LOT 346

1951 Ariel KH500 Twin Registration no. 211 YUB Frame no. WB627 Engine no. none visible

Sold for £4,025 inc. premium

Lot 346

1951 Ariel KH500 Twin
Registration no. 211 YUB Frame no. WB627 Engine no. none visible

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|27 April 2019, 16:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1951 Ariel KH500 Twin
Registration no. 211 YUB
Frame no. WB627
Engine no. none visible

Produced between 1948 and 1957, the KH500 twin started out as the Red Hunter, becoming the Hunt Master and finally the Fieldmaster. With a top speed of around 90mph, the KH was as fast as a BSA A7 or Triumph Speed Twin and a real eye-catcher with its red-and-chrome petrol tank. A sister model - the slightly less-powerful KG De Luxe - was available in black. The KH's cycle parts had much in common with the singles'; a rigid frame was standard, with Anstey-designed rear suspension optional. The tele-forks were shared with parent company, BSA.

A new model with an all-alloy engine (the KHA) appeared in 1953, by which time the KG had gone. Although the KHA lasted for one year only, the alloy head was fitted to the KH from 1954. That same year the cycle parts came in for major revision, a duplex swinging-arm frame being adopted for the entire Ariel range, Square Four excepted. Two years later the single-sided hubs were superseded by Ariel's handsome full-width alloy ones, and the KH continued in this form until production ceased.

Last taxed to 31st May 2015, this KH500 is a nice example that would respond well to detailing. The machine is offered with an Ariel Owners Club dating certificate, SORNs, engine rebuild paperwork from Reeds Classics, and a V5C.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-662) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyer's Premium for Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-198) will adhere to Bonhams group policy, the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first £2,500 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £2,500 up to and including £300,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £300,000 up to and including £3,000,000 and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £3,000,000. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT. Some lots may be subject to VAT on the hammer price. These lots will be clearly marked with a dagger (†) printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
Storage Notices
Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia Clearance
All purchased lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 7pm Sunday 28 April 2019. All un-collected purchased lots shall then be removed to Bonhams storage facility at: Bonhams Oxford Banbury Road Shipton on Cherwell Kidlington Oxford OX5 1JH Lots will be available for collection from 10am Thursday 2 May by appointment only.
To arrange collection please contact the Motorcycle Department +44 (0) 20 8963 2817 or [email protected] to make an appointment.
All lots will be charged a minimum of £12+VAT uplift and storage at £1+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊ will be charged £30+VAT uplift and storage at £6+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊◊ will be charged £60+VAT uplift and storage at £12+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊◊◊ will require specific shipping and storage arrangements, as they are either extremely large or heavy objects.
Please contact the Motorcycle Department for detailed information in advance of bidding. Failure to contact the department may result in your purchased lot(s) being uplifted to an offsite store at your expense. Shipping Enquiries: For all motorcycle spares & memorabilia shipping enquiries please contact Alban Shipping quoting your client, sale & lot number to discuss your shipping requirements Tel: +44 (0) 1582 493099 email:
[email protected]
Please note Bonhams do not provide shipping neither do Bonhams pack lots. Should you wish to organise collection of your lots via a third party carrier, they must check and pack lots on your behalf upon collection. Shippers or Agents wishing to collect on behalf of the purchaser must provide written instruction from the client before Bonhams will release the lot(s). All purchases are at the buyers risk from the fall of the hammer.
- Motorcycles