FN 1922 285 TT 285 cc overhead inlet valve 3609

FN 1922 “285 TT” 285 cc overhead inlet valve frame # 61894

The first FN single with shaft drive came on the market at the end of 1909. It was quite an innovative little machine with bore and stroke dimensions of 65×75 mm giving a capacity of 247 cc. The specifications included a multiple plate clutch and a two speed gearbox. Weight of the machine was 65 kg and the fuel consumption was less than 3 litres per 100 km. This light single became a popular seller next to the FN four cylinder model. In 1912 the capacity was enlarged to 285 cc by enlarging the stroke to 85 mm and the frame was changed, resulting in a longer and lower machine. In 1913 a kick starter was added. When production was resumed after the war the company had to start from scratch because the retreating German army had robbed the factory from its machines and equipment. The early postwar models were often fitted with older parts because of the shortage of materials. Towards the end of 1920 the “285 T” appeared; the frame top tube was dropped to get a lower saddle position. In the course of 1922 the 285 TT was brought out: the side-by-side valve concept was changed to inlet-over-exhaust, but the side valve model was also kept in production. 285 T and TT production was phased out in 1923, when the models were superseded by the 348 cc ohv M60.
An interesting aspect of the 285TT is that the mechanics of the engine at work are quite visible; the valve operating system, the flywheel and the kick starting mechanism are all exposed, and the external oil lines and crankcase inspection glass emphasize the basic lubrication system. The 2-speed gearbox is manually controlled, the clutch can be operated by hand or foot and there’s an internal expanding brake on the rear wheel. The machine we present has been acquired some years ago from the well-known Waldmann Museum FN-collection in Austria. She has been fitted with various accessories, such as Luxor acetylene lighting, hand press horn, rear view mirror, oiler, and tyre pump. This vintage lightweight FN comes with current Dutch registration and is very well suited for vintage club outings.