There are few manufacturers of early motorcycles more respected than Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre (FN) of Herstal in Belgium, a long established precision manufacturer of firearms.

Prior to the Second World War the Belgium conglomerate produced motorcars as well and in 1959 one of their formidable motocross machines took first place in 500cc Motor Cycle World Championships. The firm continues to manufacture ordnance to this present day.

FN arguably pioneered four cylinder machines with the introduction of a 362cc model in 1904.

This FN is a well preserved and authentic example of these expensive and beautifully engineered machines and was discovered in Belgium circa 1970 by the late Dr Helmut Krackowizer – widely renowned as writer, enthusiast, and historian.

The FN marque specialist in the UK suggests that this motorcycle dates from 1914. Thought to have spent most of its life in Vienna, as evidenced by markings on the tool box, this machine was acquired for a notable Austrian motorcycle collection in 1986. Following that acquisition, some restoration work was completed in Vienna prior to the machine going on Museum display. It was last running when in the Vienna Museum.

Specific attractive features include the nickel plated front forks, leather tool box imprinted ‘Vien’, period sprung mounted front lamp, oil cans on the rear mudguard, front and rear stands. A rare feature is “the town and country exhaust” enabling more performance and a little extra noise when out of town.

This bike became part of the NZCM collection in 2008.