Last weekend saw the official re-launch of Francis Barnett. at Coventry's Motofest. There is currently one model, the Merlin. Details aren't given but from spec and appearance the Merlin seems to use the Chinese HMC 125cc platform, the same as used by Boneshaker Choppers for their Mutt.
The Mutt has a more contemporary brat / flat track style whilst the Merlin goes for late fifties off road styling which to my eyes they've got bang on. Looks-wise the bike does have the feel of the original FBs, quite an achievement given that they are using a generic platform. It's easy to be a hater and dismiss the bike as just another re-badged Chinese job but this is the modern world and it's simply impossible to launch a new model small bike without huge investment.
The performance of the running gear is already long-proven and the style is right, let's hope we see a few of them out and about in the near future.
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| New model Francis Barnett Merlin. |
just like ajs using an old british bike name on a Chinese 125 and paying a huge premium for the pleasure the basic hmc £1500 what next Chinese spitfires.
ReplyDelete"CHINA ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF IT"S FIRST SPITFIRE!"
ReplyDeleteNo, only joking...i hope...?