[lewis onions]

Hello Paul
Quite by coincidence I was reading some aged copies of the Yowl last night and came across an article on your bike in the August 1997 edition (I think). Do you have a copy yourself ?

[lewis onions]

Fred, my guess is that it would depend on the combined weight of the two persons concerned. Frankie Dettori might quite easily get by with A P Mc Coy on pilllion. But a combination of Phil Vickery and Pavarotti might be a struggle. Don’t fret – just buy it!

[lewis onions]

Hello Roy

I have Webb heavy weight forks on my 1928 Flyer but although I do have a hole there is no steering damper in it. Nonetheless I have had no problems with wobbles etc despite travelling around 450 miles with it earllier this (so called) summer. I’m not sure but not all Webb forks have provison for a steering damper.

Regards

[lewis onions]

Hello Again Erik – the combined oil/petrol tank is (I think) the Sports Squirrel type. If so it is the only difference from a “biscuit barrel” (as Ron Farthing calls it) and could be converted quite easily if you wanted to.

“No canvassing” is meant to stop other advertising agents telephoning offering to advertise the bike in other publications.

I agree that the Ron Farthing machine appears expensive. He also has a 3 speeder at £6000 which is a little more afforable but still (in my opinion) over-priced.

The ebay machine looks like a non-runner and will need a new radiator at least (and a tyre!).

Good luck in your search.

[lewis onions]

And if that isn’t enough to choose from try ebay item 170133849756 !

[lewis onions]

Hi Erik

I can offer a couple of comparables:

The following is for sale in this month’s Old Bike Mart:

Scott two speeder, 1925, nice order and has rare combined fuel/oil tank, offers on £5,950. Tel. 01274 595229 no canvassing.

and Ron Farthing has a 1924 2 Speeder advertised on his site for £7500 at:

https://www.ronfarthing.co.uk/bikes

Hope this helps you decide!

Regards, Lewis

[lewis onions]

Hello Jerry, I’m no expert on girder forks (if anything) but as no one else has replied I will put my oar in! As you probabaly appreciate Scott kite forks are like the proverbial hen’s teeth so you will need to look for a suitable alternative. The late 1920’s Flyer tourers had Webb forks and I suspect that quite a few of those supplied with Scott forks had these replaced with Webbs quite soon after supply.

I have not been able to work out whether those fitted at the factory were heavy-weight or middle-weight Webb forks. I have a 1928 Flyer with heavy-weight forks but these are obviously not original equipment. Early photographs however appear to show heavy-weight Webb forks whereas later (mid-to-late 1930’s) picytures appear to show middle-weight. I have seen both on bikes and of course Brampton forks were fitted for some time in the mid 1930’s.

Webbs of some sort were used by a number of manufacturers. I have never seen a pair of heavy-weight Webb forks for sale but middle-wight ones are reasonably obtainanble. The closest fit for Scotts appears to be Norton Webb-type forks which I believe were manufactured by Norton to Webb design. These have (in most cases) extra check springs between the top and bottom links but these would appear to be capable of being removed. The bottom links are also different in most cases but I am not aware whether they are capable of modification to look more like the type used on Scotts. Another difference is that the blades have lugs for lamp brackets.

I have a set of Norton Webbs which I bought at Netley Marsh last year for (if I remember correctly £320). This was the going rate as there were another set identical at another dealer’s stand for the same price. I also have a very rough set of Norton blades only which (if you are desparate) I could let you have. Unfortunately they are heavily pitted and if they need re-tubing the cost is most likely prohibitive.

I am about to arrange for my Norton forks to be renovated and (if possible) converted. A friend has another set which he needs to convert in the same way for his 1929 Norton Model 18 (no check springs then).We are trying to get around to meeting with Ray Daniels (from Bordesely in Birmingham ) to discuss our requirements. I understand that he is re-manufacturing pre-war Triumph girders at a price of £1000 ! You might try speaking with him (details not to hand at present – but he advertises in OBM).

Another option is Royal Enfield forks which are again reasonably available but although relatively similar to Webbs have the disadvantage of having blades wich narrow at the top above the bottom link.

I have not got as far as considering the possible differences in head stock length as yet, but seem to remember that some time ago on this forum there was an exchange regarding fitting Norton forks to Scotts – you could access this via the technicalities web site.

I hope that these ramblings are of some help to you. I am intending to go to Founders’ Day at Stamford Hall on Sunday where I would not be surprised to see some Webbs for sale. If are unable to go yourself I could look out for some for you ?

Regards

[lewis onions]

Hello Robert – remember me from the pre-War AJS-Matchless forum? Sorry I can’t help with the seizure problem – but as I suggested it looks like you will get some help through this forum.
May I recommend membership of the club? I seem to remember that there are some members in Germany who may be able to help you – but I don’t know whether they are close to you in Dresden. Colin Hough is the Overseas Liason Officer and is likely to be tuning in to this.
Also you might like to see whether your Flyer is on the Scott register maintained by John Underhill, the Machine Registrar. It would be interesting to hear some of the details, beng a Scott originally supplied in Germany and knowing that you have a lot of the paperwork.
Finally, congratulations on ditching the Nortons! I work very close to Bracebridge Street where they were once built, but even this association can’t stop me feeing that they are soleless things. Much less so the products of the Stevens brothers in Wolverhampton!

As I said before, welcome to Scotting.

[lewis onions]

It’s a pleasure , Scott.

Sorry to all for the numerous replies posted due to an ill-performing lap top which diverted me to a “web-site unavailable ” page rather than confirming the posting – Computers BAH!

[lewis onions]

Hello Scott,

I have been watching your postings with interest. John Underhill is the club registrar and he will be able to identify your bike for you properly (unfortunately he is not contactable over the net).

However, I now own the 2 Speed Sports Squirrel which is in the picture you linked in one of your messages. It is nearing (!!) completion of a rebuild. My bike’s frame number is 2856 and te engine number Y2178A both of which have been confirmed as 1929 items (although not necessarily a matching combination).

I think (and someone will correct me if I am wrong) that all of the Scott works records except those for 1928/9 are with the Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s libraray in Burton on Trent. Members are able to attend and view them and also might receive (without a personal visit) a validataion certificate with a lot more information – such as dispatch date, type of magneto and carb. and dealer’s details. You might like to approach them.

I think that your bike is earlier than mine. The Y pre-fix applied to standard and Super Squirrel 596 engines (the 1929 sports squirrels were all Supers – I think). The number you have is a 1926 sequence engine so best guess is that it is a standard 1926 596 engine.

Frames are more difficult to date as they did not leave the factory in sequence. However I am aware that 773 is a 1925 frame . Yours might well be 1926.

The Sports Squirrel was a late addition to the 1929 catalogue (it did not appear in the catalogue at all in Autumn 1928). It’s only real difference from a 2 Speed Super Squirrel was the “Sports ” tank which I think was available separately before 1928 in any event. Yours might have an early sports tank or a later addition.

Finally, Al Perry in New York has a 1930 2 Speed Sports and might be listening in. He helped me with measurements for repairs to my tank – but I know that he is the other end of your Country!

Finally, finally see my postings earlier regarding 20″ tyres. Avon still make the ribbed (raher than blocked) tyres you seem to need for racing. They should be readily available in the States – otherwise let me know and I can source some here for you.

Happy Scotting !

[lewis onions]

Hello Scott,

I have been watching your postings with interest. John Underhill is the club registrar and he will be able to identify your bike for you properly (unfortunately he is not contactable over the net).

However, I now own the 2 Speed Sports Squirrel which is in the picture you linked in one of your messages. It is nearing (!!) completion of a rebuild. My bike’s frame number is 2856 and te engine number Y2178A both of which have been confirmed as 1929 items (although not necessarily a matching combination).

I think (and someone will correct me if I am wrong) that all of the Scott works records except those for 1928/9 are with the Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s libraray in Burton on Trent. Members are able to attend and view them and also might receive (without a personal visit) a validataion certificate with a lot more information – such as dispatch date, type of magneto and carb. and dealer’s details. You might like to approach them.

I think that your bike is earlier than mine. The Y pre-fix applied to standard and Super Squirrel 596 engines (the 1929 sports squirrels were all Supers – I think). The number you have is a 1926 sequence engine so best guess is that it is a standard 1926 596 engine.

Frames are more difficult to date as they did not leave the factory in sequence. However I am aware that 773 is a 1925 frame . Yours might well be 1926.

The Sports Squirrel was a late addition to the 1929 catalogue (it did not appear in the catalogue at all in Autumn 1928). It’s only real difference from a 2 Speed Super Squirrel was the “Sports ” tank which I think was available separately before 1928 in any event. Yours might have an early sports tank or a later addition.

Finally, Al Perry in New York has a 1930 2 Speed Sports and might be listening in. He helped me with measurements for repairs to my tank – but I know that he is the other end of your Country!

Finally, finally see my postings earlier regarding 20″ tyres. Avon still make the ribbed (raher than blocked) tyres you seem to need for racing. They should be readily available in the States – otherwise let me know and I can source some here for you.

Happy Scotting !

[lewis onions]

Hello Scott,

I have been watching your postings with interest. John Underhill is the club registrar and he will be able to identify your bike for you properly (unfortunately he is not contactable over the net).

However, I now own the 2 Speed Sports Squirrel which is in the picture you linked in one of your messages. It is nearing (!!) completion of a rebuild. My bike’s frame number is 2856 and te engine number Y2178A both of which have been confirmed as 1929 items (although not necessarily a matching combination).

I think (and someone will correct me if I am wrong) that all of the Scott works records except those for 1928/9 are with the Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s libraray in Burton on Trent. Members are able to attend and view them and also might receive (without a personal visit) a validataion certificate with a lot more information – such as dispatch date, type of magneto and carb. and dealer’s details. You might like to approach them.

I think that your bike is earlier than mine. The Y pre-fix applied to standard and Super Squirrel 596 engines (the 1929 sports squirrels were all Supers – I think). The number you have is a 1926 sequence engine so best guess is that it is a standard 1926 596 engine.

Frames are more difficult to date as they did not leave the factory in sequence. However I am aware that 773 is a 1925 frame . Yours might well be 1926.

The Sports Squirrel was a late addition to the 1929 catalogue (it did not appear in the catalogue at all in Autumn 1928). It’s only real difference from a 2 Speed Super Squirrel was the “Sports ” tank which I think was available separately before 1928 in any event. Yours might have an early sports tank or a later addition.

Finally, Al Perry in New York has a 1930 2 Speed Sports and might be listening in. He helped me with measurements for repairs to my tank – but I know that he is the other end of your Country!

Finally, finally see my postings earlier regarding 20″ tyres. Avon still make the ribbed (raher than blocked) tyres you seem to need for racing. They should be readily available in the States – otherwise let me know and I can source some here for you.

Happy Scotting !

[lewis onions]

Hello Scott,

I have been watching your postings with interest. John Underhill is the club registrar and he will be able to identify your bike for you properly (unfortunately he is not contactable over the net).

However, I now own the 2 Speed Sports Squirrel which is in the picture you linked in one of your messages. It is nearing (!!) completion of a rebuild. My bike’s frame number is 2856 and te engine number Y2178A both of which have been confirmed as 1929 items (although not necessarily a matching combination).

I think (and someone will correct me if I am wrong) that all of the Scott works records except those for 1928/9 are with the Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s libraray in Burton on Trent. Members are able to attend and view them and also might receive (without a personal visit) a validataion certificate with a lot more information – such as dispatch date, type of magneto and carb. and dealer’s details. You might like to approach them.

I think that your bike is earlier than mine. The Y pre-fix applied to standard and Super Squirrel 596 engines (the 1929 sports squirrels were all Supers – I think). The number you have is a 1926 sequence engine so best guess is that it is a standard 1926 596 engine.

Frames are more difficult to date as they did not leave the factory in sequence. However I am aware that 773 is a 1925 frame . Yours might well be 1926.

The Sports Squirrel was a late addition to the 1929 catalogue (it did not appear in the catalogue at all in Autumn 1928). It’s only real difference from a 2 Speed Super Squirrel was the “Sports ” tank which I think was available separately before 1928 in any event. Yours might have an early sports tank or a later addition.

Finally, Al Perry in New York has a 1930 2 Speed Sports and might be listening in. He helped me with measurements for repairs to my tank – but I know that he is the other end of your Country!

Finally, finally see my postings earlier regarding 20″ tyres. Avon still make the ribbed (raher than blocked) tyres you seem to need for racing. They should be readily available in the States – otherwise let me know and I can source some here for you.

Happy Scotting !

[lewis onions]

Through the vintage and War Department AJS and Matchless forum (no less!) I became acquainted with Swen Dolenc in Germany. Apart from having an enormous collection of vintage AJSs, Swen had also arranged to remanufacture Bowden-type controls including inverted levers. I can vouch for the fact that they are an excellent copy of the originals down to the Bowden logo and shiny nikel plating. The prices were also competitive when compared to the cost of other replicas I’ve seen at autojumbles.

I’m not sure whether Bowden were used on Scotts but they certainly look the part.

I know that Swen has been busy at work recently and he may have difficulty in responding quickly – because of this and usual security issues I am loath to give his email address out over the open forum. I’m also unsure whether he has stock but if you contact me by direct email I will introduce you.

[lewis onions]

I’ve recently had problems sourcing 20 inch tyres too. I emailed Coker last October and was informed that some of their 3.00 x 20 blocked-tread tyres would be put on the next shipment to their UK stockists (North Hants Tyres -I think) with whom they had a sole distribution agreement. The reply was quick and helpful and suggested that an alternative would be to order via a US address for onward shipping to the UK.

I put an order in for 4 and was originally quoted December delivery. In subsequent telephone calls HT have merely informed me that the tyres have not arived and that my order is on file. I haven’t been able to chase them recently.

As with anything a larger order is likely to cause more interest (which is partly why I was ordering 4 tyres, having joined my requirement with that of a friend). My mother-in-law is in the States soon and will be able to provide the US address that Coker suggested could be used. I am prepared to accept and coordinate orders to add to mine if anyone else is interested. I am not fully aware of the costs as yet ,but those interested may let me have details on a non-obligatory basis and I will report back.

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