Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

I have recently added a 1931 VB31 to my collection and am checking it over ready for the summer. I am finding when kicking her over the kick start does not engage until it over half way down so the engine over turns very little at each kick which makes starting difficult. The kick start in almost in an upright position at rest so a half of the movement is doing nothing. As this is my first bike with a Sturmey Archer gearbox, I don't know if this is normal or a sign of something has worn. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Sorry no experience of S-A boxes but this must either be a bad design or there are some teeth missing. Either way remove the outer cover and all should be revealed, although I have no idea on sources for spares.

hi john give Geoff Brown a ring at the the clubs gearbox spares i think he will be able to help you, and i think if you need parts made will know where to go

Thanks guys. Have been looking around the internet and found a booklet that shows information about S-A boxes. Looking at the pictures and reading the text I think the pawl is not engaging earlier enough. As Roger says, I guess I'll have to have a look and see why. Is there a source for spares for these boxes if I need any ?