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Today in Motorcycle History

Scorpion Motorcycles

Scorpion-1965-Kit-Adv.jpg
Scorpion Kit 1964

Produced by Paul Wright from 1962 to 1965.

In December 1963 the address was
Scorpion Motorcycles,
Silverstone Works, Whitfield, Brackley, Northamptonshire.

Later, the address is believed to have been 40 Rochford Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire.

1963 Trials and scrambles models were introduced with T-frame chassis constructed from sheet-steel box sections welded together. The frame loop had square-section tube bolted in place, so alternative engines were easy to fit although these were usually the Villiers 197cc 9E or 246cc 32A for trials and the 36A or Starmaker for scrambles. An article in The Motorcycle stated that Marcelle or Parkinson barrel conversions would be available. Some were possibly fitted with Tiger Cub engines, and one had a BSA 250 four-stroke.

Bodywork was by Chris Butler. Alloy tanks were offered as an option, as were Parkinson crankcases and Alpha crankshafts.

1964 Late in the year a road-racing model was added, this with its own Scorpion designed and made 246cc engine hung from a tubular spine frame. An attractive machine, a prototype GP5 was displayed at a trade show but did not achieve production.

1965 A Scorpion was ridden by Chris Cullen in the SSDT. A brochure was produced illustrating the GP5 roadracer and the Avenger 250 MX4 (coming soon). In addition to manufacturing motorcycles, the factory was also building Dr Who's Daleks. Scorpions were not exactly exterminated, but that year saw the end of the marque.

Sources: Graces Guide, bsaotter.com

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