Ariel hp

[markthatcher]

Hi can any one tell me the HP of a model f 1930

[Ian.Taylor]

I'm guessing it's close to 20-22hp

[nevhunter]

I would guess about 23. They do a genuine 84 MPH when new. 20 Years later they made 25. and weighed more. Nev

[andyhughesflattankarielpre25]

The 1927 model E claimed 22hp,so one would expect a little more by 1930.

[paul.wirdnam]

Does this help? From the 1930 Sales Brochure:

[Leejm]

The sales brochure figures are low if you ask me. There most probably r.a.c hp ratings. And we all know what they were like. The Coventry eagles flying eight so called after its r.c.a rating, yes 8 hp! Even with its large vee twin. this bike was on par with the proformace of the Brough superior. The average hp of a 500 o.h.v is 24 so it's my guess would be that.

[leon.mitchell]

For comparison, the 1930 TT Rudges that finished 1-2 in the Senior TT developed 34 h.p. on the brake in the Rudge race shop!

Re the Flying Eight - this name dates back to the early-mid-1920s when 8 hp was a euphemism for 1000cc (2 1/4 was a 250, 2 3/4 was a 350, 3 1/2 a 500, 6 a 750). In the late 1920s this set of hp ratings was changed to "penny a cc" (3.49hp for a 349cc motor, 5.50hp for a 550cc) and this is called the "ACU Rating" in the 1930 Sales Brochure. BHP is Brake Horse Power and as far as I know it was the power as measured on a brake (dyno). If Ariel claimed 20 BHP, I guess they measured 20 HP? On petrol with mufflers this may have been close to the mark?

Leon

[paul.jameson]

The Management owns a 1927 Standard car, which I had to buy for her (and have to maintain) when she decided that Romania and back on the back of a bike (even if it was a Healey 1000/4) was a bit too much. The HP rating of this fine beast is 14/28 HP. I think the 14 is the RAC rating and the 28 the real one. This may give a guide as to the difference between the two HP ratings.

Incidentally, Madam's car went to Australia as engine and chassis with the body built and added by the Melbourne Body Works, as recorded on plates under each of the 4 doors. It came back to the UK via the Netherlands in the mid 1990s.

[Leejm]

That's interesting Paul, the standard car had the two ratings listed. I have always wondered how the RAC ratings were decided? And why they were so out to the actual horsepower of the engine? This has always puzzled me. If anyone can inligthen I would be interested to know Lee

[markthatcher]

Thanks all great help