information on Ariel VH 500 from 1951

[paologurrieri]

hello everyone, I recently imported from England a 1951 Ariel VH 500 frame no. SA798 swing frame, I would need some information to bring it back to its original state as much as possible as it has been partially modified, what type of carburetor it was fitted, the size of the inlet and exhaust valves (Draganfly code 415-35 and 441-35 ?) , what kind of camshaft does it fit (Draganfly code ?), the rear brake plate code.
Many thanks in advance
Paolo

[adrie.degraaff]

The only thing realy wrong is the made in India petroltank.

[PeteL]

I have a very original 1952 VH500, like yours, and it has an Amal 289 carb.

[will_curry]

There are only two things I would change. One is the springs on the rider's saddle. Not only do
they look dreadful but they will also allow the saddle to hit the mudguard on full bump. The
other thing is the concentric. As Pete says it should have a 289.

Having said that I do like the way your bike looks.

[ian williams]

hi Paolo;
if you have an indian made fuel tank cap you need to make sure it has a breather hole down its centre , the best way to explain it is to look at an original cap and then copy the hole .
the hole goes down the centre of the knurled screw a short way until it turns 90 degrees and out the side of the screw , the hole in the side is in the area where the cone shape is located underneath the cap .

it is around a 1.5mm diameter drilling .

if you dont have the breathing hole you will end up with the engine stopping about every 10km with vacuum in the tank and no petrol coming out.

it happened to me but luckily i have old and new tank caps which is how i found out when looking at them both side by side .

ian

[dennis.t]

Paolo,
Very nice machine.
Dennis

[Roger Gwynn]

You should acquire a parts book, owner's guide and a catalogue for your year of machine, most if not all are available on the website free to members or can be bought from Draganfly. You will then learn lots of other things about your bike not just the ones that you know are wrong.