Ariel Ace
 Ariel Ace with girder fork | |
| Manufacturer | Ariel Motor Co |
|---|---|
| Production | 2014– |
| Predecessor | none |
| Class | Sport bike |
| Engine | 1237 cc, 4-valve liquid-cooled V4 engine |
| Power | 173 hp (129 kW) (claimed)[1] |
| Torque | 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) (claimed)[1] |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft drive, dry clutch |
| Frame type | Aluminum trellis |
| Suspension | Front: telescopic or girder fork Rear: monoshock |
| Brakes | Front: Dual disc, 6-pot Nissin caliper Rear: Single disc |
| Tires | Front: 17 in (430 mm) Rear: 17 in (430 mm) |
| Rake, trail | 21.8°–28.4° (adjustable)[1] |
| Wheelbase | 1541 mm–1563 mm[1] |
| Weight | 230 kg (510 lb)[2] (wet) |
The Ariel Ace is a 2014 sports motorcycle that is manufactured by the British Ariel Motor Company in Crewkerne, Somerset, England. It uses the 1200 cc V4 engine from the Honda VFR1200.
It is the Ariel marque's first new motorcycle in more than 50 years.[3][4]
Design
The V4 engine is suspended from "a huge, bridge-like aluminium frame" that resembles a trellis frame in appearance.[5] Trellis frames are usually fabricated from welded tubes, and are typically used for low production volume bikes such as the Yamaha TRX850 and the Ducati Monster, as well as for the chassis of the Atom sports car.[6][7] The Ace's frame, however, is not made from welded steel tube; rather the frame sides are machined from solid aluminium.[5] This gives the frame's diagonal stiffeners their distinctive triangular vee section, rather than the usual round-section tube.
The Ariel Ace comes with a choice of two alternative front suspensions; either a conventional upside-down telescopic fork, or Ariel's own girder fork. Rear suspension uses a single-sided swingarm. Final drive is shaft drive.
An unusual feature is that the rider's knees do not grip a shaped fuel tank; instead one's knees are alongside the frame, which is rather less comfortable.
Customization
Bikes can be ordered from the factory with various options, and upgraded over time. Options include front and rear suspension, handlebars, bodywork, fuel tank size, exhaust, wheels, seat, footrests, colors and finishes.[8][3]
Performance
The claimed 0-60 mph (0-100 kph) time of 3.4 seconds[9] would place the Ace among the fastest production motorcycles by acceleration.
Reception
Roland Brown, writing in The Daily Telegraph, concludes that the Ace is a "dramatically styled, cleverly engineered and enjoyably powerful V4 roadster that returns the renowned Ariel marque to motorcycling in impressive fashion".[6] Jensen Beeler, writing in Asphalt and Rubber, dubbed it "the most expensive Honda you will ever come across" noting its exclusivity.[5] Loz Blain in Gizmag called it "one of the best looking motorcycles I've ever seen", also noting the £20,000 price puts it out of reach for many riders.[10]
Gizmag and Jalopnik both noted the unique customization options available to create a cruiser, fully faired sportbike, or naked bike around a common frame and powertrain; the latter publication called it an "adult Lego set".[10][8]
A review in Road & Track compared the design to that of the Atom sports car, calling it "purposeful" but "not particularly pretty".[9]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Jesse Kiser (June 30, 2014), "Ariel ACE specs", RideApart
- ^ Farrell, Steve (July 20, 2014), "First ride: Ariel Ace review—Who knew a VFR1200 engine could sound this good?", Visor Down
- ^ a b Jonny Edge (June 25, 2014), "Ariel Ace (2015): new motorbike from makers of Atom", Car
- ^ "Firm to Make First New Bike in 50 Years", Western Gazette, Yeovil, UK, July 3, 2014 – via HighBeam Research
{{citation}}: Unknown parameter|subscription=ignored (|url-access=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Jensen Beeler (June 25, 2014), "Ariel Ace – A Very Expensive Honda from England", Asphalt and Rubber
- ^ a b Roland Brown (4 October 2014). "Ariel Ace review". The Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Steve Cropley (June 25, 2014), "Ariel reveals premium motorcycle: Makers of the super-fast Atom sports car have produced a bike that will cost around £20,000 and features a skeletal frame reminiscent of the Atom", Autocar
- ^ a b Michael Ballaban (June 25, 2014), "The Ariel Ace Is Basically The Adult Lego Set Of Your Motorcycle Dreams", Jalopnik
- ^ a b Kierstein, Alex (July 8, 2014), "Ariel Ace: a user-friendly, highly-customizable 170 hp motorcycle", Road & Track
- ^ a b Loz Blain (June 27, 2014), "Ariel Ace: The massively configurable motorcycle platform", Gizmag
External links
- Official website
- Bike magazine tests the Ariel Ace on YouTube (Bike magazine, August 27, 2014)