Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
2916
GILLET-HERSTAL
300cc Luxe - 1923
The first of many
Belgium benefitted little from the large stocks of Allied motorcycles abandoned in France at the end of WWI. Its need for basic transportation was filled by Ateliers Gillet. Founded in 1919, Gillet marketed a lightweight motorcycle that combined durability, quality and performance.
"Backwards" Engine
In those days of the Depression, when people couldn't afford repair bills, the public demanded simple, reliable motorcycles – and what could be more simple than a two-stroke? Oddly enough, the engine was mounted "back-to-front" in the frame, with its exhaust at the back and its gearbox in front. The explanation was simple: The idea was to avoid belt slip by lessening the angle formed between the front and rear pulleys.
Competition Record
On the first Gillets, the cylinder head was a detachable aluminum casting, but subsequent models had fixed heads. Launched in 300cc form, the engine had its capacity raised to 350cc, then remained much the same until the end of production in 1927, the same year that Gillet abandoned belt drive. To demonstrate the quality of its products, Gillet entered them in competition and the victories soon began to pile up, starting with victory in the 350cc class of the first Belgian Grand Prix in 1921. For that race, the Gillets were fitted with chain drive and the clutch was separate from the gearbox, directly below the saddle. The same machines competed in the 1922 Tour de France and this model was the French champion in 1923.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 300cc (74x70 mm) air-cooled Gillet single-cylinder
Power Rating: 3 hp
Valves: two-stroke, three transfer ports
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 2-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)
Brakes: bicycle-type rim brake (front); belt rim (rear)
Wheels: wire clincher (front & rear)
Weight: 176 lb
Maximum Speed: 55 mph
The 3 hp Gillet was offered either in this "Luxe" version or as the cheaper "Sport", which had neither kick-starter nor clutch.