MopedDB

Cotton

Foundet:1918

The Cotton Motor Company was founded in 1918 by Frank Willoughby Cotton (commonly known as "Bill") in Gloucester, England. The company's origins stem from Cotton's dissatisfaction with conventional motorcycle frames. As early as 1914, he patented his signature "triangulated frame," which offered superior rigidity through additional bracing. Mass production began after the First World War in 1920 at the Bristol Road premises.

From the mid-1950s, Cotton specialized in the off-road sector. The company produced competitive trials and scrambles (motocross) machines, powered almost exclusively by Villiers two-stroke engines (such as the 9E, 33A, and the Starmaker). Notable models included the Vulcan and the Cougar Scrambler. Following the cessation of engine supply from Villiers in the late 1960s, Cotton turned to Italian Minarelli engines (e.g., for the Cavalier) and later to Austrian Rotax engines.

Closed: 1980

The original Cotton Motor Company no longer exists; it ceased production in 1980 and was officially liquidated in 1984. Following the death of then-owner Terry Groom, the brand changed hands several times and today exists only as a historic brand. No 2-stroke off-road bikes are currently being produced. The last genuine competition machines (featuring Rotax engines) were built in the late 1970s. Occasionally, "replicas" for vintage racing appear, but these are produced by independent restorers.

Last edited: 1/12/2026 · Jürgen Wißler