Hi, I've just joined this forum as I have recently acquired a Francis Barnett. I know next to nothing about the bike so any info appreciated.
Thanks Warren
Thanks Warren
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Warren5160- Posts : 5
Join date : 2019-08-13
zorteus- Admin
- Posts : 70
Join date : 2017-09-20
Age : 36
Location : Shropshire
Warren5160 wrote:Hi, I've just joined this forum as I have recently acquired a Francis Barnett. I know next to nothing about the bike so any info appreciated.
Thanks Warren
Morning Warren and welcome to the forum.
Your bike looks like a nice project, a Plover 86 if I'm not mistaken (only know as I own one too) and it looks as if the exhausts expansion tank is present in good condition.
Happy tinkering!
Regards
JMc
piston 197- Moderator
- Posts : 4492
Join date : 2008-08-17
Location : ross-on-wye
It is a Plover 78, ( not 86) the 86 has the AMC engine, yours has the Villiers 30C 147cc engine, it will be ,57,58 or 1959
The frame No has a leter in front of the number ,Y=57, Z=58,A=1959,
The bike is a badge engineered James L15 Cadet, but the FB version differs in colour, tank badges, frame number and exhaust system .
JH
The frame No has a leter in front of the number ,Y=57, Z=58,A=1959,
The bike is a badge engineered James L15 Cadet, but the FB version differs in colour, tank badges, frame number and exhaust system .
JH
Last edited by piston 197 on Wed Aug 14, 2019 7:39 am; edited 1 time in total
FBKev- Posts : 155
Join date : 2018-06-17
Age : 59
Location : SE Kent
Hello Warren welcome to the forum.
Kev.
Kev.
Warren5160- Posts : 5
Join date : 2019-08-13
Thanks for the replies and info, I'll keep you posted on any progress I make in getting it up and running. I dont think its economical to do a full restoration so I'll be keeping the 'vintage' look. I'm told by the previous owner t needs a clutch, where is best place to buy a replacement?
Any more information or help greatly appreciated
Any more information or help greatly appreciated
fulmar88- Posts : 615
Join date : 2010-03-15
Age : 52
Warren5160 wrote:Thanks for the replies and info, I'll keep you posted on any progress I make in getting it up and running. I dont think its economical to do a full restoration so I'll be keeping the 'vintage' look. I'm told by the previous owner t needs a clutch, where is best place to buy a replacement?
Any more information or help greatly appreciated
You can get all engine parts here:
https://villiersservices.co.uk/
and specifically 30C parts:
https://villiersservices.co.uk/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=30C
Best to ring if you can't find something or for advice as not everything is on the website and they're helpful chaps.
zorteus- Admin
- Posts : 70
Join date : 2017-09-20
Age : 36
Location : Shropshire
piston 197 wrote:It is a Plover 78, ( not 86) the 86 has the AMC engine, yours has the Villiers 30C 147cc engine, it will be ,57,58 or 1959
The frame No has a leter in front of the number ,Y=57, Z=58,A=1959,
The bike is a badge engineered James L15 Cadet, but the FB version differs in colour, tank badges, frame number and exhaust system .
JH
My apologies, John H is again spot on. Mine has the AMC motor so is a Plover 86 and I didn't notice the obvious Villiers motor in the picture of Warren's.
JMc
Warren5160- Posts : 5
Join date : 2019-08-13
Thanks again guys
Warren5160- Posts : 5
Join date : 2019-08-13
I've had a look online but can find any so do you guys know if any workshop manuals for a Plover 78 are available and if so where I could get one?
zorteus- Admin
- Posts : 70
Join date : 2017-09-20
Age : 36
Location : Shropshire
Warren5160 wrote:I've had a look online but can find any so do you guys know if any workshop manuals for a Plover 78 are available and if so where I could get one?
Warren, if your a FBOC yearly paid up member, parts manuals, handbooks and workshop data are available from our club librarian for small nominal fee. If your not a member yet it is well worth considering, details on our website and top of main forum page.
Alternative is places like eBay in afraid for a premium....
Regards
JMc
Last edited by zorteus on Thu Aug 15, 2019 8:14 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Spelling)
Warren5160- Posts : 5
Join date : 2019-08-13
Thanks
alan67- Posts : 103
Join date : 2017-10-30
Age : 62
Location : lowestoft suffolk
Hi Chap and welcome to the forum and club, A good book to look out for is the Francis Barnett motorcycle maintenance and repair series BY J.H.Goddard its a little bible 
waynebidd- Posts : 3
Join date : 2019-06-17
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