Rudge-Whitworth, Ltd.
Coventry. Stands Nos. 45 and 55.
The magneto is set in an upright position in front of tine motor, and its armature is driven direct by tine shaft that actuates the inlet valve. The inlet port is directed rearward across the top of the head, and is coupled up to the Brown and Barlow carburetter, which is, of course, handlebar controlled.
The frame is of the dropped back type, with an angle at the nose of the saddle; the chain stays are just about in line with the motor shaft, as they should be. Belt transmission is employed in conjunction with an adjustable pulley. In some cases a multiple plate clutch is fitted to the. engine pulley, and this should afford a very pleasant control of the machine. The handlebars are of good dimensions, and the handles are set at a good angle. They are fitted with inverted levers operating tine rim brake on tine front wheel and the exhaust valve lifter. The front fork is a nicely designed low and spring girder, and is coupled up to the head by top and bottom links. A single encased spring serves to take up both the shocks and the rebound.
In addition to the footrests between the crank case and exhaust box, the pedals are adapted to serve as footrests, as the right pedal can be turned through half a revolution so as to bring it into line with the left one when required. The silencer is fitted with a cut out. The rear brake consists of a block, which is forced into the groove of the back pulley. It is pedal operated and should be very powerful. The front guard is of good length, and the rear one is hinged to the tubular carrier, and can be raised when it is necessary to get at the back wheel. Returning to the motor for a moment, it should be noted that the radiating flanges are deepest where the heat is greatest, and grow shallower towards the crank case.
The valves measure []ins across the head, and the piston is flat topped and has a single ring at each end. An over-balancing spring helps to hold the stand up or down, and the tool bag and number plate are neatly attached to the carrier.
1910 Stanley Show Report
Rudge-Whitworth, Ltd. Coventry.
Three motor-bicycle models will be exhibited on this stand, and as the Rudge-Whitworth Co. are for the first time launching out on the motor-bicycle business, they will be bound to prove a big attraction to all agents.
The machines are of standard H.P. single-cylinder type, the engine being designed to afford the greatest possible accessibility and ease of manipulation. The cylinder is 85 mm. bore, and 88 mm. stroke; the radiators are largest on the combustion head, where most heat is generated, in addition to which advantage it imparts a graceful appearance to the machine.
The valves are easy to get at, the inlet being of the overhead type actuated by rocking lever, the advantage being that the incoming gases keep the exhaust valve cool; owing to the special construction of the exhaust, trouble at this point has been done away with on the Rudge-Whitworth.
A very low and comfortable position is afforded by the design of the frame, and the spring forks are particularly effective in absorbing road shock, being connected with the steering head through a compression spring in a telescopic sheath.
Foot-rests are placed well forward to give an easy riding position, and both pedals may remain down to give an alternative position: A cut-out on the silencer is operated by the foot from the right foot-rest, and the back brake which works on the belt rim is connected with the left foot-rest by a perfectly straight connecting rod.
One of the machines is equipped with a free engine operated by a plate clutch attached to the engine shaft and fitted with gear connection for starting. By a patented device the back mudguard is hinged on the carrier, and can be raised to give access to the back wheel.
Cycle and Motor Trades Review at Graces Guide
RUDGE-WHITWORTH Nos. 54 and 55.
Details of the Rudge-Whitworth pedalling cranks; a spring catch enables both to assume a downward position.
Rudge-Whitworth adjustable inlet valve tappet and exposed spring.
RUDGE-WHITWORTH, LTD., Coventry.
Three of these interesting machines are shown, but as their points have been so extensively dealt with in recent issues of The Motor Cycle it suffices only to point out that visitors to the show will do well to examine this machine carefully in detail. An exceedingly good point is the celluloid covered handle-bars and inverted levers, which considerably lessen the difficulty of keeping the machine clean. The exterior of the crank case on the side opposite the pulley is plain, so that the cleaning of it should be a simple matter. The careful testing to which the firm has put the machine before placing it on the market speaks volumes for the thoroughness with which they conduct their business.
Four Rudge-Whitworth motor bicycles have been at Brooklands for a month, being ridden there every day on the track at full speed, and the fact that much road work has also been done demonstrates that this machine has been thoroughly tried, and is now in an absolutely fit condition to be sold to the public. A careful examination of the latest models at the Show will reveal that every detail has been most carefully studied; even thorn catchers are fitted to the mudguard stays. In fact, every fitting or improvement which has suggested itself to the staff as the result of the before mentioned road and track tests has been embodied.
