Ariel 3 1/2hp
In 1870 James Starley and William Hillman
patented the first wheel to use tensioned wire sprokes.
Much lighter that previous built-up wheels, it was
used a build a patented penny-farthing bicycle that
they called Ariel, after the mythical sprite of the
air, Justly popular, the bicycle company grew until
in 1896, Starley merged his company with another engineering
concern, Westwood Manufacturing, in order to make
bicycle components.
The first motorised Ariel came two years later, in
the form of a quadricycle or quad, effectively a four-wheeled
bicycle using a French De Dion engine driving the
rear axle. This was soon modified into a motor tricycle
based on the De Dion design but with improvements
which carried the engine nearer the centre of the
frame. Carefully designed and constructed the tricycles
sold well.
The first Ariel motorcycles appeared in 1902 and
were ahead of most of the competition using an engine
manufactured by Kerry, with proper carburettors and
magneto ignition, at a time when hit-or-miss hot-fuse
ignition was the norm.
The company was called Components Ltd, run by Charles
Sangster. In 1905, Ariel was chosen by the Auto Cycle
Club (ACC) to represent Britain in the International
Cup Races. Rider J S Campbell won the event at an
average speed of over 40 mph. Other early stunts included
the 'end-to-end' run from John O'Groats to Lands End.
Even so, sales were slow; more a reflection of the
high price of a motorcycle in general - then around
a year's wages for the average worker - than any product
failings. Models with 2 and 3.5hp engines were on
offer at £25 and £50 respectivewly.
In 1910, Ariel launched a new model with a powerful
4hp side-valve engine built by White and Poppe. This
was such a sound design that it was still in service
in 1925.
By the start of World War I, the range included a
500cc side-valve engine and a 6hp V-twin and a lightweight
350cc two-stroke. Despite advanced ideas, the war
put paid to these promising designs. However, a number
of Ariel motorcycles saw armed service and by the
end of the conflict, the company was well-positioned
to take advantage of the post-war boom.
Ariel 3 1/2hp
- Years in production - 1913
- Engine - single-cylinder side-valve four-stroke
- Bore and Stroke - 85 x 88mm
- Capacity - 499cc
- Transmission - direct belt drive
- Top speed - 55mph
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