classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: SMART-ITALY on January 13, 2007, 12:25:20 AM

Title: Rudge Whitworth
Post by: SMART-ITALY on January 13, 2007, 12:25:20 AM

I have been asked to restore an old Rudge, but before I commit myself to the job, I need to know what it is??
The owner (in his late 70s) bought it in an auction in Ravenna Italy in 1960-65 as part assembled plus a box of bits.
The engine is a four valver No is 8978.
Frame is rigid tail, girder front, No 51953.
The gearbox is also numbered 36160.
I have had a good look at it and the only things that obviously look to be missing are the headlight, front driven dyno and footrest on L/H side.
If I take this job, it would be the first pre war bike I have ever tackled, so I need to know what I am letting myself in for??

Title: Re: Rudge Whitworth
Post by: L.A.B. on January 13, 2007, 12:42:21 AM

I suggest that your best option would be to contact the Rudge Enthusiasts Club:

http://www.rudge.co.uk/

Title: Re: Rudge Whitworth
Post by: SMART-ITALY on January 31, 2007, 12:08:51 AM

Sorry for the late reply.
I did try the site, but there is no CONTACT US facility.
Unless you are a member or proposing to join, there is no way to put a specific question, as in my case.

Title: Re: Rudge Whitworth
Post by: 33d6 on January 31, 2007, 11:26:56 AM

For Rudge spares and info there is a very active German man who migrated to Canada. I can't remember his name. His e-mail address is irm@globalserve.net.
If I remember rightly he has a website that lists all the new parts he manufactures but I can't locate it at the moment.
Not being a Rudge man this info was stuff stored away
 "just in case" and of course now it is needed I can't understand half my notes. Drop him an e-mail and he will respond.
Cheers, Bob

Title: Re: Rudge Whitworth
Post by: kashey on February 01, 2007, 02:31:13 AM

http://www.globalserve.net/~irm/

Intresting that my sport special have spokes and nipples are welded together, its very complicate to disconnect them.

Title: Re: Rudge Whitworth
Post by: sidecar_37 on April 06, 2007, 06:39:19 PM

Hi Smart-Italy
I have a 36 special and am in the rudge club it is a very!! valuble club to be a member of if you want to do the bike the will tell you exactly what it is and being a member in New Zealand no problem getting new parts or "swaps"and the other members are more than willing to help with info, it has taken me 7yrs to date to rebuild mine from a basket case but very rewarding and they go extremely well they are a bike that you can do 60 to 70 mph all day and do easly