Gun enthusiasts will recognize FN as a Belgian manufacturer of a wide variety of guns – my favorite of which is probably the F2000 bullpup assault rifle. But between 1901 and 1967, they also made some motorcycles, including the world’s first four-cylinder bike, and the single you see here in front of you.
In 1907, FN introduced the first bike with a ‘multiple-ratio’ belt drive as a transmission, though final drive was done via shaft – they equipped it to a 244cc single. Five years later they added a hand clutch and foot pedal rear brake to the single, and two years later they made this bike, which has been beautifully restored.
What I really enjoy about this example is the numerous period correct accessories – the speedo that runs off the front wheel, acetylene lighting, 1914 license plate, Klaxon horn, and my absolute favorite: the Shell oil can. The seller says this bike has been in static display in a collection since the restoration was completed, but it’s not stated how long ago that happened. If my memory serves me right, this bike was last year’s Quail Motorcycle Gathering – I even took this photo of it when I was there:
Find this FN for sale in Ojai, California for $65,000 here on Craigslist through Bator International.