Can anyone tell me what model this is, and info too please?

[WilliamBall]

Hi
I've been meaning to post this for ages, but got round to it at last. My grandfather used to have an Ariel when he was a young man, and I've always fancied getting hold of one of the same model. There is only one photograph I have of it:



I'm reckoning it's a Model E or a Model F but I don't know how to differentiate them. So I'm guessing this would be 1929 or later. He was one of the few folks who saw 3 centuries, born in the 19th, lived the complete 20th and saw a few years of the 21st too. He was always interested in my bikes, but never really told me much about his, but I know he bought this new.

I reckon it would have been bought from Cheynes in Aberdeen...only because when I was doing a round-Scotland jaunt on my Commando back in the early 70s it broke down in Aberdeen and I got the parts from Cheynes and my grandfather then said that's where he got all his bikes from. I don't know if Cheynes the still exist - google brings up some directory entries for them, but there's no web site.

So if anyone can help identifying exactly what it is, the next question would be how rare are they in terms of finding one for restoration? I've seen a few Model Fs advertised but fully restored. I've restored a few bikes in my time (old Japanese mostly though), and have been building cars of late so I quite fancy the challenge. I have a reasonably well equipped garage/workshop - lathe, small milling machine, can weld alloy (not pretty, but strong) etc., so not a total flight of fancy. But no real point in making plans if there just aren't any about, or if those that are are either fully restored or big money for a chest of parts. It's not a market I just know much about. On one hand I'm thinking trying to acquire an un-restored 80-year-old motorcycle is an impossibility, but I just have no clue whether these are loved or loathed by collectors.

Many thanks

[grahamhibbs]

Very interesting post, unfortunately im not knowledgeable enough to answer your questions but I am also looking forward to the answers.
Best of luck with the project.

[nevhunter]

It's pre 30, because the 30 tank is longer at the top. My guess is that it is a 29 model. E,F &G are variants of the 500 OHV model and the "E" had a Sturmey Archer gearbox and the others had a Q Burman. The top model had performance enhancements. Polished ports etc. I have had two of these "Black" ARIELS, both 30 models. There is a book on them produced by a Club member. I didn't manage to get one but if you can get a look at one it should help you. They (the bikes) are a bit sort after but They are out there and a good bike to ride if you don't mind hand gear change. They perform very adequately. The gearbox mounting is ordinary so check the lower platform on any you look at. Nev

[Wali.Badger.Taylor]

From the un valanced front guard I say it is a 29 E.

[GuyH]

I had a 1930 model B - also from Aberdeen with an 'AV' registration. I wonder if it was sold by the same dealer? Unfortunately, to my everlasting regret I sold it a year or so ago.

[adrie.degraaff]

My guess is that it is a 29 model. E,F &G are variants of the 500 OHV model and the "E"

I think Nev is right the engineplate has space for the first small dinamo.
You can still buy them unrestored in the Netherlands, http://www.dutch-lion-motorbikes.com/zo ... mit=Zoeken.

[brenton.roy]

Nev, you are a master of understatement.
William, Black Ariels, particularly well prepared OHV's, sometimes have waiting lists or sell while you are checking your bank details.
The owner of a very nice model E I looked at set a price and then chose from expressions of interest!
I have recently taken my '27C on a fantastic 4000 km ride.
I suppose their mechanical nature - hand change, levers everywhere and constant fettling is something you either love or not, but to me, that's a great part of the experience.
If you get a chance to ride, or at least have a good look at one, go for it.
Brenton

[Roger Gwynn]

It is a 1929 model F. There is little difference between the de-Luxe F and the Standard E. The F has the valenced front mudguard and a rear carrier. See http://www.arielownersmcc.com/members ... ogue11.jpg

Roger

[nevhunter]

I must put the remaining one together. It's 30 model G that my wife gave to me for a birthday a very long time ago. It was a runner at the time. I've done most of the mechanicals but I didn't want to put it on the road because most of the chains clutch valve gear etc are out in the open and the later models are so adequate for use because maintenance is minimal by comparison. I've had the W/NG on the road for 12 years and it hardly gets anything but oil changes. I've done nothing to it since it went on the road but change a battery, grease and oil it and wipe it over occasionally. Nev