Description

The Vincent Comet was a high-performance British single-cylinder motorcycle produced by Vincent Motorcycles, a company renowned for engineering some of the fastest and most advanced bikes of its era, especially post-war.

Introduced as a lighter and more accessible counterpart to the famous V-twin models, the Comet shared most of its engineering and design with the legendary Vincent Rapide and Black Shadow, albeit in single cylinder form.

Powered by a 499 cc overhead-valve single-cylinder engine, derived from one half of Vincent’s V-twin design. It featured the same reliable push rod layout as the V-Twin together with strong torque delivery, making it both fast and flexible on the road. A four-speed Burman gearbox and Vincent’s innovative cantilever rear suspension system, unusual at a time when many motorcycles still used rigid frames, gave the bike superior comfort and handling. The Girdraulic front fork, combined elements of girder and hydraulic suspension for improved stability under braking and was patented by Vincent Engineers.

Performance was impressive for a single-cylinder machine of the early 1950s. The Comet could reach speeds of around 90–100 mph, with smooth power delivery and excellent road holding. Here was a bike to become a member of the Ton Up Club with from day one.

This particular Comet was built in December 1950 and not registered until March 1951. The Comet has matching numbers with engine and frame numbers (UFM+RFM) corresponding to the factory records and correctly 1900 apart. A copy of the original factory Works Order Form, Road Test Report, Completion Note and Despatch Check Sheet come with the bike as well as a Certificate of Authenticity from the Vincent Owners Club. According to the logbook, there are just two registered owners from 1965-2023. An old tax disc from 1965 is among the documents too.

Subtle upgrades include a modern BTH magneto, Alton 12v Dynamo and ribbed Black Shadow brake drums at the front together with a Dave Hills centre stand making parking easy. Included with the bike, is a complete pair of Touring mudguards in Glass fibre made by Phil Primmer together with correct, wider mudguards stays.

The Comet has done 19.300 reliable Miles since a complete cosmetic and mechanical rebuild by its previous owner and remains in very good condition.

Well-preserved or correctly restored Comets with matching numbers are increasingly rare, making them highly valued as the lovely, rideable Classic Motorcycles they are.

Comes with green Logbook and UK V5C.

Please get in touch for more photos and information. We ship anywhere in the world at competitive rates and have great experience shipping all over Europe, US, Japan and Australia.

 

Condition & Registration

Condition category
Restored
Registered
Ready to drive
Accident free

Self assessments

Engine (Seller assessment)
Paintwork (Seller assessment)
Technique (Seller assessment)

Inspection Report

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Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make
Vincent
Model name
Comet
Type
Sports Bike
First registration date
Not provided
Year of manufacture
1950
Mileage (read)
19,300 mi
Chassis number
Not provided
Engine number
Not provided
Gearbox number
Not provided
Matching numbers
Yes
Number of owners
Not provided
Café Racer
No

Technical details

Engine Type
4-Takt | OHV
Power (kW/hp)
21/28
Cubic capacity (cm³)
499
Cylinders
1
Starter
Kickstarter
Cooling
Air
Gearbox
Manual
Gearshift
Pedal Control Right
Gears
Not provided
Transmission
Chain
Front brakes
Drum
Rear brakes
Drum
Fuel type
Petrol
Curb weight (kg)
Not provided

Individual Configuration

Exterior color
Black

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