c.1912 FN 498cc Four

Frame no. 50459 Engine no. 1745 VU

Footnotes

• Rare Veteran-era four

• The first commercially successful four-cylinder motorcycle

• An older restoration

Like BSA, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('FN', for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles in 1900. Today the Belgian company is best remembered for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1904 and was first exhibited publicly at the 1905 Paris Cycle Show. Designed by Paul Kelecom, the FN was the world's first practical four-cylinder motorcycle, its smooth and almost vibration-less operation setting it apart from rival singles and v-twins. Advanced for its day, the 362cc air-cooled four featured 'atmospheric' inlet and mechanical (side) exhaust valves, a robust five-bearing crankshaft, individual crankcase oil wells ensuring adequate lubrication for the connecting rods, and reliable Bosch magneto ignition. Shaft final drive was another innovation. Supported on ball bearings, the driveshaft ran inside the right-hand frame member to a bevel gear on the rear axle. At first there was no clutch, the direct-drive machine being started by pedalling away until the engine fired. Two brakes (drum and rim-type) both operated on the rear wheel. The engine was enlarged (to 413cc) in 1906 and again around 1908, on this occasion to 498cc, and in 1911 the factory introduced its own two-speed transmission, similar to that already offered by Horstmann in Britain, which was contained within the drive-shaft housing.

An older restoration, this wonderful FN Four features a BA Depose headlamp and a 100km/h speedometer, the latter detached. Included in the accompanying folder is an FN letter dated December 1913 to a Peter Massling regarding machine specifications and prices, and the machine also comes with hand-written notes, some photocopied literature, and a selection of photographs.


• Rare quatre-cylindres de l'époque Vétérans

• Première moto à quatre cylindres commercialisée avec succès

• Ancienne restauration

Ancienne restauration, cette magnifique FN quatre cylindres est équipée d'un phare » BA Déposé » et d'un compteur de vitesse gradué jusqu'à 100 km/h (ce dernier démonté). Le dossier joint comprend une lettre de FN datée de décembre 1913 adressée à un certain Peter Massling indiquant les spécifications et les prix des machines et cette moto est accompagnée de notes manuscrites, d'une littérature en photocopie et d'une sélection de photos.


It should be noted that these vehicles have either been on display in the museum or kept in store since Peter and Ulrike passed away. Their present mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, perspective bidders must satisfy themselves with regards to their condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

On notera que depuis le décès de Peter et d'Ulrike ces véhicules ont été maintenus en exposition dans le musée ou entreposés. L'état actuel réel des mécaniques est inconnu et les éventuels acquéreurs devront s'assurer par eux-mêmes de la condition, de l'intégrité, de l'authenticité et autres points relatifs à la qualité des machines avant de porter leurs enchères.