The Ariel Four-Cylinder Prototype motorcycle, also known as the Ariel Leader 4 Prototype, was designed in 1962 but never went into full production. Its engine featured four horizontal cylinders on the left with an inline crankshaft and overhead valves, and it had a capacity of 696 cc. The bike was air-cooled and used a wet sump lubrication system, with a single Zenith carburetor for induction and an electric starter. The Ariel Four-Cylinder Prototype had a maximum power of 18.6 kW or 25 hp and used a Morris Minor car clutch with a syncro-mesh gearbox. The motorcycle had a four-speed transmission and used a shaft for final drive. Its frame was made of pressed steel and had leg shields, and it had steel wheels with laced wire spokes. The front and rear brakes were both drums. The Ariel Four-Cylinder Prototype had a wheelbase of 1448 mm or 57 inches. While this bike never reached full production, it remains an interesting prototype in motorcycle history. The information on this bike comes from the National Motorcycle Museum in the UK.
Technical specifications:
Make Model: Ariel Leader 4 Prototype
| Year | 1962 |
|---|---|
| Production | Never reached full production |
| Engine | Four stroke, four horisontal cylinders on the left with in-line crankshaft, OHV |
| Capacity | 696 cc / 42.5 cu in |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Exhaust | 4-into-1 |
| Induction | Single Zenith carburetor |
| Ignition | Coil |
| Starting | Electric |
| Max Power | 18.6 kW / 25 hp |
| Clutch | Morris Minor car clutch, syncro-mesh gearbox |
| Transmission | 4-Speed |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| Frame | Pressed steel frame with leg shields |
| Wheels | Steel, laced wire spokes |
| Front Rim | 3.25 x 17 |
| Rear Rim | 4.00 x 16 |
| Front Brakes | Drum |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Wheelbase | 1448 mm / 57 in |
| Source | National Motorcycle Museum, UK |
