Francis Barnett Cruiser 1939 walk around and start

The pre-war (as opposed to the post-conflict bikes sharing the name) FB Cruiser was designed to be a high quality motorcycle, appealing to the junior executive who wished to travel without getting filthy. Quite advanced for the time, with coil ignition and fully enclosed, quick-release bodywork, they lived up to their ‘built like a bridge’ slogan. This example, in virtually original condition, has undergone just enough work to render it roadworthy, but all the patina has been retained as far as possible.

[@KPP365]

First bike, my dad had, He loved it. Unfortunately, he sold it before i was born. I do remember his Triumph speed twin,

[@PapaDutch]

When we come around full circle - we tend to find a charm in what we may have missed in our passions for speed and modern things. This is a beautiful 'Blast from the Past', and I very much enjoyed this video!
~ Cheers M8!

[@carolmiles7474]

Hope you feel a bit better 💕, miss you,cornwall sucks❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@jonathanprior6025]

Thanks for posting. It brought some happy memories of my 1934 FB Cruiser that I restored forty years ago. Mine had the hand gear change as you described and it was quite entertaining to ride with an interesting posterior “sway” courtesy of that large pan saddle. I managed to get it to run backwards on one occasion, in spite of my thermodynamics tutor telling me that it was quite impossible to do so 😂. The sound of yours was music to my ears, and, as you say, despite being only a 250cc, it was quite sprightly up to about 45-50 mph. Regrettably, I sold mine to a museum in Humberside - really wish I still had it. Thanks again.

[@paulmiles]

My pleasure! I’m used to saddle sway, too many girder forked old bikes, it now seems odd riding a modern bike with proper seating. Glad you enjoyed the video. Best, Paul