1969 Rupp Roadster

In America, Less than 5k, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1969, Rupp was on the top of its game, with over 400 employees and a range of products that included snowmobiles, go-karts, ATVs, and minibikes. That year the company introduced a new top-of-the-line minibike with a 5 horsepower Tecumseh H50 engine and a two speed jackshaft. It was called the Roadster.

Rupp Roadster - Tank

For more on the Roadster, check out this article from Hemmings, who call this “the bike that launched a million knockoffs” and said “Like Bruce Myers’ Myers Manx, it was perhaps the Rupp Roadster’s popularity that led to its demise. At its core, the Roadster was simplicity personified. Anybody who could bend tubing and place an order with Briggs & Stratton could build a minibike, and they did, in massive numbers.

Rupp Roadster - Vintage Ad

This example was restored over two years and it looks fantastic. The seller says this bike has an optional ‘high performance muffler’ listed in Rupp’s sales brochure, as well. It’s just about as expensive as these bikes get but I can’t remember encountering a nicer one for sale in years. Find this Roadster for sale in Rochester, Michigan with a BIN of $4,600 or best offer