Two brakes (drum and rim-type) both operated on the rear wheel. At first there was no clutch, the direct-drive machine being started by pedalling away until the engine fired. Supported on ball bearings, the drive shaft ran inside the right-hand frame member to a bevel gear on the rear axle. Shaft final drive was another innovation. Advanced for its day, the 363cc air-cooled four featured 'atmospheric' inlet and mechanical (side) exhaust valves a robust five-bearing crankshaft individual crankcase oil wells ensuring adequate lubrication for the connecting rods and reliable Bosch magneto ignition. Designed by Paul Kelecom, the FN was the world's first practical four-cylinder motorcycle, its smooth, almost vibration-free operation setting it apart from rival singles and v-twins. Today the Belgian company is best remembered for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1904 and was first exhibited publicly at the 1905 Paris Cycle Show. Like BSA in Britain, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('FN', for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles in 1900.
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