Model A/Model B

Postby **James Hickman** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 12:45 pm

Interesting discoveries about my newly acquired 1929 "Model A". I've just received the dating certificate, with a copy of the entry from the despatch book. It appears that the Model A is actually a Model B and was made for export to Sweden - which presumably explains the speedo calibrated in KMH.
It was also originally fitted with the twist grip throttle, instead of the lever that has since been fitted (and is clearly not original as the throttle and air levers are stamped "exh" and "mag"!). I'm tempted to change it back to a twist grip, if I can find one of suitable vintage. The gearbox must have been replaced with a Sturmey Archer one at some stage, as it should have a Burman (and the number does not match the despatch book). Presumably the front mudguard has also been changed, as I think it should have had a bigger "valance" at the bottom.

I wonder what happened to it - whether it actually got to Sweden. The current registration number is Glasgow pre-1932 by my reckoning

The next question is, is it worth telling the DVLA...?

Postby **will_curry** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 1:07 pm

That registration is an age-related number. Look at the 'Date of first registration'
on the V5.

Postby **JohnnyBeckett** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 3:13 pm

hi James it looks a nice old ariel i would not worry what parts are not right most old motorcycles have got different parts fitted to them, to keep them on the road, if it was me would just get it running and road worthy and go and enjoy it 8-)

Postby **Dave.Barkshire** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 4:14 pm

You could think of it as a B which has been 'upgraded' to an A. The SA box was a slightly sweeter box.

Lever throttle controls make for a more vintage experience for such a relaxed machine too. Maybe try to find the proper long throttle levers if you like levers. The 1929 catalogue states 'AMAL 2 lever control' for models A/B/C and a twistgrip for model D as standard.

Postby **simon.holyfield** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 4:34 pm

Dave.Barkshire wrote:The 1929 catalogue states 'AMAL 2 lever control' for models A/B/C and a twistgrip for model D as standard.

Is that the same for 1930 Dave? Mine has a twist grip.

Postby **James Hickman** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 4:37 pm

simon.holyfield wrote:
Dave.Barkshire wrote:The 1929 catalogue states 'AMAL 2 lever control' for models A/B/C and a twistgrip for model D as standard.

Is that the same for 1930 Dave? Mine has a twist grip.

My understanding is that the twist grip was an option

Postby **James Hickman** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 4:38 pm

JohnnyBeckett wrote:hi James it looks a nice old ariel i would not worry what parts are not right most old motorcycles have got different parts fitted to them, to keep them on the road, if it was me would just get it running and road worthy and go and enjoy it

Thanks Johnny, I'm not worried - I find the history and evolution interesting - just wish I could find out more!

andyhughesflattankarielpre25 · Postby **andyhughesflattankarielpre25** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 6:21 pm

If you want to swap the sturmey for a burman Q let me know.regards Andy.

Postby **nevhunter** » Tue Oct 13, 2020 11:23 pm

Sturmey is the better box of the two. Nev

adrie.degraaff · Postby **adrie.degraaff** » Wed Oct 14, 2020 6:19 am

If those snow tires were on when you bought it, then it is definitely from Sweden

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Model A/Model B

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