Ariel Owners MotorCycle Club

BUT how do I check the Distributor Timing, to be sure the spark is at 8mm BTDC ? Can`t you put a couple of centre-punch marks on the end of the front crankshaft, one for TDC and one for fully advanced? This can be done by putting a stick or wire down the plug hole. Remove the rocker box lid to make...

So it looks like I have the correct original washers for '39 type girder forks with auxiliary springs but I haven't found any other photos on the internet of bikes with these washers. As expected, these 1/8" washers are also listed in the W/NG Parts Book, but can I find a photo of a W/NG with ...

When I was putting together my Sq4 I discovered that a previous owner had attached the sprocket to the hub with bolts of the wrong thread. I forget if they were metric, UNF, UNC or something else. The threads in the hub were not totally ruined so I installed the correct CEI bolts with Loctite but, b...

How much oil is required? Hello David, Mr.Haycraft says: "All 1952 and later Burman boxes have an oil level plug located also on the kick-starter end casing; to top up the gearbox to the maximum permissible level, it is only necessary to pour in engine oil through the filler-cap orifice until ...

Hi Vincent, Here is a photo of the dashpot on my Sq4. Put "dashpot" in the search box at the top of this page for more info.
Regards, Chris

Why don't you join the club and then volunteer to set up an on-line form for joining?

Nick,
I'm glad you succeeded but your mention of the outer plate popping off makes me wonder if you had all these parts nicely greased before installing them.
Regards, Chris

I've used the string method successfully a few times. I don't remember any need for a rubber band, just a string turned a few times around something convenient above and towards the rear (of the bike), then looped down over the gear change mechanism and then back up and towards the front and tied ar...

This diagram from Bacon's book might help you.

Simon, I think you've done a very good job detailing all the steps of the timing process. The only thing I would add is that there should be some provision made so that your bamboo stick doesn't disappear down the plug hole if the motor is turned too far. Don't ask how I discovered this to be a good...