Ariel Square Four

[Wish]

I've always wanted to own an Ariel Square Four. I'm now in th position to afford one.

Looking around the sale sites, car and classic and the like I'm not finding many up for sale.
Anyone here own one or know of one for sale ?

Love to get some feed back on them. Looking for an early one if possible. Not a MK2

[StuB]

Good luck with the search. Long a cheap thing to acquire. SROB is your man on here. PM him & he will no doubt offer an incredible insight. Good luck & please post some pics.

[srob]

I'm afraid I can't be of too much help really. I know a couple of people who run them and seem to love them but I've never had much to do with them! There was a load sold in the last big Bonhams auction at Stafford, I think.

As for where to get one, as ever the owner's club would be my first port of call. There's bound to be loads of knowledge there and you'll probably find that a bike from a club member will be well sorted and looked after!

[spoodler]

There's a few guys on here with a lot of knowledge, friendly bunch as well... http://forum.arielownersmcc.co.uk/

[Wish]

Many thanks will check them out.

[srob]

I was admiring your post in the classics bit about the Model T Ford you have, you're not tempted to go older bike wise?

[Wish]

I've always wanted a ariel or norton. I would something a little more usable.

I'm old before my time. I've only just turned 40.

I go from one extream to another, I've got a BMW i3 as well and have just sold my 2014 Aprilia Tunono

[Dawg]

Ariel square 4's were prone to the rear pistons seizing due to lack of cooling - they look amazing - particularly the later 1000cc plunger chrome tank models but i'm not sure about reliability. Personally i'd go for a 1956 Norton Dominator 99 - featherbed frame, pear drop silencers, chrome tank. Stunners... after '58 they had alternator electrics and coil ignition - I have a '60 slimline and the only reason i'm keeping it is because it was my late fathers - i'd much rather have a '56/'57 magneto/dynamo wideline model.. this has got the wrong rear mudguard, but you get the idea...

[Wish]

Thanks for the heads up.
Your bike looks amazing.

[Dawg]

Sorry for the confusion - that's not mine..

Mine's a '60 slimline - here it is with my now departed '64 Velocette Venom Clubman (my favourite Brit Iron - I'd thoroughly recommend one. Had two - looking for another when funds allow..)

[gareth_r]

The Healey brothers reckoned that an oil cooler sorted out the Square 4's cooling problems. However, that was the all alloy 4-piper, which already had all the factory upgrades.

On the other hand, I suppose that you probably wouldn't use a 2-pipe or iron engine hard enough to cause problems (even with global warming )

[Dawg]

Fair point Gareth - if it's just for pootling about during the Spring to Autumn seasons then go for it. I love the mid '50's era Squariels....

Edited by Dawg on Wednesday 8th July 17:07

[srob]

My brother rode one of the very first Square Fours last year. It had a four speed hand change gearbox, which he said took a bit of getting used to!