The Dot Motorcycle was founded in 1903 by Harry Reed who had originally set-up the company as a Salford cycle builder. In 1906 Harry Reed claimed the Flying Kilometre World Championship in Blackpool, England. The following years were spent entering and winning races which included a 1908 win of the Isle of Man TT for the multiple cylinder class. By the 1930's, when Dot ceased production of their motorcycles, Harry Reed had a very successful competition record on his Dot Motorcycles.
After the Second World War, Dot was able to open up its production once more after selling his motorcycle company to a Mr. Burnard Scott Wade, who utilised the commercialised success of the Dot Motorcycles to produce three wheelers under the Dot Motorcycles name.
These second generation Dot Motorcycles or three wheelers were powered by a Norton-Villiers two-stroke engine as was the case for most motorcycle companies of the time in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe.
By 1951 Dot Motorcycles had started reproduction of 2 wheeled motorcycles, one of which won the Manufacturer's Team Prize for the Ultra Lightweight division of the Isle of Man TT, as well as many numerous victories in the Lightweight class Scrambles and Trial Bike races throughout Europe.
Due to their light weight, these new Dot Motorcycles managed on many occasions to compete and beat motorcycles that were two or three times their displacement. The competition was strong but Dot Motorcycles had successfully competed against the major European companies of the time such as Matchless, BSA, Triumph and Royal Enfield, since they had been more manoeuvrable than the larger displacement motorcycles.
The new Dot Motorcycles were produced in Manchester, England until the 1960's when for the second and final time, Dot Motorcycles ceased production. Although Dot Motorcycle ceased production in the 1960's their Manchester factor is still in existence.
Original Authors: Nicholas
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 04/06/2008
