Ariel KH500 Fieldmaster (1948-57)

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.

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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