Another classic British revived marque, finally gets back to its roots: Ariel Ace

Honda V4 powered, interesting?

http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/mobile_2/ace.html





Something not balanced visually (to me) about the "Bobber" (the one with the girder front), but I find the telescoping fork version appealing.

That unique appearing frame is machined (not cast). Seems like there would be a lot of material wasted (presumably recycled) in the process, give the size of the parts (before welding) ...

Guessing it will price in the Bimota range of "bespoke" ...

On that note, there's also Hesketh's latest, the "24" (Hunt's #):



http://www.heskethmotorcycles.co.uk/hesketh-24/

Like the Ariel , looks really nice , decent block out of the vfr as well , albeit a bit heavy.
Frame looks trick , we use a Canadian firm that makes vacumn castings and cnc,s them to reduce waste.
I expect the price will reflect all the processes required though

Couldn't find the price?
Lottery ticket money

What is the definition of a 'make' of bike? These two make me question the notion of reviving the name and badging what is basically a parts special bike. In both cases, (from what I've read), the only bespoke part of each is the frame. Everything else on both use engines, suspension, wheels, and all other parts that are sourced from other well known sources. So they are not really any different from any number of one-off and specials builds.

Not saying they aren't good bikes or whether they are worth the money or passing judgement in any way, good or bad, (they actually leave me feeling indifferent to be honest).

But I don't see anything that makes me feel that this is an 'Ariel' in any way other than a badge on the tank. And the Hesketh has little heritage to draw on other than it is an overpriced V twin that won't stand up to the cheaper competition. (just like the original).

Very interesting. I am a big fan of the girder fork, the design worked great on mountain bikes. Never caught but superior in many ways. Love the Vfr motor as well.

I would not kick any of those out of the garage, but I wonder about the price. If the Ariel is more than $25k, shouldn't it come with the aprilia v4 instead?

Starting price £20,000

According to fast bike they generate £800 of swarf machining the frame !

You into rapid prototyping nerd?
Company that makes our tools now uses sand printing , you seen it , pretty special process.
Almost as good as the metal sintering...

Both are used for automotive industry prototypes