Description
1957 Ariel VH 500cc.
Here is a fine example of one of the best of English singles. The engine, designed by the incomparable Valentine Page and manufactured from 1926, remained remarkably unchanged until the end of Ariel four-stroke production in 1958 – a testimony to the “rightness” of the original. The behaviour of the swinging arm duplex frame is as good as anything this side of a Featherbed, so with its enhanced performance, this is a reliable and thoroughly rewarding machine to ride. It is an ideal long-distance tourer, recently back from 1, 000 miles in Spain.
The following items represent some of the work and modifications that have been performed over the ten years I have owned and enjoyed this motorcycle. The current mileage of 51, 800 is thought to be correct but given the many refurbishments made, the figure largely is irrelevant. The bike has its original 1957 registration and matching numbers. The machine is unusual in that it was delivered from the factory in black at a time when maroon/ tan was the standard paint trim.
The Ariel is offered for sale only because at almost 80 years of age and still delighting in riding it, I’m finding the machine a bit of a handful to push around, so feel I should quit while I’m ahead and before I drop something.
Please contact me with any questions.
Swinging arm bushes. Rear springs/ dampers. Headstock taper-roller bearings. Front and rear wheel bearings. 2LS front brake. Front fork stanchions, bushes, seals and springs. Steering lock. Fuel tank ethanol sealed. Large, cleanable fuel filter. Alloy mudguards. Recently fitted flanged “Excel” alloy rims with butted s/ s spokes by Doug Richardson. Avon “Roadriders”. Stainless crash bar.
Valves, seats and guides. Machined alloy pushrod tube inserts with Viton seals. Ported and polished induction tract. Mikuni VM32 Carburettor. Crankshaft bearings. Shock absorber spring and cams. Rebored, fitted with 8, 5:1 “Omega” piston. Timing gears and factory modification of timing chest oil level. Oil pumps. Stainless braided hoses with Norton type spin-on oil filter. HS camshaft and followers. Camshaft bearings. Gold Star exhaust. Quicker-action twist grip. Valve lifter assy. Exhaust rocker box. Additional engine breathing. Alloy sump plate with magnetic plug. All chains and sprockets (rear chain protected by FERC). Clutch cable ratio box. Clutch hub, basket, springs and plates. Gearbox seals, bushes and bearings.
All electrics 12VDC, Neg earth. DVR2 regulator. Mag/ dyno recently overhauled and under 3-year guarantee. Direction indicators. H4 headlight conversion. All bulbs (excepting indicators) are LED. 2 X AGM batteries in series.
Comes with some spares and specialist tools. Original “Craven” rear rack, panniers and top box with keys (not fitted). Four volumes of records/ bills going back to 1991.
