2166 YD - Rudge Special 499cc OHV – 1936

The full potential of Rudge’s four-valves-per-cylinder design – introduced in 1924 – was slow to emerge but in 1928 Graham Walker’s works 500 became the first motorcycle to win a road race – the Ulster Grand Prix – at an average speed in excess of 80mph, a feat which led to the introduction of the legendary ‘Ulster’ model.
A variety of valve arrangements was tried across a range of 250, 350 and 500cc models, and by the mid-1930s had stabilised: the 500 Special employing a parallel layout and the Ulster a parallel/semi-radial combination.
It should be noted that despite its name the Special was the touring 500, the Ulster being the sports version.
Landmark developments included the enclosure of the valve-gear for 1937 and the switching of the gearchange lever from the left-hand to the right-hand side of the gearbox.
A compact machine with a willing engine and powerful linked brakes, the 500 Special is a delight to ride and copes easily with present-day traffic conditions.

Motorcycle & text courtesy of Yesterdays NL