FN4 1911 inline 4 motorcycle - Restoration

This bike had been sitting in water in a garage.

The rims were rusted and the motor not going.

The wheels have been given to us to restore. The owner will then take them back and install them onto the frame. The bike will then be sent back for the restoration. The motor is not going and it needs a bit of work.

The wheels have an exposed shaft drive and back up pedals. The tyre is a special tread that we haven’t seen before.

A bit of History on this model:

The FN Four was the world's first production manufactured in Liége by Fabrique Nationale from 1905 until 1923. It was also, at 40 miles per hour (64 km/h), the world's fastest production motorcycle from 1911 until 1912.

It was developed in 1904, tested late that year, and had its public debut at the 1905 Paris Motorcycle Show. It was a commercial success upon release, with production increasing over its twenty-year run.

It was originally single-speed. In 1909, a two-speed transmission was offered, then three-speed in 1914 with the 748 cc engine. It had a single-speed shaft drive turned by a bevel gear. The rider started the engine by pedaling bicycle style pedals with a chain drive and sprockets to the rear wheels. The 1905 model had a high-tension Bosch magneto ignition, 43  a spray carburetor, and a rear coaster brake operated by the pedals. It had a 5:1 reduction ratio to 26-inch wheels.

By 1908, it had a two speed transmission with a plate clutch, overcoming the speed limitations of the earlier model. In 1909 a rear drum brake was fitted. In 1910 the engine was redesigned and enlarged to 498 cc (30.4 cu in), the carburetor was moved and a new oiling system was used. The weight in 1910 was 165 lb (75 kg).

For the US market, the 1908 model was upgraded and released as a 19081⁄2 model, called the F.N. Big Four. Engine power was raised from 4+1⁄2 hp (3.4 kW) to 5 hp (3.7 kW), the frame size was reduced from 22 to 20 inches (560 to 510 mm) allowing the rider to sit with both feet on the ground, the wheel rims were made heavier and would fit American tire sizes, and it came with tires with a heavier tread.

The 1911 model weighed 185 lb (84 kg) and had a wheelbase of 56 in (1,400 mm). : 43  The US model had either Goodrich or another imported brand of tires, and a leather seat made by the Mesinger Bicycle Saddle Company of New York. : 43  By 1911 bore × stroke was up to 2+1⁄16 in × 2+1⁄16 in (52 mm × 52 mm) and nominal output was up to 6 hp (4.5 kW).

The motorcycle had bicycle-style pedals used for starting until 1913, when a kick starter was adopted.