The same company that brought us the Atom has now come out with a motorcycle to match the finesse and stature its legendary track car.

The Ariel Motor Company, based in England, and its head, Simon Saunders, have decided to move into motorcycle production, hearkening back to the Ariel name’s historic roots; the Ariel Motorcycles company was founded in 1902 and produced motorcycles until it was folded into BSA during the 1970s. The Ace stays true to Ariel tradition, retaining Honda power in the form of a 1200cc V4. The engine puts out 175 horsepower and propels the bike to a maximum top speed of 165 mph. No other exact performance figures have been released, but many are expecting acceleration figures that rival those of the company’s lightweight cars.

The Ace comes equipped with a six-speed sequential transmission and is available in either manual or dual-clutch variants. Linkage or tube-type forks can be equipped, based on the choice of the customer. The Ace avails the customer with the improved suspension options of telescopic forks and the uniquely constructed Ariel girder front end. Rear suspension is comprised of a Pro Link single-sided cast aluminium swing arm, containing the shaft drive, with options of different gas damper. Ohlins dampers also come standard, and the Ace can be tuned by Ariel to the specific suspension desires of each customer.

The classic Ariel styling is apparent on the Ace, and most who look at it are reminded of the Atom. The tubular aluminum frame allows the bike to shed weight, as do carbon fiber composite body panels. The Ace is making its official debut this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ariel plans to manufacture between 100-150 units per year, and pricing will start at $34,000. Exact specifications from Ariel are listed below.



Engine

76 degree 1237cc Unicam Honda V4

Bore 81mm x 60mm

Throttle by wire



Power

173 BHP @ 10,000 rpm Torque 131Nm @ 8750 rpm



Gearbox

A 6 speed manual sequential

B DCT switchable auto with sport and manual push button control

Switchable traction control



Fuel

A 14.1 litres

B 18.6 litres

C 21.3 litres



Exhaust

Stainless steel exhaust, option of silencers



Chassis

Anodised machined and welded aluminium frame

Adjustable rake angle 21.8 degrees – 28.4 degrees



Suspension

A Front Ariel Girder with TTX damper

Adjustable compression, rebound and spring preload

B Front Telescopic forks

Adjustable compression, rebound and spring preload

Rear Pro link single sided swing arm

Adjustable compression rebound and spring preload



Braking

Front: Twin 320mm floating discs with 6 piston radial callipers

Rear: Single 276mm floating disc with 2 piston sliding calliper

Electronic ABS front and rear



Wheels

Front: 17×3.5

Rear: 17×6



Tyres

Front: 120/70ZR17

Rear 190/55ZR17



Instruments

Digital LCD display with datalogging capability and gear indicator



Lighting

LED headlamp, LED brake/stop lamp, LED indicators



Bodywork

Composite and carbon fibre



Seat Height

A 745mm

B 784mm

C 825mm



Wheelbase

A 1541mm

B 1552mm

C 1563mm



Performance

0 -60 mph 3.4 seconds (0-100kph)

Top speed 165mph (265kph)