1923 Francis-Barnett Model 3

This simple, affordable and tough motorcycle was ideally suited to post-war Britain, at a time when motorcycles were becoming a more trusted way of getting around. While it might not be fast or sporty, this was a reliable and popular machine and successes in trials showed it could cope with challenging conditions.

Taking lessons from war-time experience, the unusual triangular frame is simple with seven straight pairs of tubes bolted together. Continuing the value-for-money approach meant using the light Villiers two-stroke engine with an Albion two speed gearbox, flywheel magneto and a chain drive.

The Francis-Barnett Model 3 is displayed in our Life on Two Wheels Exhibition.