c1954 Ariel VH Red Hunter 500cc OHV Motorcycle

Description

Ariel Motorcycles announced the Red Hunter for 1932. Designed by the firm's chief designer Val Page around an overhead valve single cylinder engine he developed six years earlier. Originally a 'sports' version of the Ariel 500, 250 and 350cc versions were developed and became popular with grass track and trials riders. All Red Hunters had a distinctive dark red petrol and oil tanks which were painted in the former Bournbrook cinema opposite the main Ariel factory in Dawlish Road. It is believed that all engines were run for two hours on a test bench to maintain Ariel's record of reliability and quality control. Edward Turner developed the design further with added chrome and it became a popular touring road bike. Handling was improved by the addition of rear suspension and telescopic forks and it gained an alloy cylinder head from the 1950s. Champion Sammy Miller had great success with a 500cc Red Hunter from 1955.