Description
Gillet 1931 Sport 350cc OHV frame & engine # 71049
The first Gillets -built in Herstal near Liege, Belgium- are brought out in 1920 and are unit-design 300cc two-strokes with belt drive.
The design is simple, rugged and reliable and soon the company is an established and successful motorcycle manufacturer.
At the end of 1926 a sporting four stroke with attractive unit construction engine is presented.
In 1928 the 500cc OHV “Supersport” model breaks many world records at the Monthlery track in France.
From model year 1931 a line of machines with inclined engines becomes available; a 400cc side valve with bore x stroke of 75x90mm and a 70×90 350cc model that can be had in both OHV and SV versions.
This new line of machines becomes very popular and will remain in production till 1948.
The two-port OHV “Sport” model has pleasant lines and, according to the factory brochure, can reach a top speed of about 115km per hour.
The machine is relatively light at 125kg and certainly sparse on petrol, with a claimed consumption of 3 litres per 100km.
An interesting feature is that the brake pedal operates both front and rear brakes.
There’s Bosch ignition and lighting on board and an Amal carburettor.
The machine we present here is a well-kept older restoration with current Dutch registration.