Dot Motorcycles Factory, Ellesmere Street

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 16 Oct 2011

The Dot Cycle and Motor Manufacturing Company was established in 1903 by in Salford by Harry Reed, a maker of pedal cycles. By 1906 they had built their first motorcycle and re-located to larger premises in nearby Manchester. The company ceased manufacturing motorcycles in 1932 and survived through contract engineering work until motorcycle production resumed again in 1949. Dot bikes had some success in racing and the company was particularly well-known for its range of lightweight scrambles and trials bikes but by the late 1960s, small companies like DOT found it increasingly difficult to compete against the large Japanese mass producers, spelling the end of large scale production at the Dot factory. The Dot factory building survives on Ellesmere Street, opposite Image], in Hulme. The company produces and sells a range of spares for postwar machines. The Dot Motorcycle Club actively caters for owners and enthusiasts, publishes a magazine, and attends most major classic motorcycle events. More information at http://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/outside/dotfactory.html (Manchester History net) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_Cycle_and_Motor_Manufacturing_Company - Wikipedia article about DOT motorcycles http://www.dot-motorcycle-club.co.uk/ DOT Motorcycle Club

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