Rudge 1937 Sports Special 495cc four-valve 1 cyl OHV 3409

Rudge 1937 “Sports Special” 495 cc four-valve OHV single frame # 61107 engine # S3394

The Rudge-Whitworth company is already an established bicycle factory when the firm starts to manufacture motorcycles in 1911. Their first machines are 499 cc IOE singles. They develop the famous Multi Gear, with a possibility of up to 21 gear positions. In 1924 the factory introduces a new range of four valve singles and in 1928 Graham Walker manages to win the Ulster Grand Prix on a Rudge, after a heroic handlebar-to handlebar battle with Charlie Dodson on a Model 90 Sunbeam. From then on the sporty Rudge models are designated “Ulster”. In 1931 the engine is scaled down to 250 cc and that machine proves to be a real winner too, judging from 1st, 2nd and 4th places plus the lap record in the Junior TT. Rudge uses several layouts for its 4 valve models and from the 1931 model range on they settle for 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. At the same time plug size is reduced from 18 to 14 mm to allow more metal between the hole and the exhaust seats. This layout proves very successful and will be retained till the end of Rudge production in 1940.
For model year 1937 the 249 cc four-valve “Sports” model is dropped, leaving only one model in the 250cc class, the 245 cc two-valve “Rapid”. Next to the 495cc four-valve touring “Special” and sports “Ulster” a third 500 class machine is introduced, the “Sports Special”. This model brings a more sporty taste to the Special: it has high-level exhausts and differs in some detail to the standard Special. The 1937 range embodies quite a few improvements: the valve gear is totally enclosed now and the oil pump gets a higher capacity. This makes the engine more silent and better lubricated. The Sports Special has bore x stroke dimensions of 84.5 x 88 mm, large 8-inch proportionally coupled brakes, and a four-speed, foot-operated gearbox. She comes with central spring-up stand with Rudge-Whitworth patent easy-to-operate hand lever.

This Sports Special is a road-registered, well running, older restoration. She’s fitted with full electric lighting, 120 mph Smiths speedo, rev counter and steering damper.