- ENGINE: 362 CC inline four-cylinder shaft drive
- MANUFACTURED: Herstal, Belgium
- VIN: 18074
- CONDITION: Running & original
- BRAKES: Coaster-type brake on the rear drum and a stirrup brake on the rear rim
- WEIGHT: Just over 300 LB.
- HISTORY: Formerly of the Lee Roy Hartung Collection
- DOCUMENTATION: US Title
Own a Pivotal Piece of Motorcycle History: The 1907 FN Four
Imagine: the groundbreaking Fabrique Nationale (FN) Four, whose advanced inline four-cylinder architecture captivated
Percy Pierce of the legendary Pierce Arrow Automobile Company. So inspired was he by this very model, his
Engineers developed America's first inline-four Motorcycle, achieving instant global success across 40+
countries.
Now, you can experience that pioneering spirit firsthand with this exceptionally preserved 1907 FN Four. Presented in
stunningly Original condition, right down to its authentic wood rims, this 362cc shaft-driven marvel from Herstal,
Belgium, is a rare testament to early 20th-century innovation.
While its robust build (just over 300 pounds) and unique braking system (rear drum coaster and rim stirrup brake) set it
apart, its true legacy lies in its Engineering brilliance. The FN Four’s ingenious short-leading-link front
fork design was so influential, it was later adopted by giants like Harley-Davidson and Brough Superior.
This isn't merely a Motorcycle; it's a revolutionary artifact that propelled an entire industry forward. A tangible
link to the dawn of modern motorcycling and an unmissable opportunity for the discerning collector.
Fabrique Nationale motorcycles, also known as “FN,” were renowned for their pioneering innovations, including the
world’s first four-cylinder production bike (the FN Four, as shown here) and the extensive use of shaft drive. The
company, initially an arms manufacturer, also achieved early racing success and produced high-quality,
reliable, and smooth-running motorcycles. Manufactured in Belgium, this bike inspired American
manufacturers, securing its place as the only bike in the Shappy Collection not made in the United States.
Percy Pierce, son of George Pierce of the Pierce-Arrow Automobile Company, purchased one of these
motorcycles, brought it to its engineers, and produced the first four-cylinder inline-four in the U.S. It was
an immediate success, selling in over 40 countries, including the United States.
This 1907 Fabrique Nationale (FN) Four is in completely original condition, right down to the authentic wood rims.
It’s a 362 cc inline four-cylinder, shaft-drive motorcycle made in Herstal, Belgium. It weighs just over 300
pounds, which was heavier than its competitors of the day, and has a coaster-type brake on the rear drum and a stirrup
brake on the rear rim. Harley-Davidson copied the FN Four’s short-leading-link front fork design, as did Brough
Superior. It was revolutionary, helping move the motorcycle industry forward.