Ariel Leader 4 Prototype
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| Ariel Leader 4 Prototype | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Production | Never reached full production |
| Engine | Four stroke, four horisontal cylinders on the left with in-line crankshaft, OHV |
| Ignition | Coil |
| Transmission | 4-Speed |
| Frame | Pressed steel frame with leg shields |
| Brakes | Front: Drum Rear: Drum |
| Wheelbase | 1448 mm / 57 in |
| Weight | |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
Engine[edit | edit source]
The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, four horisontal cylinders on the left with in-line crankshaft, OHV.
Drive[edit | edit source]
Power was moderated via the Morris Minor car clutch, syncro-mesh gearbox.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
Stopping was achieved via Drum in the front and a Drum in the rear. The wheelbase was 1448 mm / 57 in long.
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Ariel Leader Four Prototype
This fascinating 700cc prototype, tested at Ariel circa 1960, shows that BMWs four-cylinder K100 was not exactly original when unveiled in 1983. The prophetic Ariel looks similar to the companys innovative 250cc Leader two-stroke launched in 1958, with a pressed-steel frame, leg shields and windscreen. But the power unit is unlike anything else from a British factory. The crankshaft is set in-line with the frame and slightly offset to the right, with four horizontal cylinders on the left. Final drive is by shaft, via a four-speed gearbox is built in unit with the engine. Cooling of the exhaust port area is fan-assisted and oil is carried in a wet sump. Found to be comfortable, tractable and extremely quiet, the luxury electric-start Leader 4 was not fast. In prototype form, the single carburetor engine designed by industry veteran Val Page produced no more than 25bhp. Ariel engineers believed their design had potential, but the parent BSA Group saw no future for it in the age of the BMC Mini car and cancelled the project.
| Make Model | Ariel Leader 4 Prototype |
|---|---|
| Year | 1962 |
| Production | Never reached full production |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, four horisontal cylinders on the left with in-line crankshaft, OHV |
| Displacement | 696 cc / 42.5 cu in |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Exhaust | 4-into-1 |
| Induction | Single Zenith carburetor |
| Ignition | Coil |
| Starting | Electric |
| Max Power | 18.6 kW / 25 hp |
| Clutch | Morris Minor car clutch, syncro-mesh gearbox |
| Transmission | 4-Speed |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| Frame | Pressed steel frame with leg shields |
| Wheels | Steel, laced wire spokes |
| Front Rim | 3.25 x 17 |
| Rear Rim | 4.00 x 16 |
| Front Brakes | Drum |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Wheelbase | 1448 mm / 57 in |
| Source | National Motorcycle Museum, UK |