Description
Rudge Ulster 1932 499cc four-valve OHV single frame # 47879 engine # 5734
The Rudge_Whitworth company was an established bicycle factory that entered motorcycle production in 1911.
Their first machines were 499 cc IOE singles.
They developed the famous Multi gear, with a possibility of up to 21 gear positions.
In 1924 the factory introduced a new range of four valve singles. In 1928 Graham Walker managed to win the Ulster Grand Prix on a Rudge, after a heroic handlebar-to handlebar battle with Charlie Dodson on a Model 90 Sunbeam.
Since then the sporty Rudge models were designated “Ulster”.
In 1931 the engine was scaled down to 250 cc and that proved to be a real winner too, judging from 1st, 2nd and 4th places plus the lap record in the Junior TT.
Rudge used several layouts for its 4 valve models; there was the semi-radial arrangement of parallel inlets ( in a flat head surface) for deep breathing and radial exhausts ( in a part spherical surface) for cool running.
This 1932 “Ulster” has all four valves radially positioned.
Practical “Rudge” features are the hand lever for the central stand -“parking is a pleasure, not hard labour”- the QD and interchangeable wheels and the coupled brakes.
This machine has the option of offside-placed footbrake. It has four speeds and is a fine example of a thirties sportsmen’s mount.