LOT 8

1952 Ariel 499cc KH500 Fieldmaster Registration no. not registered Frame no. SE384 Engine no. TE723

Sold for £4,025 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 8

1952 Ariel 499cc KH500 Fieldmaster
Registration no. not registered Frame no. SE384 Engine no. TE723

The Summer Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show (Three-Day Auction)|2 July 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1952 Ariel 499cc KH500 Fieldmaster
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. SE384
Engine no. TE723

Designed by Val Page, Ariel's KH 500cc twin was produced between 1948 and 1957, starting out as the Red Hunter, becoming the Huntmaster and then the Fieldmaster, these revisions reflecting its change in role from sports roadster to tourer. At the time of its launch Ariel's new twin seemed to have a bright future. 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 fuel tank. A sister model, the slightly less-powerful KG Deluxe, was available in black. Although Page's design was similar in layout to that of Edward Turner's Triumph Speed Twin, using the same 63x80mm bore/stroke dimensions, it differed greatly in detail, particularly in the bottom-end arrangements. Like Triumph, the Ariel employed separate camshafts but with the pushrods at the four 'corners' of the barrel, enabling cooling air to flow unobstructed between the cylinders. A duplex chain drove the camshafts, while the transmission featured Ariel's familiar dry clutch and Burman gearbox. The KH's cycle parts had much in common with the singles': a rigid frame was standard, with Ariel's Anstey-designed rear suspension optional. The design of the tele-forks was shared with parent company, BSA. There are no documents with this Ariel Twin, which appears to be an older restoration.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

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Cycling, Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 201 to 551)
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