As a Bsa owner (ariel 3) I figure out of all these forums this must be the place as its such a diminuitive machine compared to
such beasts as the mighty 500 goldstar, I have a stock original bike, and a silly custom that is becoming a nightmare as I try
and fit more and more parts and tech into it !! If you are interested happy to post some pics of all !!
Hi Nick,
Always interested. Post some picks.
Dave.
Here goes, new to all this forum lark...
Blue bike is mine "Henry" stock bike bought from Bristol, came with a laod of spares and part bikes
(https://scontent-man2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/408923800_10232030464326025_8715229991163385737_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=rrWCoXuW_CkQ7kNvgEnFS-n&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.xx&oh=00_AfDm0995knJol1f4Fec2D84-ZQkGPrjO4zbxy3iDpIORpA&oe=66332220)
Some nutter with a 13hp Bsa Ariel 3, known affectionately as "Charley" has hilarious performance, matches the hilarious suspension and hilarious brakes to be fair..
(https://scontent-man2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/424923175_3711977735697615_6996204435517766392_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=HGbCrQLHPTgQ7kNvgFjEjDV&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.xx&oh=00_AfDsaC7QX-I9YLMe9eJ_28-kjDr8SG30z4HRymRnC_8pQA&oe=66333327)
under the skin of "Charley"
(https://scontent-man2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/347234695_815045646904539_6040545301409932323_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=x81sOezf8dkAb7gz0Wl&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.xx&oh=00_AfAg0bONktDX6v8Ib112q8CPf2ZLsrTqzdgzmRmwW9qg4A&oe=663339AB)
Currently pulling this motor to fit an electric start version which is proving tricky as its fat and wide.. but I will manage is as struggling to kick the thing over
I seem to remember that the starting was tested by burly Armoury Road fitters who pronounced it satisfactory - completely forgetting that the target customer group was slightly built young ladies.....
I seem to recall that even back then no-one really knew what it's intended market was, hence the ad slogan "here it is, whatever it is".
Looks like you're having fun!
It good to see people keeping the odd-balls alive. They are all part of BSA history.
Mind you as a recovering Beagle and Dandy restorer I am not sure I carry much credibility ;) ;D
oh having lots of fun, not sure how to post a lnk but heres some onboard footage shot just after fitting the new engine in preperation for my john ogroats to lands end trip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y90rnxT70kc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y90rnxT70kc)
made a few tweaks but it did the run using this configuration, one burnt out clutch, one broken axle, two punctures and one tyre worn out.
I take my hat off to you Nick.
Quite some achievement and I reckon as the bike gets smaller the fun factor increases.
Looking at your video on U Tube it looks like that thing is flying, So what sort of speed were you actually doing? everyonee has always rubished these little bikes but I suppose like eveything else it had it's place, I think they were only made for a runaround in town sort of thing.
TTJohn
have had 62 on the gps, wihch was scary as hell, only held it for a few seconds.. but iwll cruise at 50mph with ease and all day long, will be at the bluebell cider meet at Elsewood with him if any of you guys are attending
That's awesome you've got an Ariel 3! I've always found those smaller bikes to have so much character, even next to the big beasts like the Gold Star. Customizing can definitely be a challenge, especially when you start cramming in all that tech. I've had my fair share of DIY projects that turned into mini nightmares too! I'd love to see some pics of your rides; it's always cool to see how others are making their bikes unique.
not quite sure whre the pictures have vanished to, will ahve to try hosting them somewhere other than facebook or uploading them.. bike is however running well