This interesting publication from Ariel is part sales catalogue and part owners manual, should a new purchaser wish to understand the easiness of how to look after and maintain their new motorcycle. It is the sort of useful handbook that could be rolled up and tucked away inside the riders jacket to be ready at hand when required. So to have survived 114 years I think that it has done quite well.
Ariel introduced their first motorcycle to the public in 1902, and by 1911 were offering 3 varying models powered by their 3 1/2hp engine. Successes in competition included Gold Medals and First Awards from 1903 to 1910, with the most successful being second fastest make for a single cylinder machine in the 1910 I.O.M TT. Even New Zealand gets a mention with a Gold Medal for the Dunedin Reliability Trial in 1910.
Models on offer were – the 3 1/2hp Variable Gear and Free Engine, the 3 1/2hp with Adjustable Pulley (both these models are fitted with very high mounted footboards), and the 3 1/2hp with Adjustable Pulley and Pedalling Gear (has no footboards). There is also a very impressive open wicker sidecar.
Adjustment of valve timing, Ariels Patented variable gear and free engine pulley, oil pump and lubrication, and magneto are covered off quite well. I particularly like the Free Engine lever on page 19.
As usual with most companies of the time there are also photographs and testimonials from owners, some in full riding action, supporting their satisfaction in having purchased an Ariel motorcycle. The most interesting would be Mr S.C. Perryman who no doubt wanted to be noticed and so gave his machine a name, thus painted on the side of his petrol tank was Silver Streak. I wonder if it reigned terror amongst his competitors.
Click on the front cover below to see the complete 33 page catalogue.
It is a 4.3M PDF.
An advertisement for the Ariel 3 1/2hp from March 14th 1912 The Motor Cycle fitted with the adjustable pulley.
