Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

As far as I can tell it has it's original engine and gearbox,

The gearbox should be a GB7 with an appropriate date code, probably K54
to K55.

It's still possible the original quadrant and ratchet pinion have been replaced
with the far more common but incorrect parts. It'll be worth checking the next
time you have the gearbox outer cover off.

I've just checked my GB7 gearbox kickstart. If I bring any piston up on compression, then allow the lever to return to the fully up position. Then push it all the way down I get just three pistons up to and over compression. Try yours Ken.

Will do, but not tonight,

Will all depend on in your primary gearing

True Dave. My thinking is; If my very easy to start squariel is 3 compression strokes, and Ken's is 5 or 2, we may be on to something.

Just been out on it, and given it a bit of stick on the dual carriageway, it runs well, it has 3 compression strokes on the kick start, need to rethink the external oil filter, it's a sod to change.
It backfires a bit on the overrun, plug colour looks ok.

Lean at idle or airleak at exhaust to Head join. Nev

ken-drink wrote: Fri Jan 30, 2026 3:28 pm Just been out on it, and given it a bit of stick on the dual carriageway, it runs well, it has 3 compression strokes on the kick start, need to rethink the external oil filter, it's a sod to change.
It backfires a bit on the overrun, plug colour looks ok.

Where's your filter Ken?

It's under the gear box,