The History of Ariel Motorcycle

The History of Ariel Motorcycles

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Early Beginnings (1870s - 1900s)

Ariel’s origins date back to 1870 when it was initially established as a bicycle manufacturer by James Starley and William Hillman in Birmingham, England.

The company is credited with creating one of the first all-metal bicycles, which they named "Ariel," a name derived from the character in Shakespeare's The Tempest, symbolizing speed and lightness. Ariel's bicycles became known for their advanced design and high performance.

Transition to Motorcycles (1902)

Ariel entered the burgeoning motorcycle market in 1902 with a small motorized bicycle featuring a 211cc Minerva engine mounted to an Ariel bicycle frame. This marked the company's first foray into motorized vehicles. Early Ariel motorcycles were simple and reliable, gaining a reputation for solid engineering.

The Birth of the Four-Stroke Engine (1910s - 1920s)

In the 1910s, Ariel began developing more advanced motorcycles. Under the management of Charles Sangster, the company shifted to producing its own engines. 

Ariel’s innovation in this period was highlighted by its use of four-stroke engines, which were more powerful and efficient compared to two-stroke engines at the time. Their models, particularly the Ariel 3½ HP, gained popularity, leading Ariel to become one of the prominent names in British motorcycling.

After World War I, Ariel continued to innovate. The introduction of the Ariel Model D, powered by a 500cc side-valve engine, became one of their best-selling motorcycles in the 1920s. 

Ariel motorcycles were known for their durability, which made them popular among motorcyclists in both civilian and military contexts.

Edward Turner and the Ariel Red Hunter (1930s - 1940s)

The 1930s saw Ariel take another leap forward under the direction of Edward Turner, who joined Ariel as Chief Designer. Turner was responsible for designing one of Ariel's most iconic models, the Ariel Red Hunter, introduced in 1932. 

The Red Hunter, available in 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc variants, was a high-performance motorcycle known for its speed, reliability, and sharp design. It became a major success and remained in production for several decades.

During World War II, Ariel produced motorcycles for military use, with models such as the W/NG 350 playing a significant role in the British war effort. 

The W/NG 350 was a tough, durable bike, used extensively by British soldiers in challenging environments.

Post-War Innovation and the Ariel Square Four (1950s)

After the war, Ariel continued to innovate. In the 1950s, the Ariel Square Four became the company's flagship model. 

The Square Four, designed by Edward Turner before his departure to Triumph, was an engineering marvel with its 1,000cc four-cylinder engine. 

This motorcycle was known for its smooth ride and impressive power, and it was ahead of its time in terms of technology. 

The Square Four cemented Ariel’s position as a leading manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles.

Ariel also introduced the Ariel Leader in 1958, a fully enclosed motorcycle designed for comfort and practicality, aimed at commuters rather than sport riders.

The Leader's innovative design, which included integral panniers and a windshield, was ahead of its time but didn’t resonate as strongly with the traditional motorcyclists.

Decline and Closure (1960s - 1970s)

Despite its history of innovation, Ariel faced challenges during the 1960s. The rise of cheaper and more reliable Japanese motorcycles significantly affected Ariel’s market share. 

British motorcycle manufacturers, including Ariel, struggled to compete with the influx of Japanese models that were both affordable and technologically advanced.

In 1963, Ariel stopped producing large motorcycles and shifted focus to small, lightweight models such as the Ariel Arrow, a two-stroke 250cc twin that shared the enclosed design of the Leader. Unfortunately, these models couldn’t save the company, and Ariel ceased motorcycle production entirely in 1967, marking the end of an era for one of Britain’s most storied motorcycle brands.

The Ariel Legacy

Though the company no longer exists, Ariel’s impact on motorcycle history remains significant. Models like the Red Hunter and Square Four are still celebrated by motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors around the world for their design and engineering achievements. The name Ariel lives on in the automotive world through Ariel Motor Company, which produces the Ariel Atom, a high-performance road and track car, continuing the legacy of speed and innovation that began with the Ariel bicycles in the 19th century.

Today, Ariel motorcycles are prized by collectors, and their legacy is one of innovation, engineering excellence, and British craftsmanship.

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