This magnificent one-litre Rudge V-twin tourer rejoined our display after undergoing some restoration work. It dates from 1921, when Rudge Whitworth first adopted all-chain transmission, used in conjunction with the company’s own design of three-speed gearbox.
The engine, with pushrod-operated overhead inlet valves and side exhaust valves, is essentially a doubling-up of Rudge’s successful 500cc single and ideal for the V-twin’s main intended purpose of sidecar pulling. Engine oil is stored in a remote tank under the saddle and introduced to the bottom end when a pedal on the right-side footboard is pressed. For easy engine access, the frame tube under the fuel tank is offset to the left.
