Talk me out of it someone please!

[iansoady]

I was idly browsing ebay and came across this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Francis-Barnett-Plover-1958/124256646412

It's the identical model to the one I started my riding career well over 50 years ago. I'm strangely tempted although I do know that it will be a gutless underbraked pogo stick of a machine. I've also started looking at bikes with the bigger 197 and 250 Villiers "power" plants.

Tell me I'm mad? Especially as I've just returned from a lovely 30 mile jaunt on the Norton, picking up plums (early this year?) from a farm shop in the Vale of Evesham.

[spooky]

It looks quite nice, but how slow do you want to go ?
For not much more you could have my Gilera 150....

[iansoady]

I know, I know. I can't see your Gilera on Autotrader (or C&C)? Is it left foot kickstart?

[spooky]

It is on left but not too high, my diff replacement can kick it easily, took it off caranclassic last night..

[Smithy]

Hi Ian

You're mad. I bet that has made no difference to your deliberations at all because once an idea like this enters our heads we can't shake it. I have been fondly watching adverts for CZs of the 1970s as other than a brief ownership of a Tiger Cub they were my starter bikes. I, like you, know they would be awful by the standards of the more modern machinery I ride but for a nostalgic laugh I might be tempted.

I suspect price may be the determining factor; exactly how much is a bout of nostalgia worth to you Ian? I know for me £1295 would be way too much, but hey ho you may value your youth higher in which case it might be silly grin time.

Ian

[iansoady]

Weird isn't it? I'm going to have a look at it this afternoon although I think I may decide it's just too underpowered and basic. There's a 197 Falcon in the H&H auction later in the week which may be worth a punt - this model has a proper frame and slightly more power.

Price? I know it's more than the Plover is worth. I have a suspicion it won't get any bids at that - a really nice one went for £1600 at a recent Pugh's auction just before I got this lunatic notion in my head.

I would only use it for short local trips around the lanes so am not expecting to set off on a world tour (although people have used even less suitable bikes for such things). And I have the Norton and Guzzi for open road stuff.

[spooky]

If you like it get it.... If it only gets used a few times what does it matter ?

[iansoady]

Indeed. I remember well buying my first at the age of 16 with my dad "helping" me (well stumping up most of the cash). It was a toss up between the F-B and one of the then (1965) very new on the market small Suzukis.

I've also been prompted to wonder whether I should part with the Guzzi as it performs much the same as the Norton and I'm finding I prefer that. The Guzzi does have electric start but TBH I've never really got on with the linked brakes. The Norton is a first kick starter and very easy to ride although I may fit some discreet indicators at some stage as no-one looks to see my arms waving about.

[iansoady]

Bought this one: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1247353.

Sight unseen - £1100. The seller is a Bantam enthusiast and officer of the British 2 stroke Club so should know what he's selling.

I like the fact it has a 4 speed box; lots of stuff to put right though.

[mthee]

Congratulations! Odd to see the word, "cruiser" associated with a FB...

[iansoady]

Yes, most of the post-war models were the names of birds. Cruiser is a throwback to pre-war days. No idea why.

[CrazyFrog]

Sounds like it should be fun Ian, and should have plenty enough go for B road and country lane bimbles...

[iansoady]

Scheduled for delivery next week. I think there will be a fair bit to sort out before it's ready for the road but no hurry.

[iansoady]

The mighty Cruiser has landed and is as expected. It actually runs although the exhaust note is deafening - I think the "silencer" is missing a baffle tube or something. I was originally going to try it out fairly soon but it does need a fair bit of attention - all cables are shot, the chain is a rusty mess, the gearbox has no oil etc - so I may leave it fallow till Autumn and go through it properly.

[CrazyFrog]

Looks like a really good buy for the money Ian - you'd struggle to get a ropey 250 MZ for that price!