Missing Scott CYR 707

[Dean Brown]

I wonder, has anybody ever come across this bike? I have no idea of the age of this particular Scott suffice to say that it is a pre 1950 model as I have a tax disc for it from that year. The Scott had a saddle tank which carried oil and petrol and was a three speed model.
It was the bike that my dad and I took to the TT in the mid seventies and was quite a distinctive machine. CYR 707 had a 498cc engine and had frame modifications which allowed for a swinging arm rear end. It also had swinging arm suspension to the front end and had indeed been coupled to a sidecar for part of it’s life. The bike had been used for competition use and it was due to this that the modifications had been made.
When bringing the Scott home from the Island following it’s TT visit, (as a spectator I hasten to add!), we were met by an old boy who told us that he had been waiting to meet the bike’s owner as he could remember watching this bike race while in his younger days. The bike had spent it’s life in and around Liverpool and the Wirral.
The bike was never actually owned by my dad, although he did have it on an extended loan basis from the chap who had both converted and raced it. I believe that he lived in the Wallasey, Leasowe or New Brighton area of the Wirral.
Once the bike had been returned to him I know nothing of what happened to it. Can anybody help? I’ve tried DVLC and the bike’s not registered with them, at least not with that number.
It’s a long shot I know, but one never knows.
Cheers, Dean

[Ian Parsons]

This bike still exists but its Reg No is now JSL 683. Not sure who the current owner is. Registered 3/9/36. The forks are either Earles or Reynolds circa 1960.

[Dean Brown]

Excellent news. I hope that it’s still in its modified state and not put back to spec. When we used it there was the same ignition set up as on my ’49 bike, for instance. I see from the DVLA web site that it’s been off the road for a couple of years. Lets hope it gets itself back on the road. The chap who lent it to us was named Colin Jones and I believe it was he who made all of the mods, and used it in competition.

[alanw1947]

Oh the wonders of Google! I found this from the current reg JSL683
I saw this bike yesterday – it is on display at the Oldtimer Motorcycle Museum at Motorcycleloft Hotel, Groenedijk, near Ostend.

The owner is Johan Schaeverbeke – who has built up an extensive private collection of mainly European bikes and memorabilia dating from 1914 to late ’70s. A lot of lightweights and bolt-ons plus a very nice OHC Praga, FNs, Triumph, Ducati, Whizzer, Alcyon, early BMW, – in fact lots! I’d guess there are 80+ bikes. Definitely worth a visit.

Johan gives an enthusiastic and very informative personal tour and description – normally open weekends. Weekdays by appointment.

The location is a rather unusual hotel specialising in bikers – which was closed when I visited.

https://www.oldtimermotorenmuseum.be

Scroll down to see the Scott.
The bike details are engine DPZ4282 and the frame looks like 4220
I can email images of the suspension if anyone is interested – the bike is one the website

I found it while staying in Bruges where it was listed as a “top ten” think to do. Pretty good recommendation when you are up against some stunning architecture and Renaissance paintings! BUT it was said to be located in Dudzeelse Stenweg – Don’t go looking there – the collection moved six years ago since being a Ducati centre and now a cafe.
Oh the wonders of the web!

Alan

[ian1947]

Some further informtion: JSL 683 was sold by classic bike dealer Andy Teirnan at the end of 2007. I looked at it at the time. There are photos of the bike as it then was together with and some history information on Andy’s web site. Go to andybuysbikes.com and click on the ‘Archive’ icon, then scroll down and click on ‘4097SCT Scott 650cc 1936’ to bring up photos etc.

[johnkenny]

Just to fill in some missing history, my Dad purchased this Scott (CYR 707) on the 11th September 1976 for £400. I remember going with him to a house in Moreton Wirral near to the main roundabout 2 miles from where we lived in Greasby. At the bottom of the garden in the shed stood this Scott for sale along with what I remember to be a couple of other earlier open frame two speeders. The Guy was a Scott enthusiast but I don’t recall his name.
The bike was used for a couple of years then underwent a restoration. The red frame was sprayed black and tank painted as seen in the museum photograph, tank prior to this was red with cream panel. This has stood the test of time (refinished at Alan Hydes near the Leasowe lighthouse). Also, the aluminium mudguards changed to steel painted. Whilst apart, the decision was made to have the engine overhauled at Silks (near Derby) if I remember rightly.
The bike was then used for a handful of trips to the Scott owners club meeting at Stanford Hall and also for TT week’s on the island.
I had many local trips as pillion passenger and remember it being a lively performer and alway’s a good talking point when stationary!
My Dad parted with the bike around the mid-nineties when suffering ill health.
Incidentally, I still have the handmade competition ‘sprint style’ petrol tank (in red and cream) sitting on the shelf in my garage.

[Author]

Posts