Final Ariel Ace signs off in style
'The Last One' brings to an end a decade of Ace production, but Ariel isn't done with bikes yet
It isn’t just Ariel’s cars that have been making good use of Honda engines over recent years - since 2014, the Ace motorbike has been Honda V4-powered, with its dual-clutch gearbox as well. Now, after a decade of production, there won’t be any more Aces coming from Crewkerne, and this is the final example.
Fittingly called ‘The Last One’, this Ace retains the 1,237cc engine, machined billet aluminium frame and Ariel girder forks of every other made since ‘14. Just like those other bikes, too, and pretty much akin to every Ariel ever, The Last One gets a unique spec. Over the years there have been Ace Cafe Racers, Ace Cruisers, the Ace R, the Ace of Diamonds, the Iron Horse and the Black Edition. Maybe production is ending because they’ve run out of names. The Gulf-style livery marks this one out, and the blue really serves to highlight just what a spectacular bit of design the Ace is. Even with much reduced surface area on two wheels, that frame makes it unmistakably Ariel.
As is custom from the Atom and Nomad, the Aces are assembled from start to finish by one Ariel Technician. For The Last One, that responsibility was given to Joe Green, who said it “felt like a big moment”. An end of an Ariel era, no doubt, though they aren’t done with two wheels just yet; not only is there the very smart Dash e-bike, for those that must win the commuter GP every day, but boss Simon Saunders definitely sees a future for two-wheeled products with more than pedal power.
He said: “The history of Ariel is steeped in bicycles and motorcycles, and we’re keen to ensure that this legacy continues to feed our future. We are already looking at the possibilities for a new, different Ariel motorcycle – so, watch this space!” And if you’re thinking of adding an Ace to your pack, the most recent we saw for sale was very nearly £30k. Ariels may be awesome, but they don’t come cheap, regardless of wheel count…
I suspect I’d last 5 minutes!
The big issue is that when I go to any motorcycle place most people are my age (mid 50s) - you don't see many younger motorcyclists coming through - I rather fear that rather than legislators finally noticing motorbikes again and getting us of the road we will simply pop off our perches and it will die out in the UK. I note KTM have hit the buffers. I hope someone will come on and say I'm actually wrong and it is popular, but I fear I may be right.
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