The FN 4 was the brainchild of Walter Kelicom of Belgium, and was built by the famous arms maker there. This was the first successful four-cylinder motorcycle, and featured shaft drive for the first time as well. It is very smooth running, but lacks either clutch or gearbox, making it a difficult ride in modern traffic, or on hills. In spite of the sophistication of 4 cylinders and shaft drive, FN did not offer a clutch or a gearbox until 1913, although a British accessory maker offered one as early as 1906. (One has been discovered and will soon be fitted.) The last time the owner rode it on a “pre 16”run, he had to give up, not because the bike failed in any way, but because the pedaling uphill got a bit tedious. The bicycle heritage is still evident with the FN, but all the cycle parts are designed with motorcycling in mind. The front forks are well sprung, and it has a proper motorcycle headlight, unlike the bicycle type on the Rex. This FN once belonged to AMCA past president Art Sigal, and is pictured in Ted Hodgdon’s book, “The Golden Age of the Fours”. And yes, the fuel tank is polished brass.

Impressions from the Saddle
The FN is started on its rear stand. Fuel is turned on, ignition is retarded, carburetor is flooded, and it starts with a brisk pedal like the CCM and the Rex. This one has no clutch, so it must be stopped when let off the stand, and pedaled down the road to start again. As the FN has such a long wheelbase, pedaling it is a bit awkward, but you are soon rewarded by the quiet purr of the in line four, which runs like a sewing machine. On the flat it can cruise at a very smooth 45 mph, but going up hill is a different matter, as the engine slows down, and you must pedal to assist it, which can be quite a workout. Lubrication is by drip feed on this one, with an auxiliary hand pump, so once things are adjusted, it takes care of itself.