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 Italy – 1939 Taurus G27
I really struggled to find more information on this bike, and I’ll be really impressed if one of you guys or gals knows more about the Taurus marque. At this point, all I’ve got is that it’s Italian and that a few years back, someone tried to update the marque to modern times with a custom based on a Royal …
In England – 1927 Brough Superior 680
In 1927, George Brough though he needed to offer a motorcycle at a lower price point, so he started selling the 680, which was named after the 680cc JAP overhead valve V-Twin engine. Nowadays these bikes still command less than the SS80 or SS100, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to find one for cheap – this example is …
1905 Indian Camelback
Post-Listing Update: This Camelback did not meet reserve with bidding up to $55,100. Named for the ‘hump’ on the back, which is the fuel tank for the 2.25 horsepower single, the Indian Camelback was produced in various guises until 1909, when a ‘normal’ gas tank was used.
Impressively Original – 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
Post-Listing Update: This Knucklehead did not meet reserve with bidding up to $70,100 after 53 bids on eBay. This lovely EL is being offered by the third owner, who says it hasn’t been ‘changed’ since 1965, when the original owner repainted it. In 1989, the bike was put away by the second owner and the third owner has just brought …
One Year Only – 1916 Indian Model K
Older Indians are best known for their four-stroke V-twin powerplants, though the company did try their hand at other designs like the Indian Four or the two-stroke single found in the Model K. Designed to be low cost transportation (MSRP was $150), the Model K lasted all of one year before it was replaced by the Model O, which got …
1922 Johnson Motorwheel
Based out of Terre Haute, Indiana, four bothers came together to form the Johnson Motor Company. Despite some initial trials and tribulations, they had set half-mile dirt track records and sold over 17,000 units by 1921. Unfortunately by that point Henry Ford was making vehicles like the Motorwheel obsolete with the Model T. A few years later and the Johnson …
1930 FN Sahara M70
Post-Listing Update: This Sahara was pulled off of eBay before the listing ended. In 1923, FN brought out a new unit construction single that quickly usurped the popularity of their four cylinder powerplant. Initially, the singles were popular with sportier riders, but FN wanted more of a standard model – hence the M70. In 1927, two French army officers (along …
Advanced in France – 1931 Peugeot P108
The 1931 Peugeot P108 is not only a beautiful piece, it boasted several innovative features. Prime among them is no separate primary drive and gearbox, but everything tucked into one neat case. The lines and look are very elegant. The P108 is driven by an air cooled 249 cc single side valve motor. Considered a lightweight, the 108 had full …
1930 Harley-Davidson Model C
The big news for 2014 from Harley Davidson was the addition of a 500cc and 750cc ‘lighter version’ to the HD lineup. It presents a low entry level price point for the HD experience. But the 2014 500cc Harley Davidson wasn’t anywhere near the first. In 1929 Harley introduced the Model C, a 500cc (30.5 cid) flathead single. The model …
Unrestored – 1930 Triumph NSD with Gloria Sidecar
This beautiful vintage hack is claimed to be in ‘super usable condition’ and is impressively original for being 85 years old. It “starts well” and “sounds perfect” with no issues or smoke.
1935 Rudge Tourist 250
Founded in 1894 through the merger of two bicycle makers, Rudge-Whitworth moved into motorcycle production in 1911. They made a name for themselves with some technological innovations (such as the Multi gear system which allowed for 21 speeds) and some racing success.
1913 Pope
View Post1907 Marsh-Metz
One of the founders of Waltham Manufacturing Company, Charles Herman Metz, ended up leaving to form the Metz Motorcycle Company in 1902. Fast forward to 1905, and he had merged with the Marsh brothers to create the American Motorcycle Company, which put out the Marsh-Metz motorcycle.
In Belgium, Ending Soon – 1936 Express SL99
Express was a Germany manufacturer that started with bicycles. By 1930, they had started building small motorcycles as well, with 2-stroke Sachs engines varying between 48ccs and 98ccs. Here’s one of the ‘big’ bikes, a SL99 with the 98cc powerplant.