Ariel Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Ariel 1936 Models at the Olympia Show

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Ariel 1935 1000cc Square Four

Exceptional neatness is a feature of the engine unit of the new 1,000 c.c. Square Four. The overhead valves are operated by push rods.

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Ariel 1935 597cc SV Model

This year the side-valve model has been increased in size to 597 c.c.

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Ariel 1935 Clutch Diagram

On all the new models the clutch is outside the oil-bath primary chain case in order to eliminate drag

ARIEL

STAND 80 Crowds Swarm around the New 1,000 c.c. "Four" : Attractive “ Red Hunters ” with Practical Features

Ariel Motors (J. S.), Ltd., Seily Oak, Birmingham.

Model 4G—997 c.c. four-cyl. o.h.v. Ariel; dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear, with foot control; fuel, 3¼ gals.; 26x3.25in. (front) 27x4in. (rear) tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo) £90.

On the big Ariel stand is one of the outstanding machines of the Show, as testified by the endless stream of people anxious to see it. This model, of course, is the 1,000 c.c. four-cylinder.

The engine has its four cylinders set vertically in "square" formation, the front pair driving one crankshaft and the rear pair driving a second shaft geared to the first. These shafts have roller bearings on the driving side, but have plain metalled bearings on the opposite ends. Plain bearings are also arranged in the big-ends of the light-alloy connecting-rods

Push-rod operated overhead valves are actuated by rockers which are completely in an oil-tight rocker box; the camshaft driven by a Weller-tensioned "triangular" chain, lies across the top of the crank case between the two pairs of cylinders.

Very special attention has been given to the lubrication system, which has two pumps, one delivering oil at high pressure to the main and big-end bearings, and the other returning oil from the sump to the external oil tank. Pressure lubrication is also taken to the overhead-rocker shaft.

The machine is an imposing model, but it is not unduly big or heavy. Indeed, the frame is much the same as that of the 600 c.c. model, but it has been modified to allow the fitting of a much larger tyre on the rear wheel than on the front. Other details are those usual to Ariel practice.

Model VH.—497 c.c. single-cyl. o.h.v. Ariel dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear with foot control; fuel, 314 gals.; 26x3in. (front), 26x3.25in. (rear) tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £65 10s.

In the single-cylinder range there are models from 250 c.c. up to 600 c.c. Among clubmen, of course, the “Red Hunter” series have gained an enviable reputation. They have many practical features, notably shock-absorbing handlebar mountings, guards over the bottom run of the rear chain, hinged rear mudguards, pivot-mounted gear boxes with a really sensible means of primary chain adjustment and massive primary chain cases. A sound improvement is the method of mounting the clutch outside the oil-bath part of the chain case, although it is fully enclosed by a separate domed cover.

The “Red Hunters” are available with competition equipment and also with single- port in lieu of two-port heads.

LG.—248 c.c. single-cyl. o.h.v. Ariel; dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear, with foot control; fuel, 2½ gals.; 26x3in. tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £50 10s.

Another range of Ariels, the overhead-valve de luxe models, is also available in 250 c.c., 350 c.c. and 500 c.c. sizes. They are finished in black and chromium, which distinguishes them from the “Red Hunters.” The de luxe models have somewhat similar general specifications, and have two-port engines and foot-change gear-boxes.

VB 597 c.c. single-cyl. side-valve Ariel; dry-sump lubrication; magneto ignition; all-chain drive; oil-bath primary chain case; 4-speed gear with foot control; fuel 3¼ gals.; 26x3.25in. tyres.
Price with electric lighting (solo), £57 10s.

The big side-valve model with its detachable-head, vertical engine follows the same specification and has the same detail finish as the de luxe o.h.v. models. It is an admirable and robust model eminently suitable for utility work, solo or with sidecar.

The 1935 Olympia Show reported in The Motor Cycle, December 5th, 1935.