Rudge vintage motorcycle dating by frame and engine numbers

Rudge vintage motorcycle dating by frame and engine numbers.

Dating any classic, vintage, or veteran motorcycle is usually more art than science. It stands to reason that most 100 year-old motorcycles have been altered over the years. So, you need to account for these changes.

The first place to begin is with the engine numbers and frame numbers. In some cases, the engine and frame numbers were stamped onto a plate, which is then attached to the motorcycle. In most cases, the frame and engine numbers were stamped at the factory.

Factory records are the ultimate resource for Rudge vintage motorcycle dating

They usually record the date of manufacture and the date of delivery to an individual or dealer. They also usually state other information regarding the model and engine capacity.

In the absence of factory records, the next best thing that we have is information that is generally accepted as correct regarding Rudge engine & frame numbers, with a little model information.

The following is some information that I have found useful when I have owned a few Rudge motorcycle engines. It helped me to put a model and year to the engine.

Note: MODEL years run from the end of July in the previous calendar year – e.g. A 1937 specification model could have left the factory between the 1st August 1936 and July 31st 1937. So, this is a bit of a guide. Factory records are best for Rudge vintage motorcycle dating.

Rudge (Rudge Whitworth) vintage motorcycles are well-known for being innovative, well built and quick in their day.

They are favoured by the motorcyclist who has sporting ambitions for his machine. I have never been fortunate enough to own one of these machines.I have owned many engines, gearboxes and various other parts. But not a whole machine.

Rudge vintage motorcycle dating by frame and engine numbers

In the interest of attempting to make an easy-to-read record of engine and frame numbers for my own benefit, I thought that I would publish some information on Rudge Whitworth motorcycles on here.

The engine and frame numbers are where everyone begins the research on dating their machines. So, I will begin by providing information on various models between 1926 and 1939. It’s not definitive, but it’s a good guide.

If you have used this table to check for Rudge vintage motorcycle dating by frame and engine numbers, please note:

Valuations of vintage Rudge motorcycles. I offer a valuation service for vintage and classic motorcycles, including Rudge models. Please read more here.

Disclaimer: The information supplied here is a guide. It’s pretty accurate, but should be used as a guide only.

If you are looking to sell vintage Rudge-Whitworth motorcycles, or Rudge parts, please let me know. Use the contact page. 

Rudge parts for sale.

Vintage Motorcycle Club

If you are not already a member, you might consider joining the Vintage motorcycle club. It doesn’t cost a lot and there is a Rudge marque specialist available to help.