New Owner of a MK1 Four!

[Denisj]

I can't convey my excitement to have such a great motorcycle. The history on my bike is thin, but what my observation tells me is this bike has been on and off the road most of its life and hasn't ever been properly restored....it's perfect.

I'll need to be brought up to speed. I have a zerox copies of the Owners Handbook, the workshop manual and the Solex manual...I read them front to back. Is there a recommend restoration book or other technical reading I can gather?

I believe it's a 1953 Bike. The engine number, TM fits the 1952 list, but the frame is ES. I do understand it's a MK1 engine.

It fired right away after sitting for a few decades.
I'm eager to ride it, but specializing in British motorcycles for some time now I'll be making sure the crankshafts are clean.
I have every intention of exercising this bike regularly here in Northern California. I hope to see some of you out there!
Woo Hoo!!

[Chris Sealy]

Congratulations Denis. I also own a '52 Mk1. It's a fun bike to ride; and when not being ridden, it's a hobby.
There's nearly always something that needs doing. If not greasing the rear suspension, there is a new tapping noise to investigate.
You are already ahead of the game; by knowing that the crankshafts must be cleaned out. Some members have had to have, their crankcases welded back together because they didn't know this, or ignored warnings from others. There are many knowledgeable fellow owners on this website. Please drop in from time to time with an update. Cheers, Chris.

[Roger Gwynn]

This bike was last noted on the club's register in 1973 when the owner was a JA Handy of Worcester, UK. If the numbers are TM 1278 and ES 105 they are correct and original to the bike and despite appearances it is a rare 1953 MKI, only 49 were built 3 rigid and 46 plunger. There are 4 others on the register still in their original frames and a further 3 engines in other frames, in addition there are 3 frames with incorrect engines.
MON registration is from Birmingham and was issued in September or October of 1952, which fits with being supplied to a Birmingham dealer in late September 1952.
If you have any more history I would like to be able to add it to the register.

[Denisj]

This bike was last noted on the club's register in 1973 when the owner was a JA Handy of Worcester, UK. If the numbers are TM 1278 and ES 105 they are correct and original to the bike and despite appearances it is a rare 1953 MKI, only 49 were built 3 rigid and 46 plunger. There are 4 others on the register still in their original frames and a further 3 engines in other frames, in addition there are 3 frames with incorrect engines.
MON registration is from Birmingham and was issued in September or October of 1952, which fits with being supplied to a Birmingham dealer in late September 1952.
If you have any more history I would like to be able to add it to the register.

This is very fruitful. I have very little as this is from an estate of a deceased.
I will make a few calls. I believe I can track the history from a friend.
I do know it was in an antiques shop where it was found for sale. The previous owner was a collector and kept all his bikes in good original shape.

[JohnnyBeckett]

hi, Dennis and welcome to the forum a nice Ariel and enjoy it

[Denisj]

hi, Dennis and welcome to the forum a nice Ariel and enjoy it

Thanks Johnny!
The wheels have been spinning in my head all week. I've been away on "vacation" with my head fully immersed in Ariel. Heading back today to dig in

[nevhunter]

Don't run it further till the Crankshaft galleries have been cleaned properly. Best looking model IMHO . Nev

[Denisj]

This bike was last noted on the club's register in 1973 when the owner was a JA Handy of Worcester, UK. If the numbers are TM 1278 and ES 105 they are correct and original to the bike and despite appearances it is a rare 1953 MKI, only 49 were built 3 rigid and 46 plunger. There are 4 others on the register still in their original frames and a further 3 engines in other frames, in addition there are 3 frames with incorrect engines.
MON registration is from Birmingham and was issued in September or October of 1952, which fits with being supplied to a Birmingham dealer in late September 1952.
If you have any more history I would like to be able to add it to the register.

OK
I spoke to a friend that knew Don the previous owner. He said that the motorcycle was purchased by Don in 2005 from a person that owned a nursery in Placerville, California.
That is where the trail leads to. Prior to 2005 I have no details. I will be calling all nursery's in Placerville to see if there may be any leads.

[paul.jameson]

Welcome to the Forum.
Question 1. Is there a proper remote filter fitted in the return oil line to the tank? If the answer is Yes, that is encouraging, if the answer is No, that is worrying.
Question 2. If you take the timing cover off, are the engine internals covered in a black oily deposit? If the answer is Yes, that is worrying, if the answer is No, that is encouraging.

If there is no filter and there are black deposits in the engine you will be spending quite a sum of money on refurbishment.

[Denisj]

Welcome to the Forum.
Question 1. Is there a proper remote filter fitted in the return oil line to the tank? If the answer is Yes, that is encouraging, if the answer is No, that is worrying.
Question 2. If you take the timing cover off, are the engine internals covered in a black oily deposit? If the answer is Yes, that is worrying, if the answer is No, that is encouraging.

If there is no filter and there are black deposits in the engine you will be spending quite a sum of money on refurbishment.

Hi Paul
I appreciate your concern. To answer your questions, No and yes which is almost every single engine I see here in my shop for rebuild.
I'll be doing this myself. I'm very eager to get started and I might be lucky enough to have the skill set after countless Brit engine rebuilds.
My goal here is to preserve the original condition of this motorcycle and make it a reliable runner.