I wonder can anybody ID the motorbike in this picture.

[nickjaxe]

Hi all...the attached picture is on my late Father In Law on his beloved motor Cycle approx date is 1950.

My wife and I would love to know what make and model of motor bike it is...I wonder if anybody can ID it for us.

I think it may have been taken at New Brighton on the Wirral Merseyside UK.

Ken was a despatch rider during WW2 serving in France.

Nick.

[mark2]

Ariel , but which model ?

[mini-me]

If I read it right, PTF reg was issued Lancashire 1953  -1960.
So that would confirm your Wirral connection.

Its  either a 350 or 500 single, for some reason I rule out a sidevalve; possibly because if he was an ex despatch rider he could well have ridden a WD Ariel and would naturally gone for an ohv job.

[john.k]

Later rigid or plunger NH or VH,the sv VB would show a lighter area under the tank for the alloy head.The pressed tin detail behind the tank badge came in, in 1953,I think.Check the bike pictures at the  AOMCC forum for a slightly less blurry view.Regards John.

[nickjaxe]

Hi John...have a look at the picture in this link from the web site you mentioned and see if you think it could be that one...its a 54 VH.

http://forum.arielownersmcc.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=1944

Nick.

[mini-me]

As has been said, the bike is either a rigid or plunger frame.


like this http://www.arielklubben.dk/images/Kataloger/1953/1953_NH.jpg

the one in your link has swinging arm suspension and has a totally different styling.

[nickjaxe]

Sorry I know next to nothing about technical terms that bikes have having only got my first ever motor cycle a few months ago A BSA Bantam...I have lots to learn.

So it was prob like to one in your picture I take it MM.

[mini-me]

very similar indeed.
just the engine size is unknowable, but you'd never know by looking till you had learnt.

I suggest this summer you get round to as many vintage/steam events and the like where lots of bikes of all kinds will be on show.
No one minds you asking questions, even basic ones.

Just stay clear of.... 'whats it worff mate', or 'how fast does it go then.....'

[nickjaxe]

Ok thanks for your help guys...my wife loved looking at the Ariel Pictures...lovely machines...just nice for her to know what her dad rode all those years ago.....he obviously had good taste....wish I had had the opportunity to chat with him about it now I have an interest in bikes.

Nick.