1925 Rudge 500cc 4-Valve 4-Speed
Registration no. SV 4537
Frame no. to be advised
Engine no. 31509

Facing a precipitous decline is sales of its ageing models, which essentially dated back to pre-war days and were powered by inlet-over-exhaust engines, Rudge embarked on a wholesale redesign. Riccardo had already produced a successful four-valves-per-cylinder engine for Triumph, and Rudge's Chief Designer, John Pugh, was convinced that this was the way forward. Rudge Whitworth's first four-valve production motorcycle duly appeared in 1924 and the company would persevere with the layout until manufacture ceased at the outbreak of WW2. Rudge's four-valver also benefited from the newly developed four-speed gearbox that had first appeared early in 1923. The motorcycling public's response to this new four-valve, four-speed model was enthusiastic and by the end of 1924 twice as many machines had been produced as in 1923. Successes on the racetrack and a new '200 miles in 2 hours' world speed record helped to further boost sales, as did motorcycle dealer Stan Glanfield's successful around-the-world trip on a Rudge combination, which today resides in the Coventry Motor Museum. The vendor decide to use this Rudge for the epic New York to San Francisco 'Cannonball' event in 2012, with mixed fortunes despite lengthy preparations. Everything performed as expected except for the magneto and its companion spare, both of which let the side down! Described as in generally excellent condition, the machine is offered with current road fund licence, expired MoT (June 2013) and Swansea V5C document. The provision of 'total loss' electric lighting is the only notified deviation from factory specification.