Scott 1934 Flying Squirrel Tourer 496 cc 2 cyl TS 3608

Scott 1934 Flying Squirrel Tourer 496 cc water cooled two stroke twin frame # 3817M engine # LFZ3970 Gearbox # 4.S.C.3402

The Scott company first used the The Flying Squirrel model name for the fastest of the 1925-26 two speed models and this name was continued in the range with various changes for almost 25 years, all the way through to the end of production at Shipley in 1950. The economic situation meant that the 1930s were very lean years for the factory: only 63 machines were built in 1933. In 1934, the year of this machine, things improved, but only a little, with a total production of 153. 1931 to 1933 saw the duplex frame used only on the TT Replica, but in 1934 it returned across the whole three model range. VMCC library research confirmed that this is a matching numbers machine: the frame, engine, and gearbox are the original components. She was despatched to R. Smith Motors, London on 28th March 1934. This was probably Rowland Smith Motors in Hampstead High Street. 1934 was the year that Scott offered their new four speed gearbox as an additional cost option, and it was specified for this machine. These four speed boxes are extremely rare. The Motor Cycle of March, 28, 1934 published an extensive road test of a Flying Squirrel tourer with engine # LFZ3945, close to our Flying Squirrel’s number. There’s slight criticism about the placing of the rear brake pedal, that could be brought nearer to the footrest. And the riders were warned about the machine’s terrific acceleration: “Easy with the throttle is a sound rule for Scottists when there are slimy city corners to be turned.” The flexibility and power of the engine were praised: “On top gear the engine could be shut down to about 15 mph. From that speed the throttle could be whacked right open, the result being similar to that of moving the regulator of a locomotive. The engine just settled down into a steady, busy job of building up power and sent the speedometer needle leisurely round to whatever speed one desired. On the other hand, the get-away in bottom gear from a standstill was honestly breath-taking, and because the clutch and the hand-gear change were particularly light and snappy the Scott lost no time in getting about.”
Our Flying Squirrel is fitted with various extras, such as foot gear change, electric lighting, horn, Smiths speedometer and rear carrier. She has been restored to an excellent degree and has been part of an important Japanese motorcycle collection from 1993 till recently. Prior to 1993 she was for some time in the Ken Bills Motorcycle Museum in Rochester.