1958 Ariel Leader walk around
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- A walk around video of my very early 1958 Ariel Leader motorcycle. This example is one of the earliest known Leader's surviving. The Leader was a completely novel development in motorcycle engineering, being designed from the ground up after two years of market research. It features an integral steel box frame around which the body and wheels are attached. The 250cc two stroke twin was copied from an Adler motorcycle and is extremely reliable. This is a great motorcycle and extremely pleasant to ride.
I always felt very envious of those who could afford an Ariel Leader. I was always attracted to the ‘different’ design from other machines of the day. Still looks good.
I owned a 1960 Leader when first married. It took my wife and I everywhere. Panniers very useful, comfortable. We had professional jobs so used office clothing plus waterproof tops. Nippy, easy start, economical. Never let us down. Bought a 1958 one here in Australia several years ago. Still the same but had rust in the fuel storage area. Fixed that and bike sold to a Brisbane buyer. Like all bikes of that era they needed checking and fettling, and not to be thrashed. Even today they look modern.they were designed for a market that could use scooter comfort but with motorcycle presence.
I had one from about 1968 in blue and white in very good condition,we use go from High Wycombe down to Devon on holiday and the old girl never let me down and in the winter keep me dry well most of the time and she loved when it was misty
From a kid I always thought these looked fantastic.😊
I had a Leader back in the. 60’s. A good bike: good power, decent handling, great comfort and weather protection. But it did make astonishing amounts of smoke when opened up after slow running, and it had a tendency to seize when going fast with a strong tailwind!
hi Paul ;
i have T270/A and it is still original and on the road , my grandfather bought it new in aug/sept 58 and it has been handed down .
also have a cafe racer one as well along with a 54 NH .
nice to see your bike and to watch the interesting video of it .
cheers , ian
Wow, congrats. Last time I checked there were maybe four earlier examples out there. Can make that five now!
Are you aware Paul, that Ariel are back in production here in the UK?
They are making the phenomenally fast Ariel Atom, which is basically a street legal racing car originally fitted with the groundbreaking Rover K series engine.
They are also making motorcycles too, the Aerial Ace which like the Atom is full of modern technology and innovation, all in keeping with Ariels original ethos displayed here in your 1960s Leader.
Hello Paul, I found your vid most interesting. A mate in the early 60’s had the Golden Arrow Super Sport version. I can remember the engine sound now!! It left a blue smoke haze behind it , everywhere it went. I also remember, it could occasionally be an absolute pig to start, eventually traced to failed crankcase seals. I also seem to recall, Aerial made a 200cc Arrow version towards the end of its life. Roy W Nantwich UK
Yes, the Leader leaves a blue trail in her wake. It's starting procedure is also rather specific and if you get it wrong or it doesn't start within five or six kicks, you're going to have a problem. But it usually starts first or second kick 99% of the time. It's very sensitive to choke and flooding. Otherwise very reliable.
And yes there was also a 200cc Arrow for a time. The Golden Arrow was the most desirable of the range.
Us 'proper' motorcyclists back in the early 60s regarded the Leader as a Cissy's bike.
I guess youd call it an Hair Dressers bike now..
Great upload, very informative .
i bet it's hard to find original windshield....
hi paul I can put you onto a load of motorcycle magazines from the time in pdf ,have you ever seen the 4 cylinder leader
That and the Arrow I had one it’s worse bike I have had the misfortune to work on. Dummy tank try getting that coils plug leads tank wheels rectifier etc 😱the only good thing is the engine as you said German design. Good news is I have sold mine 😁😄no wonder they only sold 38000 ish. 🇬🇧
If I remember correctly it had a 2 stroke engine which used much less oil in the petrol. IF?
Thank you for showing it.
You are correct. A 250cc twin two stroke
Had the Golden Arrow sport and a Leader. The most unreliable bikes I have ever owned, Sorry to say. Good handling though. As for the smoke it was funny at times especially if it was flat out. A beginners joy in 60s Britain.
1959 Was the introduction of the Mini. Due to tax laws a minivan was as cheap as a big bike!