1951 SUPERCONFORT 498CC 1 CYL SV 3009 SOLD

Gillet 1951 Superconfort 489cc side valve frame # 500583 engine # 500583

Alongside FN and Saroléa, Gillet was one of ’s three main motorcycle manufacturers, all of which were situated in , a suburb of Liege. This town had become established as a thriving centre for the manufacturing of munitions, and this high- precision technology proved readily adaptable to the production of internal combustion engines towards the end of the 19th century. FN and Saroléa had already been around for about 20 years before Desiré Gillet and his son Leon founded S A des Ateliers Gillet in 1919, adding ‘Herstal’ to the company name to differentiate it from the French

V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 1 René Gillet concern. The fledgling firm soon established a reputation for original design and sound engineering, which was further enhanced when Robert Sexé rode a 346cc rotary-valve two-stroke Gillet-Herstal around the world, an achievement that led to the introduction of the famous ‘Tour du Monde’ (World Tour) model of the late 1920s. Gillet-Herstal’s four-stroke models likewise were of very high quality, the firm being amongst the pioneers of unitary construction of engine and gearbox. In the first years after 1945 production of pre-war models was resumed, but soon various new models were presented. First in 250cc capacity, but in 1950 400cc and 500cc machines are brought out in both OHV and SV versions. The new models can be had with rigid frames but a “Superconfort” sprung rear frame is available as an extra. The 76x105mm long stroke engine has an output of 14hp@4,200 rpm, good for a top speed of 105 km and a comfortable cruising speed of 80km. There a foot-change 4-speed gearbox on board and the bike weighs 150kg. This sturdily built, road registered quality motor cycle is an older restoration that’s in good mechanical condition.

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V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 2 V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 3 V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 4 V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 5 V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 6 V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 7 V.O.F. Yesterdays - www.yesterdays.nl - offi[email protected] - +31 495 54 60 54 | Page: 8 ABOUT YESTERDAYS Yesterday’s is a link with the past, particularly with motorcycles from the past. We are a straightforward organisation which aims at acquiring old motorcycles – in the broadest sense of the word – and making them available to enthusiasts of all kinds by means of sale.

After 35years of experience we claim to have an extensive knowledge of the world of antique and classic motorcycles. Our field of interest ranges from pre-1900s machines till those from the thirties and forties. We have regularly been able to provide- private enthusiasts, collectors, and museums all over the world with interesting acquisitions.

We cordially invite you to visit our site and step back in the illustrious past of motorcycling.

We ship worldwide at cost

Visitors by appointment from Tuesday - saturday 14.00h - 17.30h We are closed Sunday and Monday.

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