My affair with veteran Rudges started an embarrassingly long time ago, when I purchased the remains of a 1914 Multi. It was my first veteran motorcycle. I learned very quickly that there is a problem with Rudges: almost every part on the machine (the seat is the only exception which comes to mind!) is peculiar to Rudge. The other thing that owners of incomplete Rudges learn early on is that parts for the Multi gear don't grow on trees!
Years later, I have collected almost all the parts I need to restore the Multi, right down to the correct grease nipples. The only major part to find is the pedal sprocket. In typical Rudge fashion, this is fitted to the pedal axle on a tapered spline! Offers welcome. Along the way, I have gathered enough parts to put together a fairly authentic 1914 TT Roadster, basically the "speed man's" machine with neither multi gear nor pedals. Stripped of guards and carrier it became the Brooklands model. Few can argue with the pedigree, with Rudges breaking records at Brooklands and winning the TT in 1914. I have done most of the mechanical work on my 1914 TT Roadster, and ridden it a few hundred kilometres on rallies: very impressive performance!
I am still searching for a few bits to finish it off, notably the correct back wheel with the full-size belt rim which attaches directly to the wheel rim. I also should rebuild some toolboxes for the rear carrier. But in the meantime, I'll just keep riding it when I can - but only for "competion work and fast touring".
Copyright © Leon Mitchell
1998-2007 Home | Leon's Motorcycles | Australian motorcycles | Miscellany | Buy swap and sell | Links |
