c.1910 FN 285cc Single

Frame no. 32995 Engine no. 1837

Footnotes

• An older restoration

• Two-speed gearbox

• Pioneer Certificate

Like BSA, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('FN' for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles around 1900. Best known for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1905, the Belgian company demonstrated the same innovative spirit in the design of its singles, being among the first to adopt unitary construction of engine and gearbox, permitting the use of geared primary drive. FN produced both chain- and shaft-driven bicycles and soon applied the latter transmission system to its motorcycles. In 1900 the firm's first powered two-wheeler was produced by mounting a clip-on engine in a bicycle frame, and in December the following year the first production model arrived, powered by a 133cc single-cylinder engine. FN's single-cylinder models evolved gradually, growing in size firstly to 188cc before arriving at 285cc in 1913, by which the atmospheric inlet valve had given way to a mechanically operated one. Variable-pulley transmission had been introduced on the belt-driven singles in 1907 but would be superseded by shaft drive in 1910, its introduction coinciding with that of the two-speed gearbox.

An older restoration purchased at a UK auction (date unknown), this rare FN single features a two-speed gearbox, pedal-assisted starting by chain, a Lucas acetylene headlamp, and leather tank bags. The machine is offered with the auction catalogue page; a quantity of photocopied literature; a Pioneer Certificate (issued 1982); and an old UK V5 registration document and green logbook (registration 'DS 9455').


• Ancienne restauration

• Boîte à deux vitesses

• Certificat PIoneer

Ancienne restauration acquise lors d'une vente aux enchères au Royaume-Uni (date inconnue), cette rare FN se caractérise par une boîte de vitesses à deux rapports, un système de démarrage à chaîne assisté par pédalage, un phare à acétylène Lucas et des sacoches de réservoir en cuir. La machine est offerte avec la page du catalogue de la vente, un dossier de littérature en photocopie, un certificat Pioneer (émis en 1982), un ancien document V5 émis au Royaume-Uni et un log book (vert) mentionnant le numéro d'immatriculation « DS 9455 ».


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.