RUDGE

STAND 25 : Interest Centres on the New 245 c.c. Two-valve “Rapid” ; Fast Four-valve Models : A Competition “Ulster” for the Clubman

Rudge-Whitworth, Ltd., Coventry.

250 c.c. “Rapid” Model.—245 c.c. single-cyl. O.h.v. Rudge; dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear with hand control; fuel, 2¾ gals.; 26x3.25in. tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £49 10s.

THE 245 c.c. two-valve “Rapid” model is attracting much attention. The cylinder head and barrel are deeply finned. A 30-watt Lucas Maglita is mounted behind the engine and driven by a chain, which is enclosed in the oil-bath primary chain case.

The four-speed gear box is hand-controlled, the gate being enclosed in the offside knee grip. A steel apron covers the end of the gear box and extends from the metal tool box to the rear of the timing chest. Two tool boxes are fitted, one on each side, between the rear chain stays.

Both runs of the rear chain are protected by a chain guard, which covers the outside of the lower run; tubular stays hold the efficient mudguards, and a tubular carrier is fitted. Coupled brakes and 26x3.25in. tyres complete what is almost a “five-hundred” specification

Two 250 c.c. radial valve “Sports” models are shown; these have enclosed fork springs and petrol tanks of 3½ gallon capacity.

500 c.c. "Special" Model.—499 c.c. single-cyl. o.h.v. Rudge; dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear with hand control; fuel, gals.; 26x3.25in. tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £63 10s,.

All the other models on the stand have 500 c.c. engines, and are either “Special” or “Ulster” models. The “Special” models have a heavier front down tube and stiffer front forks than before. Larger petrol tanks are fitted, and neat gear box and battery covers give the machines an exceptionally clean appearance.

The knock-out rear wheel spindle has a permanently attached tommy-bar, as have the forward securing bolts of the detachable portion of the rear mudguard.

500 c.c. “Ulster” Model.—499 c.c. single-cyl. o.h.v. Rudge; dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear with foot control; fuel, 3½ gals.; 27x3in. (front), 27x3.25in. (rear) tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £73 10s.

The “Ulster” is, of course, the fastest machine of the range. A slight modification has been made to the piston to eliminate distortion, and the big-end bearing now has three rows of rollers All the modifications of the “Special” apply to the “Ulster” models, and in addition a new handlebar shape is used. Round section silencers are fitted to both these and the “Special” models. The rear of the saddle is padded and a mudguard-type seat is fitted.

Two very businesslike editions of the “Ulster” are on view; these have long undershield protecting both crankcase and gear box. A special competition “Ulster” model is shown, costing £71 All models with high-level pipes have oblong tool boxes mounted on the mudguard stays. A useful accessory fitted to the “Ulster” and “Special” models is the “Revulator.” This shows engine revolutions at any given speed and in an gear.

The 1935 Olympia Show reported in The Motor Cycle, December 5th, 1935.