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Difference between revisions of "Cotton"
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'''Cotton''' was a [[motorcycle]] firm that produced mainly modest roadsters with [[Villiers]] [[two stroke]] engines. The firm raced some, and its "coTTon" based was inspired by Stanley Woods' [[Isle of Man]] win in 1923. | '''Cotton''' was a [[motorcycle]] firm that produced mainly modest roadsters with [[Villiers]] [[two stroke]] engines. The firm raced some, and its "coTTon" based was inspired by Stanley Woods' [[Isle of Man]] win in 1923. | ||
When the Great Depression hit, Cotton responded by offering a wider range of engines in its patented frame, usually with Burman gearboxes. | When the Great Depression hit, Cotton responded by offering a wider range of engines in its patented frame, usually with [[Burman]] gearboxes. | ||
During the 1960's a number of the smaller, specialist, British motorcycle manufacturers benefited from the option of being able to sell their products in "kit" form, which enabled their customers to avoid paying purchase tax on the machine. | |||
The well known Gloucestershire based Cotton concern was one of the manufacturers that benefited from the concession. The company offered an extensive range of [[Villiers|Villiers]] powered machines throughout the sixties, ranging from 197cc lightweight "commuters", to, in the latter half of the decade, "Starmaker" powered competition models in trials, road racing and scrambles form, together with trials and scrambles models powered by slightly less "exotic" [[Villiers|Villiers]] units.. Unfortunately for Cotton the beneficial rule concerning purchase tax ended during 1968 and was compounded by Villiers decision to cease engine production, the two events conspiring to halt production for the remainder of the decade. | |||
==Engines== | ==Engines== | ||
In 1930, engine choices were: | In 1930, engine choices were: | ||
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*In 1935 the Python and side valve JAP engines disappeared, but with a new choice of coil or magneto ignition, Cotton could still claim 16 models. | *In 1935 the Python and side valve JAP engines disappeared, but with a new choice of coil or magneto ignition, Cotton could still claim 16 models. | ||
*In 1936 a “super sports” with a 500 cc JAP engine, and a “super sports” with a Blackburne 25B engine appeared. | *In 1936 a “super sports” with a 500 cc JAP engine, and a “super sports” with a Blackburne 25B engine appeared. | ||
*In 1937 the only Blackburne engine available was a 250 cc ohv. There were three new high-camshaft design 250, 350 and 500 cc JAP engined models, with four-speed, foot change gearboxes. | *In 1937 the only Blackburne engine available was a 250 cc ohv. There were three new [[high-camshaft]] design 250, 350 and 500 cc JAP engined models, with four-speed, foot change gearboxes. | ||
*In 1938 the 150cc model changed from JAP to unused old stock Blackburne engines. Blackburne itself was now out of production. | *In 1938 the 150cc model changed from JAP to unused old stock Blackburne engines. Blackburne itself was now out of production. | ||
*By 1939 there was no 150cc model. | *By 1939 there was no 150cc model. | ||