1953? Ariel Red Hunter - Seat

[Philip.Stott]

Hi everyone - my first post on this forum so please be gentle!

My dad has told me that he's now too old to ride his Ariel Red Hunter so he's passing it on to me (but not exactly sure when yet). Needless to say, I've been doing some looking into the bike, but have two questions that I hope you may be able to assist with.

1. Is this a genuine Ariel seat? All the photos of similar ones that I've seen have two seats, and the frame underneath looks different - most don't have the "bend" in them.

2. Is there anything else non-original that you can see, in case I wish to restore it to the factory condition?

Thanking you all in advance.

[Roger Gwynn]

The first step is to ascertain the year of the frame and engine so that you will know what it should look like. Supply engine and frame numbers and we will be able to pin its identification down. The dual seat, similar to the one fitted arrived for the 1953 season on the plunger models, it should not have a bend in it, which indicates that it is probably a cheap pattern one without stiffening ribs in the pan. the rest looks pretty correct but the colour of the tank is wrong and should have a gold lining. The battery strap looks like a BSA one and Ariel never used wooden batteries! the left rear mudguard 'L stay is a later SQ4 type from when a 2nd toolbox was fitted to the left side. What is what looks like a big black hose at the front of the seat. Reg KWV is a Wiltshire number issued April to May 1954.
Oh and welcome to the world of Ariels.

[Mick D]

Hi and welcome

I think the pliers are a later vintage as evidenced by the plastic covered handles.

OK I'll get my coat

Nice bike

Regards Mick

[simon.holyfield]

Welcome aboard Philip. You'll find all the help you would ever need here.

Whereabouts are you?

[Philip.Stott]

The first step is to ascertain the year of the frame and engine so that you will know what it should look like. Supply engine and frame numbers and we will be able to pin its identification down. The dual seat, similar to the one fitted arrived for the 1953 season on the plunger models, it should not have a bend in it, which indicates that it is probably a cheap pattern one without stiffening ribs in the pan. the rest looks pretty correct but the colour of the tank is wrong and should have a gold lining. The battery strap looks like a BSA one and Ariel never used wooden batteries! the left rear mudguard 'L stay is a later SQ4 type from when a 2nd toolbox was fitted to the left side. What is what looks like a big black hose at the front of the seat. Reg KWV is a Wiltshire number issued April to May 1954.
Oh and welcome to the world of Ariels.

Thanks Roger - that's a lot to go on! I can believe it all as my dad is a bit of a 'bodger'. Shame about the tank colour - I really like the maroon/deep red.

I'll try and get the frame/engine numbers from Dad.

Welcome aboard Philip. You'll find all the help you would ever need here.

Whereabouts are you?

Well, I'm in Essex, that photo was taken in Buckinghamshire...and the bike is currently in Cumbria!

[dave.owen]

Whe you do set about sorting it , best you look at the rear brake arm , looks like it's pointing down. This was a mistake by ariel which makes the brake self servo and locking up. Move the arm to point up, you will need to change the spring on the arm when you do this.

Dave

[chris.shearwood]

Hello Philip,
Welcome to the Forum. Originally the wheel rim centres would have been painted to match the tank.
Regards, Chris