Welcome to Barnstormers We are a couple of old fat blokes who like riding old motorcycles. We'll try and keep the site updated with useful info, such as upcoming events, how to look after your old dunga and hopefully some photos/articles of what we've been getting up to on old bikes. Enjoy.
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By McSnotty, on October 19th, 2011  161 viewsIt has been a few months since the last updates on Barnstormers which only means one thing – that Knobsta and me have been very busy. Work and family are of course important but behind the scenes we are doing motorcycling things. Knobsta broke a pedal on his tricycle so opted to buy a new sparkly Triumph to replace it. Jnr McS and yours truly have been busy visiting swap meets and even though the weather hasn’t been that great for the majority (the Pukekohe Swap Meet was later referred to as the Great Pukekohe Swamp Meet) we have actually managed to add to the parts shelves in the workshop (a 1913 motorcycle manual for $5.00 from Pukekohe, a rear sprocket for $5.00 from Rotorua for Project Enfield, and some car stuff for junior). We have acquired more manuals to put up on the site to assist owners with their machines but as they take 6~8hours to scan and format (per manual) they will be a while in coming. And I also swept the workshop floor (but not very well – its actually Mrs McSweepy’s job). However things that are coming up that may be of interest are -
Webbs Motorcycle, Car and Collectables Auction – This is tonight (19th October) at Shed 5, Top Deck, 90 Wellesly St, Auckland, from 6.30pm. There are a total
. . . → Read More: News October 2011.
By McSnotty, on July 10th, 2011 256 viewsThis is a combined instruction manual and parts book for the 1933 Francis-Barnett 148cc Lapwing, 196cc Black Hawk, and 196cc Falcon.
The first section is the instruction manual with running instructions and basic care. It deals with both flywheel magneto and coil ignition models, with the coil ignition models being fitted with Miller lighting units, and briefly covers the automatic lubrication of the Falcon 31. This machine utilises crankcase suction to draw the oil from the oil tank via the sight feed regulator glass on the oil tank.
The second section is for the illustrated parts of the cycle equipment or more commonly known as the rolling frame. As Francis-Barnett was a small motorcycle manufacturer they utilised engines, gearboxes and electrical from other suppliers. In the 1930s you would have to purchase the required parts listings from those suppliers for their products ie Villiers parts list for the engine and carburettor etc.
. . . → Read More: 1933 Francis-Barnett Operating Instructions and Spare Parts List.
By McSnotty, on July 9th, 2011 459 viewsBarnstormers is about riding, working on, and reading about old motorcycles. Lately we have been concentrating more on the reading and publishing of old manuals and sales catalogues and so have decided that a change needs to happen. Knobsta suggested a section on polishing but I wouldn’t dare venture into Mrs McShiny’s department (and Knobsta doesn’t polish anyway – he just smears) so we both thought that playing with tools seemed the go. We may ride old motorcycles, and we can also be trusted with spanners to pull them apart however reassembly might be another issue so we have devised a plan that involves building (or rebuilding) something old. Initially we were going to use the remains of a 1930 350 Calthorpe however the bike was missing some major major components and was just going to take forever to progress. Next was a 1925 Model OB OHV Douglas
. . . → Read More: Project Royal Enfield.
By McSnotty, on July 6th, 2011 226 viewsWinter has definitely arrived and with the constant rain and water logged grounds the only thing that one can do is spend more time in the workshop. There is not much point getting wet and cold trying to do things outside when there is a nice warm heater beckoning from the shed. Both Knobsta and myself have been busy readying ourselves for the coming summer and fine days – hopefully.
Butterworth Collection – We have been very lucky to obtain some early photographs from Pete Butterworth of Digga Halam and his racing. Most are of Digga racing in the TT on Waiheke Island in the late 1940s (Digga won the TT on Waiheke in 1941), but also include some interesting shots of beach racing at Muriwai. There are some other miscellaneous shots of other events as well including Whakatane and Seagrove. With approximately 100 photographs,
. . . → Read More: News July 2011.
By McSnotty, on June 26th, 2011 387 viewsMost of us have cursed the time when we forgot to put our vehicles registration on hold and have lost the use of the old silver numbered black number plates, I have and so has Knobsta. The older number plates hold more of the history of the vehicle and when lost through deregistration so goes that history.
However all is now not lost. For those of us that never throw anything away, especially those old registration papers, and for those of us who also haven’t flogged the old number plate off at a swap meet for $20.00 there is a possibility that the original number plate can be reused.
The old style black number plate first issued in 1964.
. . . → Read More: Motor Vehicle Old Style Black Number Plates.
By McSnotty, on June 2nd, 2011 328 viewsWith World War 2 well under way it was the job of motorcycle manufacturers to supply machines for the war effort. Initially civilian models were altered as required (no chrome, painted green or grey for the navy, blackout lights fitted etc) and shipped out until war department contracts were filled for the supply of more appropriate machines. With the life expectancy of these machines being measured in days not years the motorcycles were definitely built down to a price and this appeared as changes on the 3HW like no rear number plate mounting bracket, a basic painted petrol tank with no instrument panel (ampmeter and light switch mounted in the headlight – much easier), no footrest or gear change
. . . → Read More: 1942 Triumph 3HW Drivers Handbook
By McSnotty, on May 31st, 2011 304 viewsThe infamous Triumph Model P was first introduced in 1925 to seriously compete against other manufacturers for what was a struggling market. Undercutting all others it was a success in sales however problems started to arise over quality and design issues and a rethink on improvements was required. Upgrades ensued and by late 1925 the MKII model was starting to restore confidence in Triumphs market. An attractive motorcycle still seen at rallies today.
. . . → Read More: 1926 Triumph Model P Spare Parts List
By McSnotty, on May 31st, 2011 225 viewsWell for 1925 they only had 2 machines listed for export, a 147cc 2 speed belt drive model, and a 172cc 3 speed all chain drive machine. Sparce looking motorcycles manufactured true to their motto of “Built Like a Bridge” the triangular bolt together frame may have appeared odd but it proved very strong (as long as the bolts were kept tight) and was to serve Francis-Barnett well for many years.
Given the very basic nature of the motorcycle they were most likely abused (like most small capacity machines), overused and then
By McSnotty, on May 26th, 2011 249 viewsMajor changes for 1925 saw the old style square or flat petrol tank and loop frame gone and the new frame and teardrop style petrol tank introduced. Harley Davidson were proud of this upgrade and displayed it openly with the release of their 1925 sales catalogue. The new frame allowed a lower seat height without sacraficing ground clearance, the upgraded rear mudguard offered better protection and a bigger seat allowed the rider better comfort over the longer miles that were being travelled. Both generator and magneto models were available for the 1000 and 1200cc machines, which could be ridden as a solo or fitted with left or right hand passenger sidecars (depending on the country), or a parcel delivery box. For commercial use as a delivery vehicle Harley Davidson made the sidecar chassis
. . . → Read More: 1925 Harley Davidson Sales Catalogue.
By McSnotty, on May 25th, 2011 249 viewsManufacturers have always been keen to promote their products to the world. Sales brochures, wall posters of the latest models, sponsorship deals for riders, racers and clubs were just some of the efforts made to encourage riders to buy their products. Harley Davidson was no different and to get the message out there they produced a magazine called The Harley Davidson Enthusiast. First published in 1916 it was referred to as the ‘now and then magazine’ due to the sporadic nature of publication however later on it
. . . → Read More: The Enthusiast Magazine.
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