Rudge unknown model

[devidoldmoto]

Does someone know the model of this Rudge?  
I have not found any information to identify this bike, I know only that is a 350cc and  has been sold in Italy in 1934 from the concessionary Rudge in Milano

Thanks for all information or pics: Davide

[devidoldmoto]

others pics

[33d6]

Hi Davide,
The picture is nice but accurate dating requires the frame and engine numbers as well.
Cheers, Bob

[devidoldmoto]

Hi Bob
Thanks for your answer
Today I have looked at the numbers of identification:

Frame:  3556
Engine: 2400

Bob I think that this motorbike is a 1926 or 27 four speed Rudge modified in the 30s , this is a very strange frame and small brake for a 1934 motorcycles.
Please let me know.

Cheers: Davide

[33d6]

Hello again Davide,
I've hunted through all the Rudge information I have (not a great deal) and I make the frame and engine numbers to be about 1925.
The engine and gearbox certainly look 1925, particularly the engine with its exposed pushrods and total loss lubrication system but the wheels and tank are much later.
I know Rudge sold their engines separately for other firms to use. Is this an example?
Otherwise I think you have a very nice special that someone has made for their own pleasure.
If you want to see what an original 1925 350 Rudge looks like one was featured in the Second Vintage Road Test Journal, pages 44-47 inclusive.
Cheers, Bob

[devidoldmoto]

Hi Bob and very thanks
You are right...

Today I have gone to the register of the vehicles in Italy with the number of the license plate, this Rudge is of 1926 (first sale in Italy), this transformation has an explanation, from 1930 the old brakes  were not admitted for the circulation of the motorcycles and a lot of motorcycles are adjourned with new wheels and also new reservoirs and therefore the licenses plated was replaced.

Do you know if it is possible to find the original wheels? Does the owner of this motorcycle want to sell it for 5.500 Euros, is a correct price for this motorcycle?    
I don't have problems to reconstruct the frame and the tank but the wheels is very hard for make a copy.
Thanks: Davide

[33d6]

Hello again Davide,
How interesting. If the bike was altered to suit Government regulations I would leave it exactly as it is.  That is a marvellous story and I would tell everyone it shows how much the owner liked his Rudge, for him to make all those changes just so he could keep his bike on the road.
Did you know there is a Rudge Enthusiast Club? They have a website, www.rudge.co.uk. They could be very helpful.
Cheers, Bob

[devidoldmoto]

Bob

This is a thing that a lot of discussions create in Italy, you are right,  these changes belong to the history, but the mentality of the Italian collector is that to bring the motorcycle under the original conditions of when the motorcycle was born, in Italy an original motorcycle to 100% is worth as if it were built in gold.
I think as you, also because it is evident that these changes to this Rudge have been made in a concessionaire of motorcycles and not from a blacksmith for horses, but this motorcycle is unsalable under these conditions, and if this motorcycle is sold without informing a buyer of these changes the seller can be tried for fraud.

Thanks Bob for all the information and your help: Davide

[Rudgenut]

Hi Davide,
Are you still involved with this Rudge.
I can tell you a bit more about it if you need more information.
Tony