machines have become famous.
A battery of 13 amperes hours capacity now replaces the 8 a.h. battery on all the smaller models.
The "Cruiser" is one of the most completely protected yet most accessible machines on the market, all the salient features, such as the pressed-steel frame, the duplex silencing system, and the quickly detachable enclosing panels, have been retained. There are, however, several modifications of some importance to record.
Petroil lubrication has given way to the Villiers automatic system, the oil tank being concealed within the outside cover panel. The filler cap projects through the panel so that replenishment can be carried out with ease, but no sight feed is provided for the oil. An adjustment for the flow is arranged just inside the cover, but is set at the works.
This arrangement is excellent, for, since the oil tank is beside the crank case, the pipe work-is very short, and no considerable amount of oil can flow to the crank case when the engine is stationary.
Some slight changes have taken place in the fork linkage, which not only improve the action of the pressed steel forks but provide a more suitable bearing surface and a simple adjustment. An increase of one inch - from 5in. to 6in. - has taken place in the diameter of the rear brake, and the width of the shoes has been increased to 1 in.
The "Cruiser" is fully equipped with electric lighting and an electric horn. The 1934 model is as follows: - "Cruiser." - Villiers 249 c.c. engine, pressed steel frame, total enclosure of working parts, four speed gear, 26 x 3.5in. tyres. Price. £69/10/-.
The "Cruiser" may be seen at Motor Cycles and Spares, 901 Hay Street, Perth. Anyone interested will be supplied with full information on application.
Good used motor cycle spares at moderate prices may be purchased by post from Motor Cycles and Spares. Bikes also bought and sold.
Nelson Advocate (WA) Fri 9 Feb 1934 (Trove NLA)
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