Ariel 3 (moped)

The Ariel 3 was a tricycle moped produced by the BSA[1] factory in the UK. The Ariel 3 was not a sales success and its failure contributed to the demise of BSA. Cohn Atkinson attributes its failure to a remote management at BSA who "didn't even like bikes" and who "made the most appalling decisions" on production and marketing.[2]

Design

The engine was a Dutch Anker 50cc 2-stroke, situated between the rear wheels. The pressed-steel forward section of the frame, supported by torsion bars, could swivel to enable the rider to lean the vehicle into bends like a motorcycle.[3][4] The front "fork" was a single-sided down tube with a rudimentary rubber block suspension. All three pressed steel wheels were interchangeable. Drive was to just one of the rear wheels, and only one of the rear wheels had a brake, a small drum item. There was a similar front drum brake. A true moped, the Ariel 3's engine was started by first pedalling and then releasing a decompressor trigger. The rider could assist the little motor on hills by pedalling. The 6v headlight was single beam, with no dip. There was no rear suspension.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ariel 3.
  1. ↑ https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2014/12/12/bsa-motorcycles-final-evolution-riders-library/
  2. ↑ http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/%7Epattle/nacc/arc0510.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0510.htm
  4. ↑ http://50ccs.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/bsa-ariel-3.html


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