1960 Cushman Super Eagle

In 1958 Cushman Motors of Lincoln Nebraska shocked the scooter world when they released the "Super Eagle", a hopped up version of the standard Eagle that sported big valves, a ram induction intake manifold (1 inch longer than stock) 1/4 inch larger Tillotson M52 carb, high lift long duration camshaft and a compression ratio of 10.1 that required a kickstart actuated compression release, to crank over the flathead mill.

The Cushman ran a precision motor that used an oil pump for the connecting rod, and diesel type piston cooler that squirted a jet of oil on the underside of the piston at TDC. The crankshaft mains ran on oversized tapered roller bearings, with the rest of the motor being splash lubricated. A special low restriction exhaust manifold make from aluminum and finned for heat dissipation labeled the motor as a Super Eagle powerplant. Styling changed too, with Cushman deciding to mimic Detroit with a futuristic body and exhaust cutouts for the dual-exhaust option. The bike weighed in at 216 lbs, and produced 8 horsepower at 5500 rpm. Top speed for Super Eagle running 21/38 gearing was 60 mph. A two-speed sliding gear transmission was suicide operated, and ran from a belt driven primary. Performance increased greatly when the stock centrifugal clutch was dumped in favor of the manual "Truckster" unit.