Sturton-by-Stow: A classic British motorbike has been revived through a new vintage styled electric bike

Lincolnshire based Batribike, and its owner Steve Coulson from Sturton-by-Stow, has launched an exciting new project to revive a classic British motorbike brand through a vintage new electric bike.
Batribike Launch with Andrew Longfield (left) and Steve Coulson (right)Batribike Launch with Andrew Longfield (left) and Steve Coulson (right)
Batribike Launch with Andrew Longfield (left) and Steve Coulson (right)

Almost a century after the first bike was built in Coventry, and 50 years after the factory doors closed for the last time, Batribike, the UK’s leading e-bike company based in Sturton-by-Stow, has revived a classic British motorbike brand, Francis-Barnett, through a new vintage styled electric bike.

Members of the Batribike team launched the Francis-Barnett classic electric bikes at the Transport Museum in Coventry and were joined by Jitterbug dancers and music was provided by a vintage wind up gramophone.

Steve Coulson, Managing Director of Batribike, played a key role in the design and manufacturing implementation of the bikes.

Steve was joined at the launch by Andrew Longfield, owner of the Francis-Barnett brand, whose inspiration it was to revive the brand with modern technology.

With its classic lines, vintage design and heritage green paint work, the new bike is not only sympathetic to Francis-Barnett’s original ethos of both style and reliability, but is designed to complement a modern, fashion focussed rider and includes cutting edge e-bike technologies.

The new Francis-Barnett vintage e-bike has been developed over the last two years by Batribike where it is now being hand finished at the companies base in Sturton-by-Stow.

Steve Coulson, Managing Director of Batribike, said: “Our design team has worked hard to ensure every detail of the bike honours the vintage styling and values of Francis-Barnett’s wonderful machines of yester-year.”

Whether for a fashion conscious urban commuter, or for a leisurely rural ride for those who appreciate quality, authentic vintage styling, this new bike is not only a classically detailed mode of transport, but has personality and style that is sure to turn heads as you ride.

Mr Coulson added: “Francis-Barnett was known for its stylish, yet unfailing workman-like machines that would be built to both make a design statement, yet reliably get you to work on time.

“We really wanted to incorporate both the design and steadfast reliability into our new bike, and the result has surpassed all of our wildest dreams.”

Francis-Barnett was a Coventry based, British motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1919, by Gordon Inglesby Francis and Arthur Barnett. Developing a range of bikes, the last of which left the factory in 1966, at which time a British motoring institution was lost until now.

Andrew Longfield, the new owner of the Francis-Barnett brand, said: “Seeing this amazing brand be brought right into the 21st century, whilst maintaining the heart and soul of the original company, has been a dream come true.

“The team at Batribike have done an incredible job.”

With a maximum speed of up to 15.5 mph, the new bike can reach between 28 and 60 miles depending on the level of pedal assist selected.

To find your nearest retailer, visit www.batribike.com/where-to-buy or call 01427 787774.

Related topics: