1962 DOT Demon Scrambler 246cc

To appreciate the significance of this fine entry we need to visit the world of Scrambling and Trials, mostly involving noise, mud and some very skilful riders, doing a lot more than hugging tarmac at great speeds…

The Dot Cycle and Motor Manufacturing Company was formed in 1903 in Salford by one Harry Reed. Although nothing much of note happened during the early years, following Harry Reed’s departure in 1925, the company passed to Burnard Scott Wade, who through the 1930s produced various three wheeled delivery trucks. These became important during the conflict which followed. It was not until 1951 that the first Scrambler appeared, powered by a cheap two stroke. It could be fitted with lights and made road legal but mostly it was for competition. Harry Reed died in 1951 but his firm began to be very competitive during the 1950s and 1960s in both Scrambles and Trials. Having accompanied an eighty odd year old on several MCC Trials, watching him tackle the various hills on his Pouncy Dot sidecar combination, I can vouch first hand for the toughness of both man and machine. The Dots were purpose built for this type of event and they do it well. Sadly, the Dot factory succumbed to the inrush of Japanese imports and nowadays only spares are produced by the factory.

Here then is a grand opportunity to join the stalwarts of scrambling and the trialling fraternity. This superb restored example should give endless pleasure in a little known sporting realm and is equipped with a Villiers 34A 246cc engine, a Villiers four speed close ratio gearbox and an AMAL 389 carburettor.  It was purchased by its current enthusiast custodian in 2014 as a restoration project; the bare frame was grit blasted and resprayed, the fuel tank was refurbished and the Scrambler was fitted with numerous new parts, including mudguards, spring shrouds, Tudor wheels, stainless steel springs, a side stand, an exhaust system, tyres and all new stainless nuts, bolts and suspension components. The engine and gearbox were also the subject of a rebuild, using genuine Villiers parts. The vendor road registered the DOT in November 2015.

The large history file includes a DOT Motorcycles original specification document, DVLA registration correspondence, the V5C registration certificate, further correspondence, technical data, a DOT Competition Rider’s Manual and a parts price list.

A fabulous addition to any motorcycle collection.

Auction Date: 9 September 2021