BRITISH BIKES HAVE INCREDIBLE CHARM.Ownership genuinely takes you back to the days of daily maintenance, but also gives you that authentic riding experience. The majority of marques have a loyal following, great clubs with enthusiastic members only too keen to help, and parts availability is mainly great. This month sees us look at such makes as DMW and Douglas, through to the infamous Norton. As always, prices are a rough guide based on auction results and market analysis, not a definitive amount. Hope you enjoy – Oli and Matt.
DMW
Made in Sedgley in the West Midlands, DMW lightweights were notable for using square section frame tubes on some models and, originally, Frenchmade engines from Ateliers de Mecanique du Centre (AMC), not to be confused with the Plumstead AMC company. It also built bikes with Villiers engines, a very curious monocoque-framed scooter called the Bambi, and a twin-cam 125cc racer of its own design. Later were a number of smart two-stroke bikes with Earles forks and an odd machine called the Deemster, which was a cross between a scooter and a motorcycle, fitted with enclosures and a screen, twin headlights and 12-inch wheels, which found some buyers from police forces. DMW lasted until 1967.
DOT
DOT, the name being an acronym for Devoid Of Trouble, was founded in the 1930s. Another user of two-stroke Villiers engines, DOT bikes were notable for using their own design of leading link forks and for producing tough and competitive off-roaders. Made in Hulme, Manchester, DOT production continued until 1968. The name was recently revived with the launch of a new sporty middleweight made in Bolton.
The Dragonfly
348cc ohv flat-twin, 395Ib, 55mpg, 75mph, 1954-57
The Dragonfly saw Douglas abandon torsion bars and replace them with a conventional swingarm, and the spring forks were replaced by Earles forks at the front. The styling is odd but not unattractive, with a faired-in headlamp/petrol tank. The engine is largely the same as the Mark series. Steering is excellent, the brakes poor, and support for the model can be a challenge. Don’t forget the small but friendly and enthusiastic owners’ club.
Prices: Low, £4000; high, £5000
DOUGLAS
Not all British motorcycles were made in the West Midlands or Plumstead. Some were made in Stevenage or Gloucester. Or in Kingswood, on the outskirts of Bristol, in the case of Douglas flat-twins. Douglas made many motorcycles with flat-twin engines running longitudinally, but later it moved them round by 90 degrees to make a transverse 348cc flat-twin.
The Mark series
348cc OHV flat-twin, 340Ib,
