Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

Thanks for the encouragement folks! I've got a copy of Dave's book - the third edition and very splendid it is too. I'll have to settle down and have a look through it again to home in on a year, but from past reviews I think I am leaning towards the late 20's - electric lighting is a factor, as is automatic oiling - but then, too much automation and you are getting perilously close to similar technology to my wonderful W/NG, which is an absolute hoot to ride.

I guess I'm hoping a black Ariel will be similar but more so. The search is on. It will take me most of 2019 to get the FH together, and then I will have to decide which one to keep - no more than three,

Happy days.

simon.holyfield wrote:but then, too much automation and you are getting perilously close to similar technology to my wonderful W/NG, which is an absolute hoot to ride.

An OHV Black Ariel will still be hand change, 3 speed Q box, open valves and exposed primary chain....so a veritable dinosaur compared to your modern W/NG.

tony.barnett wrote:Buy a sidevalve Never regretted buying my 1930 Model B - one of the most tractable engines I have ever encountered.

And if you find one, it’s probably better affordable then a ohv model.

My SQ4 is the long distance bike, the W/NG is the country lane, pottering about bike.

I'm guessing an OHV black Ariel might have similar capabilities to a W/NG?

The 1929-on 500 OHV black Ariels are just as fast as a 1950 model 500 OHV. It's just they have hand change and 3 speeds and everything , (chains valves etc) is in the open and needs looking after, especially if you are in dusty conditions where it's useful life will be considerably reduced, if you neglect it. Ride one for smiles more than miles. A bike like a W/NG with an aircleaner that works would be OK for just about anywhere. You only have to care for the rear chain. Change the oil and grease the forks occasionally. Nev

Simes,

My '46 VH is probably similar to your W/NG and I certainly do many more miles on this bike than all my other Ariels combined --- it has become my go-to bike in the winter. My 1930 Model F is as good, performance wise, as the VH and is probably more fun to ride, but being nearly 90 years old (the bike, not me), I treat it with a little more respect and don't thrash it.

Of course, the other great advantage is that it is vintage run (pre-1931) eligible. I live right next to the VMCC Wessex V&V Section and their runs only allow pre-1931 bikes. And having taken part in many Banbury Runs over the years, if you get the chance to take part at least once, do it.

You can tune these OHV engines, but over do it, and this might happen --- my friend's 1929 Model F. To be fair, he bought it with this newly machined conrod and high domed piston already fitted.