Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
c1921 FN 285
A model rarely seen in the UK
Estimate
£2, 800 - £3, 200
Registration No: VYE 330
Frame No: 63111
MOT: Exempt
Belgian made shaft drive 285cc single
Authentically presented condition
Supplied with Buff RF60 and a V5
FN (Fabrique Nationale de Herstal) was a Belgian company established in 1889 that initially made arms and ammunition. Like BSA in the UK, they also began to manufacture motorcycles in 1901, developing one of the world's first four cylinder powered machines in 1905. The company helped build its reputation by competing in long distance races in Europe and at the IOM TT, finishing third in the 1908 Twin Cylinder class. Always innovative, most of their early models featured shaft drive when the opposition were still using belt drive to the rear wheel. After the end of WW1, FN redeveloped its range to take it into the 1920s with the 285cc single gaining an 'Inlet Over Exhaust' cylinder head and a kickstarter. Never the cheapest of bikes, they favoured quality over quantity and gained an enviable reputation for their products.
This extremely rare in the UK FN285T is from a deceased estate, so unfortunately, not much is known of its history. Bought by the vendor a few years ago to add to his collection of 1920s classics, it is a very interesting bike to study in detail. The leading axle front forks and unit construction engine with shaft drive were technically way ahead of their time in the early 1920s. According to the Buff Log Book supplied with the bike, it was imported from Belgium in 1959 and sold by Taylor Matterson Ltd Motorcycles in Balham. Presented in good authentic condition, it has not been run for a while so will need recommissioning, and it will be supplied with the aforementioned Buff log book and a V5 registration document.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
