Offering a 1934 Ariel 500cc VG model with original girder forks, rigid frame and a twin port short stroke engine, produced during 1933 / 1934 only. Has a V5 and the original brown buff logbook showing original date of registration as 3rd August 1934 (91 years).This model is the start of the next generation Hunters leaving behind the hand gearbox change models.
Owned by me since 1970. Selling due to lack of storage space.
Frame and forks, valanced mudguards and accessories including rear stand, (the rear spring is clear of the silencer) all powder coated. Professionally hand painted number plates. Stainless fasteners in most areas.
Front and rear wheels fully rebuilt with tyres and tubes by Central Wheels and powder coated as complete assemblies by them. Seats professionally refurbished, the front saddle has some marking as shown in the photo.
Engine GA 2122 fully rebuilt with new bearings throughout. Has the original short stroke steel flywheels, the original piston with new rings and has good compression. The oil system has a cartridge filter fitted.
Currently fitted with a CP gearbox, all gears select and kickstart turns over and returns, included in the sale is the original gearbox 1BAPDH 34294, having the external bearing support plate on the drive side as shown confirming it to be an early 1930's example. This has visible alloy welding salvages one to the gearbox selector and one to the clutch cable boss as additional photos. The welding to the inner casing was carried out by the previous owner. Fitted with new bearings and bushes, rotates freely and all gears select as does the kickstart mechanism.The magneto and dynamo both overhauled by Armeto. New braided wiring harness plus DVR2 electronic regulator is fitted 6 volt system. An old flat battery is fitted to complete the circuit, but all lights work.
Fitted with an Amal 376 monobloc carburettor due to issues with the original 276 pre monobloc (1 3/16"). This is included in the sale as shown.
A new replacement chrome petrol tank purchased from India (made to order) and supplied as fully chromed and painted item and fitted without modifications. It has the correct period cross over feed pipe fitted. It comes with the original Ariel "fit Smiths speedo" blank.
The primary case fitted is the later 1930's pre teardrop version as no examples of the original steel versions could be found along with the footbrake mechanism.
I have ridden the bike but some years ago. Although a short stroke engine I found it difficult to notice any discernible differences to the later models.
Looking at the registration document I have noticed a mistake. The DVLA appear to have swopped the engine and frame numbers around as compared to the original buff version, this despite them sending a note to the contrary.
The frame number is barely legible as shown, all I can advise is that the engine, frame and gearbox were purchased at the same time and believe them to be the original items.
I will mention movement of the rubber mounted handlebars. I have tried and used several after market coned rubbers without success. I have incorporated the Ariel modification to prevent downwards movement but some stiff upwards movement still exists. The addition of the same modification would prevent this.
Location of the correct period parts could take the bike to another level. Any questions please ask. Does it run? Yes as today Thursday, it revs freely, ticks over well and mechanically sound but showing a more than healthy 20 psi oil pressure at the gauge, 10 - 15 psi is the recommended value. The original oil pump is clean, balls seated no issues with a strong spirt of oil from both chambers when depressed, the oil return shows a slow dribble of oil at the oil tank. There is heavy smoke coming from the exhaust system and after 10 min's running has not cleared. The oil regulator has not been adjusted at this time but only adjusts the oil pressure gauge. The timing case does not have the ball, spring and plug fitted as later models but the case looks to have enough material in there to upgrade to include these items. The oil filter canister oil flow lines are in the correct positions.Update Friday: now fitted with a new Morgo oil pump. There is no exhaust smoke on initial start up, it runs totally clear for 15 seconds then the smoking starts at the exhaust. The crankcase is receiving too much oil and leaks from the drive side bearing. It is possible the issue is associated to the quill feeding the big end is not deep enough into the crank. If so, the theory is there maybe a 50/50 separation of oil flow 50% to the bearing and 50% directly into the crankcase. The fitting of the later quill, ball and spring could eliminate this possibility. There have been no modifications to the crankcase cross holes. One further possibility is an interruption to the oil return feed, the oil filter canister was bought as a new kit so should be no mysteries there. I cannot rule out the pipe within the oil tank although some oil is being returned.
On the stand, all gears and neutral were selected many times. I have noticed that the outer steel clutch plate is not engaging with the clutch spline now after fitting thicker cork clutch plates. Still contained within the outer clutch housing but rotating slightly eccentric. The new chrome outer cover just touches the clutch outer.For reference a reputable registration dealer has valued the number plate AOF 724 at £1500 for sale on the open market.
Priced to sell. Collection only. 
