 | |
| Manufacturer | Ariel Motorcycles |
|---|---|
| Production | 1958–65 |
| Successor | Ariel Arrow |
| Engine | 249 cc (15.2 cu in), two-stroke twin, alloy head[1] |
| Bore / stroke | 54 mm × 54 mm (2.1 in × 2.1 in)[1] |
| Top speed | 68 mph (109 km/h)[2] |
| Power | 16 bhp (12 kW) at 6,400 rpm[1] |
| Transmission | Four-speed, unit construction, fully enclosed half-inch pitch chain final drive |
| Suspension | (front) trailing link oil-damped (rear) swinging arm |
| Brakes | 6-inch (150 mm) front and rear drums[1] |
| Tires | Front and rear tyre 3.25 x 16 in |
| Wheelbase | 51 inches (1,300 mm) |
| Seat height | 30 inches (760 mm) |
| Weight | 330 pounds (150 kg)[note 1] (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 2 imperial gallons (9.1 L; 2.4 US gal) |
| Fuel consumption | 80 miles per imperial gallon (3.5 L/100 km; 67 mpg‑US) maximum[citation needed] |
| Turning radius | 8 feet (2.4 m) |
The Ariel Leader was a British motorcycle produced by Ariel Motorcycles between 1958 and 1965. A radical design, the Leader was fully enclosed with an integral windscreen and was the first British motorcycle to have optional[2] flashing indicators.[3] After a few years of success, Ariel could no longer compete against Japanese imports. The last Ariel Leader was made when the factory closed in 1965.[4]
- ^ a b c d Motor Cycle Data Book. London, UK: George Newnes. 1960. p. 58.
- ^ a b "Look at the Leader! Used road-test". Motorcycle Mechanics. August 1966. p. 50.
- ^ Currie, Bob (1993). Classic British Motorcycles. Chancellor Press. ISBN 978-1-85152-250-7.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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