Ariel.
Components, Ltd,, Birmingham, have decided to list next year seven Ariel models. These will comprise 3½ h.p.. touring, 3½ h.p. roadsters, and 2½ h.p. lightweights. The Ariel engine-shaft, variable gear, and free engine will be fitted to the touring patterns; the same machine will be sold with an adjustable pulley, and, if required, a similar model will be offered with a three-speed hub gear. The T.T. roadster models will be fitted with an adjustable pulley and no pedals, also a similar machine with Ariel patent variable gear and free engine pulley minus pedals. The two last-named will have dropped frames, and will follow the lines of the T.T. Ariel, which was the second fastest make of single-cylinder machine in the 1910 and 1911 T.T. races. The lightweight models are entirely new, the machine will be fitted with an adjustable pulley and the other with the Ariel variable gear and free engine.
Among the improvements for 1912 on the 3½ h.p., models may be mentioned a new front wheel stand, new type rear stand and carrier, and improved rear brake. The half compression device for easy starting has also been redesigned, and will be found even better than before. Quite a novelty on the roadster Ariel machines will be a detachable tank and middle tube, enabling the tank to be bodily removed in a few moments, considerably facilitating the valve grinding, and naturally without any obstruction the usual engine adjustments can be made with far greater ease. It also enables the cylinder to be lifted off quite easily without any risk of injury to the thin edge of the piston, which requires somewhat careful handling.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 16th, 1911. Page 1216
ARIEL, No. 124.
Components, Ltd. (Ariel Dept.), Bournbrook, Birmingham. – The improvement in this year's 3½ h.p. model relate only to details. Amongst the most notable of these is the re-arrangement of the half compression device, which is now operated by a rocking pedal on the right footboard, instead of, as previously, by the valve lifter lever. The internal design of the decompressor has been considerably modified, and now consists of two cams, which are brought into action by interconnected tappet rockers. The action is entirely positive. There is nothing to go wrong, and any number of intermediate positions can be obtained between full compression and the limit of low compression at which the engine will fire. A front wheel stand is fitted pivoted to special lugs on the forks. The standard carrier has been simplified and improved, and is now provided with a clip which allows the ready detachment of the rear mudguard. The 3½ h.p. model is also supplied with a three-speed Armstrong hub gear. These machines can be fitted to order with a detachable tank and middle rail, the tank being supported by a long bracket plate running from end to end of the tube.
This neat little machine is practically a reduced facsimile of the 3½ h.p., and is very neatly designed indeed. It has Druid spring forks, chain-driven Bosch magneto which is in front of the engine, large side extensions to the front mudguard, and pannier toolbags. This model is also shown with a fixed gear.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd,, 1911. Page 1277
