FN (motorcycle)
FN (Fabrique Nationale de Herstal) is a Belgian company established in 1889 to make arms and ammunition, and from 1901 to 1967 was also a motorcycle manufacturer.
The 1907 single-cylinder 244 cc FN motorcycle was the first bike with a multiple-ratio belt drive system, using a patented variable-size engine pulley.
[2] In 1905, the first 362 cc shaft-drive in-line FN inlet-over-exhaust four-cylinder motorcycle appeared, designed by Paul Kelecom.
The 1913 Fours had a two-speed gearbox and clutch, at the rear of the shaft drive, and bicycle pedals were permanently replaced with footrests from then on.
[2] By the end of World War I, after having to manufacture motorcycles for their occupiers, FN had few parts left, and some suppliers had gone.
The first model used an unusual patented Swiss coil sprung girder front fork and a new rubber rear suspension.
[4] There was some success in motocross, with riders like Mingels, Leloup, and R Beaten, but FN withdrew from competition at the end of the 1950s.
[1] Famous designers who worked for FN include Paul Kelecom, Van Hout, Dougal Marchant, and George-William Pratchett.
[1] Famous pre-war racers associated with FN include Kicken, Flintermann, Lovinfosse, Lempereur, Sbaiz, De Grady, René Milhoux, Charlier, Pol Demeuter, Noir, Van Gent, Renier, S "Ginger" Wood, Wal Handley, Ted Mellors, and Abarth.
In 1959 in-house FN mopeds appeared, the Utilitaire, Luxe, Fabrina, Princess, and a sport model, the "Rocket".
Van Hout developed these in the following years, and then, in 1937, designed a supercharged 498 cc vertical twin ohc racer, ridden in 1938 by "Ginger" Wood.
The department competed in three different branches of the motor sport, observed trials, motocross, and the 24 hours.
He was also engaged in the testing of new models and engines, subjecting them to high mileages and varying conditions, on the Francochamps circuit, and in the neighbouring Ardennes, along with his colleagues Samovic, George René, Walravens and Marcel Dubois, and their fitters Michel Collard and Stefan.
He damaged his bike on the fifth day, losing his oil through a blown gasket, and forced to retire.
The high point for Lambert Schepers came in 1960 when he became Champion of Belgium in the trials competition, and was presented with a gold medal, but after the Belgian Championships FN closed the racing department.
Lambert had a new position with FN in 1961, testing combat plane motors, such as the Spitfire, Avon, Lorenda, Starfire, Mirage, and finally, the F16.
Guido's education took precedence over competition, while George Jobe went on to a 1983 250 cc world motocross championship title.
His fellow countryman René Baeten, (Saroléa) took second and Victor Leloup, Belgium (FN) third.
The Belgian trio were under pressure from the British riders, who took places four to seven in the final standings.
Jeff Smith, Great Britain (BSA Gold Star) and Victor Leloup, Belgium (FN) both ended up on the same points, 20p.
[13] In 1957, the series got World championship status, with nine races held at: Sweden (Saxtorp), Italy (Imola), Belgium (Namur), Luxemburg (Ettelbruck), the Netherlands (Lichtenwoorde), France (Cassel), Great Britain (Brands Hatch), Denmark (Randers) and Switzerland (Wohlen).
This change of status meant that foreign riders who had been racing under English license now could compete for their own country.
René Baeten, Belgium (FN) took first place, becoming 1958 World Motocross Champion, with Bill Nilsson, Sweden (Crescent) second.
Auguste Mingels (Matchless), Victor Leloup (FN) and A Van Heuverzwijn (Saroléa) were the riders.
Third went to the Netherlands with: Hendrik Rietman (FN), Frans Baudoin (Matchless), Jan Clijnk (BSA).
