Comet

Year of foundation 1953-1956

The history of the Comet motorcycle company is rather brief but fascinating, tied to a prominent name in the industry: Alfonso Drusiani.

Birth and Innovation

Founded in Bologna in 1953, the company, whose full name was B.D.B. Brevetti Drusiani Bologna, was managed by Alfonso Drusiani, an engineer and designer known for his collaborations with other motorcycle manufacturers of the time, such as G.D., C.M., Mondial, and Bianchi. His goal was to apply his innovative ideas to small-displacement motorcycles.

Comet immediately distinguished itself by introducing four-stroke engines with dual overhead camshafts on small-displacement models, a cutting-edge technical solution for the time.

Models

Among the most famous models produced by Comet are:
Comet 175 cc: Available in "Normal" and "Sport" versions starting in 1953.
Comet 250 cc: A twin-cylinder model from 1954.
Comet 175 cc single-cylinder: With a single overhead camshaft engine.
Comet 250 cc experimental: A single-cylinder model with innovative piston-in-place valve technology.

The End of the Adventure

Despite the quality and innovation of its designs, Comet had a very short life. The company ran into financial problems and was unable to sustain the costs required for the development and industrialization of its models. As a result, the company was dissolved in February 1956 and declared bankruptcy shortly thereafter.

Alfonso Drusiani, after the closure of his company, returned to work for Mondial, contributing to further successes and victories in world championships. Its history remains an example of technical genius and passion, despite an unfortunate entrepreneurial experience.

In short, Comet was not just a motorcycle manufacturer, but a brief but intense chapter of technical innovation in the Italian motorcycle scene, led by one of its most talented designers.