MK 2 Ariel Leader

[steve.clarke]

Hello Roger
That's an interesting project, what sort of weight is that fairing? I ask as It looks similar to one I was given from an old british combo problem was it was a solid job as the saying used to go, but far to heavy and any faired bike gain was lost in the weight, and I could feel the loss in engine power and made the bike a bit unwieldy, bearing in mind I fitted it to an XS1100 god knows what effect it had on the old Brit iron.
All the best Steve.

[bh.sprint]

Hi Roger,

I like the look of the Leader with a fairing on . The more I see it the more it seems to look OK but it takes a long time to get it fitting right and then there are all the joints between the fairing and the original metal panels.

I'm coming over to Shirebrook to collect the wheel some time next week.

Brian.

[bh.sprint]

A bit more progress on the MK 2 Leader, the temporary front mudguard in place and the forks painted. Wiring nearly done
but still quite a few smaller items to sort out.

[bh.sprint]

A bit more progress on the instrument panel, the warning lights need wiring up but it's starting to come together. The speedo connected and almost ready for a longer road test.

Brian.

[bh.sprint]

I've only done a few miles so far but the engine is running OK, with a fair amount of torque in the lower revs. I reached a speed of 40 to 45 mph for a short time but generally I'm taking it easy letting the engine run freely.
The temperature gauge works OK, its only connected to the off side cylinder but gives an idea of how hard the engine is working.

Brian.H.

[fpassmore]

Nice job, I would like to try one of these someday.

Frank

[steve.clarke]

It's coming together really well,great looking bike.
Steve

[bh.sprint]

Hello Frank,

The Ariel Leader is one of the bikes which some like and others do not like, having owned one from 1965 I like riding them, which is why I decided to make a MK 2 with a slightly bigger engine capacity. The front brake is not as good as it should be but it carries a fair amount of camping gear.
Regards Brian.H.

[fpassmore]

They are quite rare here in North America as I have only seen one at a show about 8 years ago but none other since. I will have to wait a while before I contemplate importing a machine to Canada as I have too many other projects on the go to even contemplate it. "She who must be obeyed" has cut me off on acquiring any other projects until I finish some of the current ones and trim the herd a bit as I have run out of storage.

Frank

[bh.sprint]

Here are some more recent pictures of the MK 2 Leader. I've done just over 60 miles so far and the bike is running well. There are still a few things to do, side panels, chaincase, screen and permanent indicators + quite a few smaller items.