There have been a number of influential British motorbike manufacturers, ranging from Norton to Triumph. Ariel is another British marque that helped to generate a buzz in the motorcycle industry. With important models like the Ariel Four Square and Ariel Red Hunter, the company established an excellent reputation. Motorbike production lasted until 1967 because Ariel wasn’t able to compete with the emerging Japanese market. Regardless, it remains an important British brand and we’re looking into Ariel’s history.
Early days
James Starling and William Hillman established Ariel in 1870 in Birmingham. Originally, the company created bicycles and eventually moved into motorbike production. The first Ariel motorbike, designed in 1902, came with a Kerry engine, innovative magneto ignition and a float carburetor.
In 1932, the company went through a change in ownership and a new factory was set up in Selly Oak. During this time, the Ariel Square Four was produced. Designed by Edward Turner, the Square Four became an influential motorbike that led to the creation of the Ariel Red Hunter. The single-cylinder machine was designed by Val Page and proved to be a major success for the company. It enabled Ariel to purchase Triumph.
During WW2, Ariel focused on producing military machines, such as the W/NG 350 based on the Red Hunter. After the war, the company returned to commercial production, which led to another change in ownership in the 1950s.
BSA take over
In 1951, owner Jack Sangster sold Ariel and Triumph to the Birmingham Small Arms Company. Ariel started creating more powerful motorbikes like the 500 cc KH and 650 cc Huntmaster. The latter had an engine based on the BSA A10 parallel twin, meaning the Huntmaster could reach a top speed of 100 mph.
Ariel’s strategy began to shift when they moved away from four-strokes in favour of two-stroke machines. After carrying out market research the company decided the best option was a 250 cc version, leading to the creation of the Ariel Leader. This model aimed to combine the advantages of a scooter and motorbike together. The Ariel Arrow was produced shortly afterwards.
Ariel had so much faith in the two-strokes they discontinued the production of the Red Hunter and Square Four. Neither the Leader or Arrow could compete with the new wave of Japanese superbikes that were taking over the industry. As a result, Ariel shut down in 1967, though there were attempts to revive the name. This happened in 1999 when the Ariel Motor Company was formed, yet it never quite reached the heights of its predecessor.
