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1929
Scott Flying Squirrel Road Racer
The 500 cc Flyer is much modified for vintage road racing. Scotts were
raced with success in the early days, and won the TT in 1914. By the end
of the twenties, they were outclassed by the four stroke machines, but
this one has a new lease on life thanks to a little Yamaha style tuning,
and a few titanium parts. It has been used in anger at various North American
venues including Daytona, Leguna Seca, and Mosport. It’s usually
in the company of much newer, but not always faster machines. It has a
top speed of slightly over 100mph, and is great fun to ride. Unlike the
Super Squirrel, the Flyer has a conventional gearbox with three speeds,
in the case of this racer, close ratios. The addition of a regular gearbox
added 35 pounds of weight to a Scott, which did not go over well with
many Scott devotees, so the two-speed version was produced for several
additional years as well. With its straight pipes, this little bike sounds
delightful, although some would say it’s a bit anti-social.
Impressions
from the Saddle
Being a racer, this one must be “bump”
started. After the usual flooding and choking, a quick run and bump, and
a very large noise is emitted from the twin straight pipes. At a race
meeting at Laguna Seca I was told that the Scott made more racket than
any bike in the pits except for the ex Jim Redman Honda six. It doesn't
sound like a two stroke, but more like a high revving vertical twin or
triple. When the flag drops, you grab a handful, and feather the clutch
out, as first gear is quite high. Once away, acceleration is smooth, and
although race tuned, the engine is not too “peaky” and only
having three speeds doesn’t seem to be too much of a handicap. With
modern race compound tires, its possible to lay it over at otherwise impossible
angles, and cornering and handling are amazing. The brakes are also excellent,
as it has a twin drum on the front, and a full width drum on the rear.
The limiting factor is the pilot, who is elderly and timid, and a bit
overweight for a bike this size.
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