Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

Does anybody know where I could buy a kickstart spring for a Sturmey Archer 3 speed box on a VB31, I have managed to break mine?

hi John , have you tried Geoff Brown at the clubs gearbox and clutch spares

Hi Johnny, have sent him an email.

Hi John,

Am I right in thinking that you are in the Panther Owners' Club ?? My '31 M50 has a Sturmey Archer gearbox so maybe the POC spares may be able to help.

Also, as a last resort, I have been to 'British Only Austria' for Sturmey Archer parts.

I'm afraid I'll miss the Shepton Show again this year, if you're going have a good day out !

Bob.

Hi Bob,
Geoff came back and said he had no Sturmey Archer spares but I think I have found one on www.racingnorton.co.uk web site, it looks and measures the same so I'm hoping it will fit.
I will be at the Shepton Show again this year, shame we can't meet up for a chat, maybe next year.
John

Hello John, I was concerned about the availability of gearbox parts but Geoff told me that the Sturmey Archer box was used on several other makes. I'm not far away, near Frampton on Severn and have a VB31, all original and frequently used if you're up this way and want to compare notes. I also have a Dowty/rigid M100 and aspire to finding it a girder forked companion.
Phil.

Hi Phil, Here is a picture of my VB31, original numbers as it left the factory and with an interesting history. Was left by its owner in 1939 with a farmer friend as he went to war but he was killed in June 1943, along with the rest of the crew of a Halifax bomber returning from a raid on Dusseldorf as it was shot down over the Netherlands. I even know the name of the Luftwaffe pilot who shot it down. I also have a 1937 M100 rigid/girder that I also know the history off since the 1940's as it spent its life in Bristol. It will be at the Bristol classic bike show in a couple of weeks time. Maybe see you there?

That's lovely, and very similar to my 1930 Model A. Do you like it? Does it go well?

Hi Simes,
I love it but have only had it a few weeks and have been trying to sort out a few issues, like broken kickstart spring and kickstart not engaging until past half way down so only had a short ride. I have sorted out the engaging problem, cotter pin was badly worn but the spring I ordered from racingnorton.com that arrived today does not fit. I am now going to try the Panther OC one they have in stock for early 30's Panthers, fingers crossed.

Could you please do me a favour and post a picture of your kickstart area? The kickstart shaft on mine is ridiculously long and can't be right.