The Ariel KH 500 Fieldmaster was a motorcycle produced between 1948 and 1957. It had a four-stroke, twin engine with a capacity of 498cc and a compression ratio of 7.5:1. The engine was air-cooled and had a dry sump lubrication system. The bike had a Bruman 4-speed transmission and a chain-driven final drive. It had a duplex loop frame, telescopic forks for the front suspension, and a rigid, spring-loaded saddle for the rear (later models had a swinging arm). The wheels were steel with laced wire spokes and had a front rim of 3.00 x 20 and rear rim of 3.50 x 19. The bike had a top speed of 145 km/h or 90 mph and a fuel capacity of 17 L or 4.5 US gal. The Ariel KH 500 Fieldmaster was sold in chrome and scarlet enamel.
Technical specifications:
Make Model: Ariel KH 500 Fieldmaster
| Year | 1948 – 57 |
|---|---|
| Engine | Four stroke, stroke, twin |
| Capacity | 498 cc / 30.4 cu in |
| Bore x Stroke | 56 x 86 mm |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
| Exhaust | 2-into-2, Chrome |
| Induction | Carburetor |
| Starting | Kick |
| Max Power | 20.9 kW / 28 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Clutch | Dry clutch |
| Transmission | Bruman 4-speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Frame | Duplex loop |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Rigid, spring loaded saddle (as from 1957: swinging arm) |
| Wheels | Steel, laced wire spokes |
| Front Rim | 3.00 x 20 |
| Rear Rim | 3.50 x 19 |
| Wheelbase | 1422 mm / 56 in |
| Dry Weight | 177 kg / 390 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 L / 4.5 US gal |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h / 90 mph |
| Colours | Chrome and scarlet enamel |
| Source | Bonhams |
