The Brand

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 Cotton, The Motorcycle Masterpiece ® is one of the most respected names in British motorcycle history, a marque whose reputation was built on innovation, competition success, and an uncompromising approach to engineering. 

The Cotton story began in the early 1900s with Frank Willoughby Cotton (FWC). Unlike many motorcycle makers of the time, Cotton focused strongly on lightweight frames and smart engineering. His early motorcycles used a special frame design that made the bikes lighter, stronger, and easier to handle. This design quickly proved successful, especially in competition. Cotton motorcycles started to win races and set records, helping the brand build a strong reputation. 

The company was founded by Frank Willoughby Cotton in 1918. F.W. presided over the company until his retirement in 1953. The first Cotton motorcycle appeared in 1920. Cotton motorbikes became a legend thanks to the sporting motorcycles' models and its victories in the Isle of Man 'Tourist Trophy' (T.T.) and during the sixties races. 

FWC was born in 1881 in Cheadle, Staffordshire. Although trained in law,  FWC had a strong interest in engineering and motorcycles. Before the First World War, he began experimenting with motorcycle frame design, focusing on strength and light weight. At the time, most motorcycle frames were heavy and flexible. Cotton believed performance could be improved by using straight tubes arranged in a rigid triangular structure.

Cotton motorcycles quickly gained attention through competition. The first major success came at the Isle of Man TT, where Cotton machines performed strongly thanks to their light weight and excellent handling.

Cotton did not manufacture engines, instead fitting high-quality units from suppliers such as JAP and Blackburne. This allowed the company to focus on frame development and chassis balance. Riders praised Cotton bikes for being fast, stable, and easy to control. By the early 1920s, Cotton motorcycles were regularly winning races and setting records at events such as Brooklands, strengthening the brand’s reputation.

In 1919, Alfred Camery joined the business and helped expand production. The company moved to larger premises in Gloucester, where Cotton motorcycles were built in increasing numbers. During this period, Cotton offered a wide range of models, including road machines and racing motorcycles. 

The brand became especially popular with private racers who wanted competitive performance straight from the factory. By the mid-1920s, Cotton was one of Britain’s leading sporting motorcycle manufacturers.

The 1930s were more difficult years. Although Cotton continued to enjoy racing success, the economic climate made business harder. Despite strong products, the company struggled financially and went into liquidation in 1939. Production stopped as the Second World War began, marking the end of the original Cotton company.

After the war, Cotton returned under new ownership. Production restarted in Gloucester, and the company again focused on light, competition-focused motorcycles. Cotton found success in trials, scrambles, and road racing, using engines from Villiers and other suppliers. The bikes were simple, rugged, and effective, making them popular with club riders and competitors.

Cotton became particularly well known in trials and scrambles during the 1950s and early 1960s. Riders achieved strong results in national and international events, including the Scott Trial and ISDT (International Six Days Trial). The lightweight frames and good suspension made Cotton motorcycles ideal for rough terrain.

Cotton also returned to road racing, most notably with the Cotton Conquest. These machines competed successfully in endurance races such as the Thruxton 500 and the Brands Hatch 500.

Cotton worked closely with riders and engineers to improve reliability and handling, earning respect in production racing circles.

As the British motorcycle industry declined in the late 1960s and 1970s, Cotton adapted again. The company began using Rotax engines, bringing modern performance to its motorcycles.

Models such as the Cotton Trials, Scrambler, and road racers combined British frame design with advanced European engines.

Despite innovation and strong products, Cotton eventually ceased production in the early 1980s. However, the brand left behind a remarkable legacy. Today, Cotton motorcycles are highly respected by collectors and enthusiasts. The marque is remembered for its engineering originality, racing spirit, and dedication to performance. Cotton stands as a symbol of British motorcycle craftsmanship — a true motorcycle masterpiece.

Today, the trademark COTTON – The Motorcycle Masterpiece ® is owned by the English company  DeFi Asset Management LTD (WIPO Registration No. 1396985). Cotton The Motorcycle Masterpiece LTD is owned by the same group.