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Ariel Motorcycle Production Ends

Ariel motorcycle production has ended. That might be a surprise to those who associate the name with Britain’s glory biking days of the 1930s and the ‘50s, but for the last ten years, Ariel has been building the Ace, a VFR1200-powered super naked bike.

Designed as a two-wheeled equivalent to Ariel’s lightweight Atom sports car, the Ace was a striking design using a trellis aluminium main frame and high tech girder forks. Power came from Honda’s 1237cc V4 from the VFR1200, mated to the optional DCT transmission – with 175bhp, it gave the Ace stunning performance, but the end of VFR production seems likely to have influenced Ariel’s decision to end production. The last customer bike, finished in Gulf colours, was delivered at the end of 2024.

But this won’t be the end of Ariel motorcycles, according to director Simon Saunders. “The history of Ariel is steeped in bicycles and motorcycles, and we’re keen to ensure that this legacy continues to feed our future. We are already looking at the possibilities for a new, different Ariel motorcycle – so watch this space!”

At the BMF, Jim Freeman looked forward to the continuation of this proud part of Britain’s biking heritage. “I have to say the Ace passed me by. Did they sell many? I’m one of the many who remember character bikes like the Square Four and Leader, full of interesting ideas which never quite seemed as coherent as they needed to be. I remember being impressed by the Ariel Arrow and Leader’s mix of 2 stroke go allied to very little in the way of stop. I hope they can find a compatible power unit supplier.”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Ariel Motor Company

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