Ariel 1920ca 6-7 HP 795 cc 2 cyl sv 3603

Ariel 1920ca 6-7 HP 795 cc side valve V-twin frame # 1536 engine # A.10469

Components Ltd., the Ariel parent company, had been involved in producing motorized vehicles since 1898. For the 1910 season a radical change occurred in the motorcycle range. All previous models were discontinued and were replaced by 3 ½ HP machines that would remain in production for the next 15 years: the T-head White & Poppe engine, in which the inlet and exhaust valves were placed an extraordinarily 4 ½ inches apart. Because of this the new machines soon gained the nickname of “the Ariels with valves a-mile-apart”. The new models proved very popular with motorcycle enthusiasts and in 1911 Components Ltd. bought the patents rights of the engine and started producing the power unit itself, at the same time increasing the bore to enlarge the swept volume from 482 cc to 498 cc. For sidecar work a 2-speed, 7 HP V-twin powered machine was first catalogued in 1913. This engine had a capacity of 1000 cc and was manufactured inhouse. For 1914 this machine was replaced by a model that was powered by a 670 cc Abingdon engine and was fitted with a 3-speed countershaft gearbox with foot-operated clutch, chain-cum-belt transmission and a comfortable sprung saddle post. This new twin was also available in solo form. For the 1919 model year the 670 cc Abingdon engines were discontinued and replaced by 6-7 HP 795cc power units of the same manufacturer, with bore x stroke dimensions of 73 x 95 mm.
These early Ariel v-twins are pretty rare, only a few have survived. This particular machine has been excellently restored and has a high-quality finish with aluminium footboards and primary case, comfortable sprung saddle post, foot-operated clutch and Lucas acetylene lighting system. She comes with current Dutch registration.