Difference between revisions of "Ariel"
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'''Ariel'' began in 1847 in Bournbrook, England as a manufacturer of pneumatic-tired wheels for horse drawn carriages. In 1885 Ariel moved into bicycle production under the leadership of James Starley ("Father of the Bicycle Industry") and William Hillman. | |||
==Intro== | ==Intro== | ||
[[Image:1949-Ariel-NH-Hunter.jpg|right|thumb|260px|1949 Ariel NH Hunter]] | [[Image:1949-Ariel-NH-Hunter.jpg|right|thumb|260px|1949 Ariel NH Hunter]] | ||
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==Huntmaster== | ==Huntmaster== | ||
In 1944 the firm was sold to [[BSA]]. After the sale, Ariel built two types of twins, the softly-tuned 500cc KH, which debuted in 1949 selling poorly, and the more powerful and successful '''Huntmaster''' which was powered by a modified version of the 650cc engine from [[BSA]'s A10. The Huntmaster however was it's own bike with a completely different frame from the A10. The Huntmaster was particularly popular with sidecar fanatics in the late 1950s. | In 1944 the firm was sold to [[BSA]]. After the sale, Ariel built two types of twins, the softly-tuned 500cc KH, which debuted in 1949 selling poorly, and the more powerful and successful '''Huntmaster''' which was powered by a modified version of the 650cc engine from [[BSA]]'s A10. The Huntmaster however was it's own bike with a completely different frame from the A10. The Huntmaster was particularly popular with sidecar fanatics in the late 1950s. | ||
[[Image:1958-Ariel-FH650-Huntmaster.jpg|left|thumb|250px|1958 Ariel FH650 Huntmaster]] | [[Image:1958-Ariel-FH650-Huntmaster.jpg|left|thumb|250px|1958 Ariel FH650 Huntmaster]] | ||
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[[Image:1963-Ariel-Arrow-Super-Sports.jpg|left|thumb|250px|1963 Ariel Arrow Super Sports]] | [[Image:1963-Ariel-Arrow-Super-Sports.jpg|left|thumb|250px|1963 Ariel Arrow Super Sports]] | ||
The '''Leader''' was probably Ariel's bravest foray into motorcycle manufacturing. It was an innovate, fully enclosed 250cc two-stroke released in 1959. Producing peak output of 18bhp, with the twin-cylinder engine based on that of the German [[Adler]]. The leader was intended to be a proper motorcycle with the convenience of a [[scooter]]. The Leader actually worked rather well, with a top speed of about 70mph (112kph) and excellent handling. But the public didn't take well to it. Ariel later striped the bodywork to produce the '''Arrow''', with a tuned 20bhp engine in the '''Super Sports''' and '''Golden Arrow''' variants. Although the Arrow sold well it wasn't enough to stop Ariel from going under in 1967. | The '''Leader''' was probably Ariel's bravest foray into motorcycle manufacturing. It was an innovate, fully enclosed 250cc two-stroke released in 1959. Producing peak output of 18bhp, with the twin-cylinder engine based on that of the German [[Adler]]. The leader was intended to be a proper motorcycle with the convenience of a [[scooter]]. The Leader actually worked rather well, with a top speed of about 70mph (112kph) and excellent handling. But the public didn't take well to it. Ariel later striped the bodywork to produce the '''Arrow''', with a tuned 20bhp engine in the '''Super Sports''' and '''Golden Arrow''' variants. Although the Arrow sold well it wasn't enough to stop Ariel from going under in 1967. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Revision as of 13:24, 2 March 2009
'Ariel began in 1847 in Bournbrook, England as a manufacturer of pneumatic-tired wheels for horse drawn carriages. In 1885 Ariel moved into bicycle production under the leadership of James Starley ("Father of the Bicycle Industry") and William Hillman.
Intro
Ariel is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers. Before starting to build motorcycles around the turn of the century, they were well known for their bicycles. Based in Selly Oak in the Midlands, by the 1930s they had became one of Britain's most influential manufacturers. They employed Edward Turner, Val Page and Bert Hopwood - who would later become known as three of the British bike industry's greatest designers. In the 1930s Ariel closed down due to financial problems, but was restarted when Jack Sangster son of Ariel's founder Charles, bought the firm and restarted production of bikes such as the VH500 Red Hunter.
Red Hunter
The Red Hunter was quite a good looking machine for it's time coming in both 350 and 500cc sizes, it was produced from 1932 until the late 1950s. Sammy Miller's successful GOV132 trials bike was based on a 1955 Red Hunter 500. A late 1930s Red Hunter 500 was among the best bikes of its day, capable of well over 75 mph (120kph) and reliable at the same time. The Red Hunter handling was supplied by it's girder front forks and rigid rear end. Rear suspension was introduced in 1939. The hunter continued to be slowly updated during the 1930s. When production was recommenced after the Second World War, it received telescopic forks and an alloy cylinder head. In the 1950s it received an update frame.
Huntmaster
In 1944 the firm was sold to BSA. After the sale, Ariel built two types of twins, the softly-tuned 500cc KH, which debuted in 1949 selling poorly, and the more powerful and successful Huntmaster which was powered by a modified version of the 650cc engine from BSA's A10. The Huntmaster however was it's own bike with a completely different frame from the A10. The Huntmaster was particularly popular with sidecar fanatics in the late 1950s.
Square Four
Undoubtedly, the most famous bike produced under the Ariel marquee was the Square Four. It was produced from 1931 till 1958. Its powerplant, effectively a geared together set of parallel twins, was designed by Edward Turner shortly after the future Triumph boss joined Ariel in 1928. The four's engine size started off at 500cc and soon was increased to 600cc and then 997cc. Often called the "Squariel", the powerplant was supremely smooth but suffered from overheating of the rear cylinders. Although the biggest model was capable of more than 100mph (160kph) it's performance was severely handicapped by it's excessive weight.
After WWII the Square Four was updated dramatically. First with a lighter aluminum engine, then in 1954, with a new cylinder head and a breathtaking four-pipe exhaust system. By this time Ariel had added telescopic front forks and plunger rear suspension. Despite all these marked improvements, the heavy Four was still a cumbersome handler. Even in its final sohpisticated guise, the engine was prone to overheating. But its redeeming factors of smoothness, comfort, and looks made the bike much treasured by those who could afford them.
Leader
The Leader was probably Ariel's bravest foray into motorcycle manufacturing. It was an innovate, fully enclosed 250cc two-stroke released in 1959. Producing peak output of 18bhp, with the twin-cylinder engine based on that of the German Adler. The leader was intended to be a proper motorcycle with the convenience of a scooter. The Leader actually worked rather well, with a top speed of about 70mph (112kph) and excellent handling. But the public didn't take well to it. Ariel later striped the bodywork to produce the Arrow, with a tuned 20bhp engine in the Super Sports and Golden Arrow variants. Although the Arrow sold well it wasn't enough to stop Ariel from going under in 1967.