Ariel Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Ariel Motorcycles 1903

The Ariel Cycle Co., Ltd.

Motor bicycles will form the chief exhibit of the pioneer manufacturers of all-British motor cycles. Ten motor bicycles will be shown, with a variety of Ariel sidecarriages and forecarriages, prices varying from thirty-five guineas upwards. One of the special features of this exhibit will be the new 3½ h.p. Ariel engine, with the now popular mechanically operated valves. This model has been specially designed for use in conjunction with sidecarriage or forecarriage. The engine is up to the usual well-known Ariel standard, and bristles with good points, a few being: Extra large phosphor bronze bearings; fly-wheels of equal weight; new designed contact breaker with transparent celluloid face; two to one gear, rotated by a worm drive, entirely detachable i without disturbing the crank case. The 3½ h.p. Ariel motor bicycle will be fitted with Ariel duplex front forks, Longuemare spray carburetter, two accumulators with two-way switch, exhaust valve-lifter, and combined cut-out to operate from the handle-bar.

The Ariel 2¼ h.p. model will be on similar lines, but fitted with a surface carburetter, as this type has been found the most suitable for an engine of this power. Ariel-Minerva models are marvellous value, and the 2 h.p. Ariel-Minerva at thirty-five guineas will be very hard to beat; 2¾ and 3½ h.p. Ariel-Minervas will be offered at forty and forty- five guineas respectively, inclusive of Minerva- Longuemare spray carburetter. A very interesting link with the past will be found on. this stand in the shape of an Ariel motor tricycle and quad, in which class of machine the Ariel Company held practically a monopoly a few seasons ago; they are still open to supply in limited quantities. This firm will also show one of their new patent attachments for coupling an ordinary bicycle to a motor bicycle, which has been perfected in every way and fully protected.

Stanley Show 1903

The above is the latest type of motor bicycle introduced by The Ariel Motor Co., Ltd. The whole machine, including the engine of 2¼ h.p., has been designed and manufactured at their factory in Birmingham. The carburetter, of the surface type, is the same design as used with great success on Ariel tricycles and quads, with a running capacity of 110 to 120 miles. The lubricating pump with glass barrel and oil compartment is let into the frame tank, the accumulators being carried in a separate case under frame tank. Ignition is by make and break on the timing shaft, a trembler being fitted on the induction coil. One lever controls the speed; this lever also opens the exhaust valve when placed in a vertical position. A useful refinement is the addition of a prolector over the chain and free-wheel clutch.

The Ariel Motor Co., with their unique experience of motor cycle manufacture, should secure conspicuous success with this machine. We understand Mr. E. Herington will ride an identical mount in the Glasgow-London non-stop run.

~The Motor Cycle