LOT 441
1960 Ariel 247cc Arrow Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. none visible Engine no. GB55 H60 P211 D
Sold for £9,430 inc. premium
Lot 441
1960 Ariel 247cc Arrow Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. not registered Frame no. none visible Engine no. GB55 H60 P211 D
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1960 Ariel 247cc Arrow Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. GB55 H60 P211 D
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. GB55 H60 P211 D
• Fully developed over four years
• Built by Roy Boughey
• Won the 250cc event at the Pre-TT Classic Road Races 2006
• 50bhp maximum power output
The Ariel Leader, and its sports derivative, the Arrow, sought to combine the virtues of speed and agility with those of cleanliness and convenience. Launched in 1958 and powered by an all-new 247cc air-cooled two-stroke twin with unit gearbox, the Leader also broke with British tradition in its frame and suspension design, employing a stiff, fabricated-steel beam instead of tubes, and a trailing-link front fork. Detachable panels enclosing the engine and most of the rear wheel extended forwards to meet leg shields and screen, and the rear chain was fully enclosed. Announced late in 1959, the Arrow dispensed with the Leader's enclosure panels and weather protection while remaining mechanically virtually identical. A highly promising design capable of further development, the Leader/Arrow deserved better than to be prematurely axed by BSA in 1965, thus allowing the Japanese to exploit the growing market for 250 two-stroke twins without serious competition.
The Arrow might seem an unlikely racer, but in 1960 an example tuned by two-stroke genius Herman Meier and ridden by Mike O'Rourke famously finished 7th in the Isle of Man 250 Lightweight TT, ahead of many works machines including Luigi Taveri's MV Agusta. It was a quite extraordinary achievement for a roadster-based machine.
Since the advent of classic racing, competitors seeking to put a cat among the 250-class pigeons have often turned to the Arrow. This example was commissioned by Phil Morris (whose first bike was a Leader) and built with his financial support by Roy Boughey. Ridden by Paul Coward, it won the 250cc event at the Pre-TT Classic Road Races on 29th May 2006 having led from the start, breaking the Japanese domination of the class (results sheets on file).
This outstanding result was only achieved after a four-year programme of intensive development; in the engine's case, its maximum power was raised from the standard model's 16bhp to a dynamometer verified 50.73 horsepower (printout on file). Other notable features include twin Gardner carburettors (machined by Roy); a Nova six-speed gearbox; dry clutch; Grimeca 4LS front brake: Maxton suspension; expansion chamber exhausts; and an aluminium fuel tank. To assist the fortunate next owner, the machine comes with a substantial file of marque-related historical and technical paperwork.
One of Phil's favourite bikes out of the many he has owned, this fully developed and potentially highly competitive racing Arrow wants only for a talented rider to resume its winning ways.
• Built by Roy Boughey
• Won the 250cc event at the Pre-TT Classic Road Races 2006
• 50bhp maximum power output
The Ariel Leader, and its sports derivative, the Arrow, sought to combine the virtues of speed and agility with those of cleanliness and convenience. Launched in 1958 and powered by an all-new 247cc air-cooled two-stroke twin with unit gearbox, the Leader also broke with British tradition in its frame and suspension design, employing a stiff, fabricated-steel beam instead of tubes, and a trailing-link front fork. Detachable panels enclosing the engine and most of the rear wheel extended forwards to meet leg shields and screen, and the rear chain was fully enclosed. Announced late in 1959, the Arrow dispensed with the Leader's enclosure panels and weather protection while remaining mechanically virtually identical. A highly promising design capable of further development, the Leader/Arrow deserved better than to be prematurely axed by BSA in 1965, thus allowing the Japanese to exploit the growing market for 250 two-stroke twins without serious competition.
The Arrow might seem an unlikely racer, but in 1960 an example tuned by two-stroke genius Herman Meier and ridden by Mike O'Rourke famously finished 7th in the Isle of Man 250 Lightweight TT, ahead of many works machines including Luigi Taveri's MV Agusta. It was a quite extraordinary achievement for a roadster-based machine.
Since the advent of classic racing, competitors seeking to put a cat among the 250-class pigeons have often turned to the Arrow. This example was commissioned by Phil Morris (whose first bike was a Leader) and built with his financial support by Roy Boughey. Ridden by Paul Coward, it won the 250cc event at the Pre-TT Classic Road Races on 29th May 2006 having led from the start, breaking the Japanese domination of the class (results sheets on file).
This outstanding result was only achieved after a four-year programme of intensive development; in the engine's case, its maximum power was raised from the standard model's 16bhp to a dynamometer verified 50.73 horsepower (printout on file). Other notable features include twin Gardner carburettors (machined by Roy); a Nova six-speed gearbox; dry clutch; Grimeca 4LS front brake: Maxton suspension; expansion chamber exhausts; and an aluminium fuel tank. To assist the fortunate next owner, the machine comes with a substantial file of marque-related historical and technical paperwork.
One of Phil's favourite bikes out of the many he has owned, this fully developed and potentially highly competitive racing Arrow wants only for a talented rider to resume its winning ways.
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
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 9 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 10 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1980 Ducati 900 MHR
£7,000 - £9,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1914 Sunbeam 3½hp
£8,000 - £12,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1975 Ducati 750 GT
£8,000 - £10,000
