Ariel Red hunter

[Grandadsariel]

Hi Gents

After 2 years search i finally found the Ariel i wanted,I am led to believe it is 1946 model last of the girder forks.I am after any information on the bike and to see if it looks all original.

Edited for numbers
Engine number BK2297
Frame number AP3165

Thanks for your time

Mark

[33d6]

Hi Mark,
Pictures are pretty but correct info relies on the frame number and engine number. For anyone to be sure they are giving you correct info you need to provide them also.
There is a good Australian Ariel Club and spares are plentiful from Draganfly Motorcycles, not that your bike looks as if it needs much doing to it. There are plenty of organisations such as the VMCC and BMS who can provide all the literature such as a riders handbook, spare parts lists, 1946 catalogue, etc, etc.
Its a pretty bike and you've got it just in time to enjoy a summers riding. Happy riding.
Cheers

[33d6]

I must be going blind. I completely overlooked the numbers you gave in your request.
Your numbers are not quite right but I suspect the problem lies in you misreading the number or poor stamping or somesuch.
The frame number prefix for 1946 is BK as yours is but the 1946 engine number prefix is AP, not A3 as you have put down. As above I suspect this is just a minor hiccup and not a problem.
Having toured many, many miles on a 1940 VB outfit plus owning a slightly later telefork version of your 350 I admit to liking Ariels very much. I think they are a very underrated bike.
Cheers, 

[Grandadsariel]

Thanks 33d6

No you are not going blind as i snuck the numbers in after your first reply,you were right about the p as i misted it when i wrote the post,I am slowly but shorley working out how touchy this old bike is in repect to starting.It can be frustrating if you do not find the right spot for the kick lever and the decompretion lever,then the advance/retard lever position when running.

Is there anywhere you can find the history of this bike from leaving the factory.

Thanks for all your help

Mark from Perth

[33d6]

Hi again Mark,
Well, I'm glad I'm not going blind. I was getting a bit twitchy there for a moment.
Don't worry about the starting drill for your bike. It isn't sensitive, you just haven't practiced enough.
The regular starting drill for all British singles is the same no matter what the make or capacity. It is as follows,
1    Using the kick start, quietly bring the engine up to compression then ease it just past compression using the decompressor lever to make it easy.
2    Slightly retard the ignition if the engine is cold, leave alone if starting from hot.

3    If from cold, lightly 'tickle' the carb slightly flooding it. If hot this shouldn't be necessary.

4   Holding the throttle open a fraction, deliver a long swinging kick to the kickstart so the engine is spun over several times.

5   Smile as you listen to the 'bonk' bonk' bonk' of the engine telling you it knows who is in control.

A lot of the art lies in the long swinging kick. This is difficult to describe as it consists of putting your whole weight with a bent knee on the kickstart, straightening out the knee on the follow through. Do it with vigour. Give it a try. Do not jab the kickstart, you'll get nowhere.

Finally, I've no idea where you can get the history of your bike, this has never been of interest to me.
Cheers,

[Grandadsariel]

Hi 33d6

I tell you what i tryed that starting procedure(first kick cold) and bonk bonk bonk, yes there was a big smile on my face so thank you.

This is my a picture of my vintage car ,i will stop now i have one of each

Cheers Mark