However, a decent example would cost you around 150,000 -250,000 USD in 2020! The 1905 FN Four aka Type A went on sale for 42 pounds back in 1905 (Roughly 5100 pounds in today’s money). From 1914 until 1923 the FN inline-four motorcycles essentially remained similar. On top of this, a 3-speed transmission was introduced. With the new engine, FN replaced the automatic valves with mechanically actuated valves. In 1914, the displacement was further increased to 748cc (7 hp). Everything else remained the same as the 1911 refreshed model. The 1913 model replaced the bicycle-style pedal starter with kickstarters. Aside from this, the 1911 model featured bicycle seats manufactured by Mesinger Bicycle Saddle Company of New York. On top of this, there was an option to choose between Goodrich or another imported brand of tires. 1911ġ911 model had a wheelbase of 56 inches.
This engine received upgraded oiling system and carburetor. The 1910 model was essentially a 1909 model with a bigger 498cc engine capable of producing 6hp. Everything remained similar to the 1908 model except for the upgraded drum brakes. In 1909, the bike didn’t receive any major updates. On top of this, the frame size was reduced for user comfort and the rims were upgraded to fit American tire sizes.
For the US market, the 1908 model was released as the “FN Big Four” as the engine power jumped from 4.5hp to 5hp. In 1908, FN decided to overcome the speed limitation issues with previous models by using a 2-speed transmission using plate clutch. Aside from the change in displacement, everything else remained similar to the 1905 model. However, the 1906 model featured the same single-speed transmission with pedal start and coaster brakes as the 1905 mode. Through this, the engine output jumped from 3.45hp to 4.5hp. In 1906, the displacement was increased from 362cc to 410cc. Want to know why? The mass production of cars for the public actually started later in 1908 which made motorcycles the prime mean of motorized personal transportation.ĭid you know, the FN motorcycles also held the world record for the World’s fastest production motorcycle from 1911-1912. The production only ran for 20 years, from 1905-1923, however, the FN motorcycles were a massive commercial success. Later with time, Fabrique Nationale designed and developed various different upgraded models of the FN Four which we will look into detail later. The FN Four was developed in 1904 and launched later in 1905 at the Paris Motorcycle Show. Note, there have been numerous motorcycles before the FN Four was developed but they mostly used a single cylinder or horizontally opposed “boxer” twin/four engine. However, the first production inline-four motorcycle was manufactured in the earlier 1900s.ġ905 FN four is the world’s first production inline-4 motorcycle manufactured by Belgian Firearm manufacturer, FN (Fabrique Nationale) in Liége, Belgium.
Ever wondered how inline-four motorcycles came to life? well, it all started way back in the late 1890s.