Any forum members with knowledge of 1930's motorbikes?

[Jeff Taylor]

Hi everyone,

I've been asked to identify the make of bike in this period photo. Clearly it's an inclined OHV single cylinder with twin exhaust ports and a polished inclined fuel tank. The registration shows that it was first registered in Liverpool in August 1934.

Jeff.

   


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Jeff.

[Nath]

Hi
I think it could be a Cotton, possibly a 6j, 250cc

[Ivor Hawkins]

Yes the triangular frame is the give away, I too think it’s a Cotton.

[Jeff Taylor]

Thanks Nath and Ivor. Looking at photos of Cotton's on the net featuring the patented Triangulated Frame, it would seem you're both spot-on with your assessments. Apparently in 1934 Cotton offered 19 different models fitted with a number of British engines (Villiers, Blackburne, JAP and Python) of various capacities though I'm not sure which particular make of engine / capacity features in the photo. Must admit I'd never heard of Cotton bikes before.

Thanks again to both of you, much appreciated.

Jeff.

[Reckless Rat]

Cotton were still selling Villiers engined moto cross bikes in the 1970s.

[Malcolm Parker]

When I was a kid I remember my Uncle Roger had a Cotton with a Villiers engine.  He was an active trials rider in the 60's and 70's, living in Howarth, not far from the epicentre of trials riding, Silsden in West Yorkshire.

[Reckless Rat]

Lampkin territory!