VH 30 year project

[charles.bulloch]

I started gathering the bits a long time ago!

VH, engine 1939, frame manufactured 1953, re-registered 2021. First 50 miles today. At 35mph! Brush painted with Tekaloid.

I have built everything but the rear dampers and speedometer. Although Tony Carrol rebuilt the magneto.

Charlie

[fpassmore]

Well done, this is probably a nice ride and reviving another Ariel is a good effort.
Frank

[Vesa Helske]

How does the engine like the off-side exhaust port blanked-off?
Vesa

[klaus gerhard]

Hello Charlie,
your VH looks very nice.
I wonder if the rear wheel wears a 18" rim? If so, how is the ground clearance mainstandwise? I had a similar bike and swapping from 18 back to 19 " rear rim improved the ground clearance enormously!
Regards Klaus

[charles.bulloch]

Thanks for the interest!

Klaus, I have problems with the stands. Because a 53 frame is not designed for a 39 engine, I have to improvise with an exhaust for a plunger frame.The centre stand will not retract fully and scrapes on corners. I fitted a Triumph side stand which is too long.

Vesa, I first rode this engine about 1976 with the port blanked off like this. I was given the engine when I bought my first Ariel and over the years was able to assemble a complete machine. Since single port engines are supposed to be better than twin port I decided to leave the head as is. Since much of the machine is renovated, it rides like a new machine and needs run in, so it will be a long time until I can assess the performance.

Charlie

[klaus gerhard]

Charlie,
is the rear wheel actually 18" or 19"?
Regards KLaus

[charles.bulloch]

Klaus, it's 19 inches. I have sent away for stuff to fix the stand problem. The the ground clearance should be as normal.

Charlie

[Vesa Helske]

Thanks Charlie,
I have to confess that I was too hasty to think about two exhaust valves . Anyway, it's good to see another classic bike fit to everyday use!
I've had an NH -57 since 1971. It was in pieces since 1986 until 2020, when I re-assembled it. I've been enjoying riding it ever since, even more than I did in the 70's.
Vesa

[charles.bulloch]

That bike looks good, Vesa.

Charlie