The Comet was one of four 500cc single models from the Stevenage based workshop, the Sports Comet, Comet Speciale and the Meteor completed the foursome. 

The Comet’s engine is a single cylinder, high camshaft OHV, air-cooled unit made with a light alloy barrel and cylinder head with a cast-iron liner and a backbone type combined frame and oil tank. It has a ‘Burman’ BAP four speed gearbox. It produces 28 bhp at 5,800 RPM. 

This bike was purchased by the current owner’s uncle as part of his larger collection of weird and wonderful and varied machinery. Unfortunately, after his passing the collection was passed down through the family but now with a change in life circumstances the bike is up for sale. 

 

The bike is not thought to have had a lot of work done to it during it’s time in the collection aside from regular maintenance. Any work that did need doing would have been done by the previous owner and therefore the paperwork would not have been kept. The condition of the bike however shows that it was well cared for during its time. 

 

The Comet is in fantastic condition with very little corrosion on the frame and what little there is, is only presented as surface deep and not likely to be structural. The wheels are in great condition with little pitting and no visible damage to any spokes, the mudguards are nicely polished and again are in good condition. 

The rear mudguard folds up out of the way to allow access to the rear wheel and the rear number plate holder has the characterful ‘stop’ bracket over the rear brake light. 

The frame and exterior of the bike is in remarkable condition considering the bike is 72 years old, the seat fabric is very good with very little drying or wearing of the leather, there are no rips or tears or discolouration either. The bike even still has its original tool kit hidden in a small pull-out drawer underneath the seat at the right.  

 

The bike has sat for a few years in storage underneath a cover so will need some simple, light recommissioning to get running, a battery change, a fuel flush and a spark plug change is all that the owner believes should be needed. The exterior condition of the engine is fantastic as you can see from the photos, no fluid leaks or other worrying signs to see. 

The mechanisms are reports to all work as they should with the kick starter and gear lever all moving without freely. The bike rolls freely and the stands kick down without issue, the tyres are getting a bit old and as you can see have started to split due to being dry and aged, it might be wise to change these before attempting a ride. 

The exhaust looks to be in great condition too with no visible cracks or splits in any of the joins and the entirety being dent and damage free from what we could see on the day. The chain also looks to be in good condition as do the teeth. 

 

This is a lovely little bike that has clearly been well cared for during its time, it presents in such fantastic condition considering its 72 years of age.

This would be a special bike once given a small amount of TLC to get going again, with some general maintenance items, we assume it would be ready to go as is. A true testament to the original collector.

Notice to bidders