Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

Thought I had better say hello as i am new to the forum and will no doubt be pestering you all for advice.
Well here goes. I have just bought my 2nd Ariel after a 38 year gap.
The first I bought (swapped) for the cost of a bottle of whiskey when I was 10.
It was a 1935 350cc in big bits from a local farmer,
After a quick rebuild I found I wasn’t big enough to start it, so it was passed onto my older (bigger) brother.
Well here we are 38 years on with us both racing Bsa B50 mx in classic scrambles i find myself rather larger
Being able to start most big singles.
So I felt it was time to rebuild another Ariel and hopefully one i could keep this time.
After a quick search on Ebay and a long drive down south i have what you probably call a long term project.
This is where I ask for help in identifying the exact model i have bought.
The frame number (BP2959) denotes a 1946 i this correct?
The oil tank fits around both sides of the frame tube leaving no room for a battery box
also there is no dynamo
Have I got a trials version maybe?
Hope this all makes sense
Andy Yorkshire

BP is a 1946, but ask for a dating certificate. Then you might learn a lot about your bike.

Sounds like you have a Norton oil tank fitted, but a picture would be nice ?
vincent

Hi Andy,
first, welcome to the forum. I'm sure you will find lots of help rebuilding your Ariel.
BP frames seem to run over a couple of years - 46 to 48, and 350 through to 600's. I'm not sure where #2959 sits.

To get the machine dated you may need to join the AOMCC. This is a free service for members and you get all of the info that is in the original factory records. Engine / Frame no's. colour / extra's etc. There are heaps of other advantages in being a club member - including club spares (for the oil tank?) and pretty substantial web resources - parts books, brochures manuals and so on. Also a great magazine, insurance deals, rallies and branches. There is a section of the forum that you currently can't see. If you have been away from Ariels for a while, it might be a good investment. http://www.arielownersmcc.com/joining.html
regards, Brenton

Thanks for all the replys
i will get somee photos this weekend time permitting.
Its my last scramble of the year and i have a b50 engine in a thousand bits at the moment.
Already joined the AOMCC Brenton just not got the stuff back yet.
Cheers Andy

Hi Andy, it's great you are a member.
When you do get your stuff you'll find the current user name and password in the front of the magazine.
You'll find relevant parts books, 1946 brochure and manual here. The W/NG workshop manual is also useful.http://www.arielownersmcc.com/members ... /index.htm
You'll find the details for the club registrar here http://www.arielownersmcc.com/members ... ating.html
I hope your scramble goes well. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your bike and the photo's.
regards, Brenton

Hi, the oil tank sounds interesting,if its factory Norton its off an Inter or Manx,Regards John.

As promised a few photos of my new project.
The last photo should be of my CCM back in 1 piece so now i can start on the Ariel

Hello Andy this link will take you to a pic where you can see where the oil tank comes from.

http://www.yesterdays.nl/ariel-1931-vf31-p-1693.html
or just google : Ariel 1931 VF31
Vincent

Oh and I forgot to say : VERY nice project ! you have the makings of a pukka Red Hunter (as far as I can tell)
Lots to do however ! but I am sure you will find a lot of help on this forum, stay tuned !

Vincent