1907 FN 412cc 4 Cylinder
Motorcyclists have always been attracted
by the regular running of four cylinder engines, but this engine configuration
has generally been complex and expensive to build. Even now a days, four
cylinder bikes are the exception rather than the rule.
As Old as Motorcycling
The four cylinder bike is,
however, as old motorcycling. The British engineer colonel Holden (who also
designed the world's first race track, Brooklands) produced a four cylinder
motorcycle in 1896. Then in 1902, the French cyclebuilder Adolphe Clement built
a 1500cc V4 racing bike. But it was not until 1904 that four cylinder machines
began to appear in significant numbers.
Notable
Refinement
That year saw the Binks and Ewart-Hail from England,
the Laurin & Klement form Czechoslovakia, and , most famous of all the
Belgian FN, made by a famed armaments factory at Herstal-lez-Liege. With a five
bearing crankshaft and shaft drive, the FN was particulary refined, even if
such "accessories" as clutch and gearbox did not appear until 1912, and then
only as options! Auxiliary pedaling, gear was used to start the FN, and a back
pedaling brake enabled the rider to provide "light pedal assistance" on tsteep
hills. Continually improved the FN was built in large numbers up to 1926, when
a new "Four" replaced it.
Specifications
Engine air cooled 312cc (48 x 57mm) 4 cylinder four
stroke
Power Output3.5 hp @ 2000 rpm
Valvesautomatic inlet; side exhaust
Fuel System carburetor
Transmission
shaft and bevel
Suspension (front) parallel links
(rear) none
Brakes single drum rear
Wheels wire; clincher rims
Weight 165 lbs
Maximum Speed 40 mph