In This Issue
Editorially Speaking 2
Letters—The Riders Write 6
More Dealers Now Entering Contest 16
District Referees—1956
Wind In The Face—A Gal On The Buddy Seat—
That’s A Sign Of True Love 18
The Ariel Story 20
Rally At Laconia June 15-17 Greater Than Ever! 21
Charity Newsier Celebrate
50th Anniversary With 10-Mile National 23
News Of The Motor Maids 26
Muffler Mike Gets Legislative Assist 28
Piston Poppin’ 30
Richmond, Virginia, Annual Rally and
Races June 2 and 3 32
Views In The News .............................. 34
Sanction Schedule 38
Outstanding Club Of The Month 43
Enduro Riders Advanced To Class A 43
Classified Advertising . 43
Pit Stops—The Dealer’s Guide ................... 44
The ARIEL STORY
HOW MANY modern riders, familiar with the smart, up to
date motorcycles that bear the Ariel name, are aware of
the fact that ■•Ariel" is almost the oldest name in motorcycling—
being antedated by only one or two "brands" that are still being
produced?
This is a fact, however, and although the first Ariel motor-
cycles as such were marketed in 1902, the Company had been
producing motor tricycles—(very similar to the motorcycles of
the period with the addition of an extra rear wheel)—since
1898.
The origin of the name is somewhat clouded, and no positive
evidence exists as to how and why it was used. Its meaning
“spirit of the air” seems fitting enough, however, for such a
zestful vehicle as a motorcycle.
The very first Ariel motorcycles were advanced for the time,
and in 1902 boasted such ’'modern” features as magneto ignition
and float chamber equipped carburetors.
Ariel continued to grow and expand throughout the first decade
of the century, and at the time of World War I was manufactur-
ing a line of single cylinder, three speed models featuring chain-
cum-belt drive. Immediately after the war the line was expanded
with the addition of two sizes of "Big Twins”. During the early
twenties, Ariel machines were always well to the front in motor-
cycle competition, distinguishing themselves in such events as the
Scottish Six Days Trial, the Victory Trial and other top caliber
British events.
In 1925 a great change came over Ariel production. Under a
dynamic new sales manager, Victor Mole, the whole of the then
existing range was taken out of production, and under designer
Valentine Page a new Ariel range was created. It was at that
time that the slogan "The Modern Motorcycle” was coined—a
slogan which has been lived up to ever since.
The 1926 models included a 550cc side valve of advanced
design and a super sports 500cc ohv single that was guaranteed
to do 80 mph—some stepping for a standard road job at that
time.
The succeeding years saw more improvements and innova-
tions. In 1927 the whole appearance of the range was changed
by the addition of the saddle tanks which are so much a part
of every modern motorcycle today. The cradle frame was also
adopted at that time. In 1929 Ariel production reached the all
time high of over 1000 motorcycles per week.
1930 saw the introduction of the now famous "Square Four”.
The first models were overhead camshaft 500cc machines and
tor a number of years the "Four” was produced in this form.
Like most other manufacturers, Ariel had rough sledding in
the depression period of the early 30s, but under a capable and
etermine management pulled through to. even greater triumphs.
name of the company was changed to Ariel Motors Ltd., in
Hunter” mS’i uS0 marked the introduction of the "Red
In 193? the S Wh,ch?ave Pfove
’ Square hour was changed (See ARIEL, page 28)...