Rudge 1932 Ulster 500cc 1 cyl ohv

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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.