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.

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