Ariel VH500 Red Hunter

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Ariel-vh-500-02.jpg
Ariel Red Hunter
Manufacturer
Also called KH500, KH 500, KH500 Red Hunter, KH 500 Red Hunter, VH500 Red Hunter, VH 500 Red Hunter, NH350 Red Hunter, NH 350 Red Hunter
Production 1932 - 59
Engine
Four stroke, stroke, single cylinder, OHV, 2-valves
Compression ratio 6.0:1 (after 1954: 6.8:1)
Top Speed 140 km/h / 87 mph
Ignition Magnet/flywheel
Battery 6V
Transmission 4-Speed
Frame Semi double cradle
Suspension Front: Grider front forks
Rear: Rigid, springloaded saddle (after 1954: dual shocks)
Brakes Front: Drum
Rear: Drum
Weight 190 kg / 418 lbs (dry),
Oil Capacity 3.4 L / 0.9 US gal
Fuel Capacity 14.8 L / 3.9 US gal
Manuals Service Manual


It could reach a top speed of 140 km/h / 87 mph.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, stroke, single cylinder, OHV, 2-valves. The engine featured a 6.0:1 (after 1954: 6.8:1) compression ratio.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

Stopping was achieved via Drum in the front and a Drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Grider front forks while the rear was equipped with a Rigid, springloaded saddle (after 1954: dual shocks). The VH500 Red Hunter was fitted with a 14.8 L / 3.9 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 190 kg / 418 lbs.

Photos[edit | edit source]

Ariel Red Hunter Ariel Red Hunter

Overview[edit | edit source]

Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter





"The finest single-cylinder motorcycle ever built" - "the best ever built single-cylinder motorcycle." So called by Ariel Red Hunter fans.

The spiritual father of the "red hunter" was Val Page, the chief designer at Ariel Works Ltd., unveiled its new sports model for the first time 1932 on the London Motor Show before. First bike was called VH 32 and the machine had a 24-hp single-cylinder engine with an almost square stroke ratio of 86.4 x 85. They had four overhead valves, solenoid and racing carburetor as well, new to Ariel, aand a four-speed transmission. Also new was the high-set dual port exhaust system. Because of the striking red paint that Ariel had quickly gone their nickname "Red Hunter", which was soon taken over by the factory.


By the following year, Ariel dispensed with the four-valve design in favor of a two-valve set-up with high or laid down exhaust pipes.. And there was now beside the 500 VH the models NH 350 and LH with 250cc displacement. 1935 was the next major change. Edward Turner changed the engine again with extremely long-stroke: 81 x 95 mm. Each engine had to be run according to Ariel test protocol prior to its installation.  Output now rose to 26 horsepower with a top speed of 90 miles (about 145 km/h) and with additional tuning rose to 160 km/h! Because Ariel factory did not want to participate in racing, it was up to private riders to set up the machines themselves.


Make Model Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter
Year 1932 - 59
Engine Type Four stroke, stroke, single cylinder, OHV, 2-valves
Displacement 497 cc / 30.3 cu in
Bore X Stroke 86.4 x 85 mm (after 1936: 81.8 x 95)
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression 6.0:1 (after 1954: 6.8:1)
Lubrication Dry sump with dual plunger pumps
Oil Capacity 3.4 L / 0.9 US gal
Exhaust High-set dual port exhaust
Induction Carburetor, large bore down draught Amal
Ignition Magnet/flywheel
Battery 6V
Starting Kick start
Max Power 17.9 kW / 24 hp @ 6000 rpm
Transmission 4-Speed
Final Drive Chain
Frame Semi double cradle
Front Suspension Grider front forks
Rear Suspension Rigid, springloaded saddle (after 1954: dual shocks)
Front Brakes Drum
Rear Brakes Drum
Wheels Steel, laced wire spokes
Front Rim 3.00 x 20
Rear Rim 3.25 x 19
Dimensions Length: 2180 mm / 85.8 in Width: 640 mm / 25.2 in
Dry Weight 190 kg / 418 lbs
Fuel Capacity 14.8 L / 3.9 US gal
Braking 25 Mph / 40 Km/h - 0 7.3 m / 24 ft
Acceleration 0 - 60 Mph / 97 Km/h 10.9 sec
Top Speed 140 km/h / 87 mph
Colours Chrome and red with gold linings

Videos[edit | edit source]