Summer is always a busy time, with many competing events. Here
are our highlights for July.
Warbike Project
The project is in full swing as we get to the centenary of
the beginning of WW1. The Day by day diary is up and running as a blog which
can be viewed here.
This will continue as a daily update until 17 August when it will be updated
weekly. The aim is for this to become a resource for those wishing to dip into
motorcycling history with an emphasis on military motorcycling during 1914 to
18. This will be followed up later with a more in depth story available as a
book supported by an interactive net-based resource.
Ace Cafe Ton-Up day At Brooklands Museum
The weather looked doubtful as the day dawned, but the rain
stayed away and the visitors were treated to a chilled out, village green
atmosphere. The band played contemporary music as groups gathered to discuss
the bikes on show. This event attracted many machines from the burgeoning street
custom scene as well as the conventional 50s/60s style Cafe Racers. TVs very
own Henry Cole turned up to try his hand at being a journalist for the day and
if you want to know the result you will have to buy Classic Bike Guide or watch
The Motorbike Show; on Monday 18 August 2014. Repeated Saturday 23 August.
After two sessions on the Test Hill, a sun tan and a good
chin wag it was time for the prize giving. This year prizes were awarded for
four categories of “Ton-Up” bikes.
AJS “Spirit of Brooklands” Ton-up
BSA Best Ton-up Single
AJS Best Period Cafe Racer
Seeley Honda: Best Ton-Up Multi Cylinder
Cotton Day at Brooklands Museum
The story of Cotton Motorcycles was told in 118 bikes on
Sunday 20 July when members of the Cotton owners club celebrated the Marque’s
centenary at Brooklands. On 23 July 1914 Frank Willoughby “Bill” Cotton applied
for a patent for his “improved” frame design. The frame’s triangular shape is a
concept which still exists on street and competition bikes of today.
Organisers Daniel Weisby and Bob Smith were blessed with
fine weather as members poured onto the site. Pre-war bikes were well
represented outside the clubhouse. Whilst post war competition machines were
displayed in the Paddock Area. The Museums own partly restored Cotton also put
in a guest appearance despite not being on the guest list!
The static displays came to life as many owners took the
opportunity to take their bikes up Test Hill. A challenge for some of the older
machines, but a bit tame for the later competition bikes.
It is difficult to
pick out any particular bikes for further comment as each were interesting in
their own right, so here are a few examples which perhaps tell the diverse
story of Cotton.
1922 250cc Model 15
This Blackburne powered machine was the oldest bike at the
Rally and was restored by the Sammy Miller Musuem 15 years ago.
1959 250cc Herald
A 1950’s road bike with a 250cc Villiers 2 stroke engine and
Armstrong leading link forks which were a trademark feature during this period.
1962 250cc
Cotton/Cross Cougar
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| 1962 Cotton Cross |
This is a prototype bike used to prove the concept of the
liner-less cylinder, piston and spiral piston rings developed by Cross. This
bike was ridden successfully by Bryan Goss during 1961 and put into production
by Cotton in 1962.
1974 220cc Trials
Expert
Typical of the Cotton 70’s competition bikes, this Trials
machine is powered by the larger 220cc Minarelli engine
1980 EM 34 Road Racer
The Cotton Rotax turned a few heads at the end of the 1979
season and Terry Wilson commissioned this production model for 1980 with a new
compact 2 cylinder Rotax engine capable of producing 70 bhp. Only 12 were sold
before the Cotton Company went into receivership.
1984 125cc Centaur
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| 1984 Cotton Centaur |
This is claimed to be the last ever production machine
produced by Cotton. In 1984 the firm was in receivership, but with rights to
the name “Cotton International” previous owner Terry Wilson commissioned this
monocoque chassis bike powered by a 125 Rotax engine. The much publicised
prototype machine was demonstrated to the press, but never went into
production.
Old Timer
Fenland Classics TV
Our selection for July features The Bike Shed Event 3 on Bike World Watch it HereOld Timer
