FN 1914 Type 700 748 cc 4 cyl sv 3507

FN 1914 “Type 700” 748 cc four cylinder T-head side valve frame # 70452 engine # 1274

At the Paris Salon at the end of 1914 a completely redesigned FN-4 is presented. Both engine and frame are totally new. The longer and sturdier frame now accommodates a 748 cc power source, with bore x stroke dimensions of 52 x 88 mm. The atmospheric intake system has been abandoned and the engine now has a full side valve layout, with valves on opposite sides of the cylinder, the so-called T-head configuration. The machine has a mechanical oil pump, a sturdy multiple-plate clutch and a three speed gearbox and can be started with a kick-starter. A true luxury machine, suited both for the demanding solo rider and the sidecar enthousiast. The machine is equipped with roomy aluminium footboards with pedals in front of them; the left foot operates the clutch pedal (that can be locked with the heel) while the right foot manages the internal expanding rear brake. The right hand handlebar lever operates a contracting band brake on the rear wheel brake drum, the left hand lever actuates the valve lift system.
Ignition is taken care of by a specially designed FN-Bosch magneto. This device runs on ball bearings and is driven at the same speed as the engine, assuring a fat spark and consequent ease of starting. The well-known FN shaft drive to the rear wheel ensures an efficient and maintenance free power transmission.
The new model is well-received and is described in the press as “The car on two wheels”. It’s expensive, at 1950 Francs the price is almost twice as high as that of the 285 cc single, that costs 1075 Francs.
Unfortunately, the success of the model is relatively short-lived because when German troops invade Belgium in August 1914, the factory is taken over and turned into a repair and maintenance centre for German army vehicles. Less than 600 of these fine Fours have been manufactured during 1914, so “700” we present here is a rare and sought-after survivor. She was once part of the Rochester motorcycle museum collection that ceased to exist in 1991 and after that came into the possession of noted British collector Peter Harper, who sold it via Brian Verrall’s business to the Honda Collection Hall at the Motegi Mobility Resort in Japan.
And now she’s back in Europe, ready for a new lease of life!