Ariel Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Ariel Arrow

The Arrow was developed from the Ariel Leader with which it shared the 249cc two-stroke engine and monocoque chassis but not the enclosed bodywork, giving it a more desireable image and also a lower retail price. First revealed in 1959 and promoted as a sports version of the Leader, the Arrow was followed in 1963 by the 250cc Golden Arrow.

The Ariel Arrow 200 with basically the same specification other than a smaller bore - down from 54mm to 48.5mm – was available from 1964 to bring it into a lower tax band and benefit from lower UK rider insurance premiums.

After the closure of the Ariel works, BSA produced a 200cc four-stroke Arrow in 1967, albeit briefly.

Credit: en.wikipedia.org