1954 Ariel VH500 with period sidecar
Here is my 1954 Ariel VH500. I resurrected this from the dead in 2010, knowing little about Ariels (or indeed old british bikes) at the time. I have other old bikes now and I rarely used this, as either a solo or as a sidecar outfit. It literally has not done more than 10 miles this year ... and it is gently mouldering away in my other lockup (which is damp and not that ideal). The frame was powdercoated (although it snapped a bracket post powdercoat - lesson learned there - see photo of oil tank), both bike wheels are stainless rims/spokes, the magneto is a Sean Hawker rebuild, the electrics are 12v and LED all round, it had a new big end and new piston etc at the time with not a lot of miles. It isn't that original, It has a later alloy motor and a new concentric for example. There are odds/sods missing (i.e. badge off rear mudguard, chrome flashes not on tank, the rack while for an Ariel isn't for cravens, some damage to the fins, rust fasteners, custom seat on the right base though) but it is complete, starts easily, runs fine and is charging etc. However, storage in a damp lockup has done it no favours and the paintwork isn't now the finest and some fasteners are rusting. Everything would benefit from a clean. The sidecar is period watsonian and braked. The chair body is rankin (see original advert in pics) and in very good condition and the right chair for the chassis. Big stack of receipts. I would prefer you came to look as pictures don't really convey the full pictur...