Ariel Ace takes choice to a new level

The Ariel Ace comes in two options ... relaxed and roomy cruiser and the exhilarating sportster.

The Ariel Ace is an exhilarating return for the long-lost marque

With its minimalist bodywork almost hidden by a huge, bridge-like aluminium frame, and a big V4 engine at its centre, the Ariel Ace looks like a concept machine, designed to turn heads but with no chance of being produced.

In fact, the Ace is well on the way to production. That V4 engine comes from Honda's VFR1200F. It powers the first motorcycle from the small Somerset-based Ariel firm that has already established a strong reputation with its Atom sports car.

Car enthusiasts will see an echo of the Atom in the Ace's eye-catching skeleton. Classic bike riders, on the other hand, know Ariel as one of the grand names of British motorcycling.

The Birmingham firm was famous for single-cylinder "thumpers" and the Square Four, which was built in various capacities up to 997cc for almost 30 years before Ariel ceased production in the mid-1960s.

Motorcycle production was part of Simon Saunders' plan when he acquired the Ariel name two decades ago. The 61-year-old former GM and Porsche designer is a bike enthusiast whose CV includes stints at Norton and short-lived Dutch superbike firm Van Veen.

Saunders' subsequent success with the Honda-powered Atom was useful when negotiating with the Japanese giant for supply of its 1237cc V4 engine, which is mechanically unchanged and produces 173bhp.

It's a bespoke machine, offering customers a choice of components, including for the front suspension. That dramatic girder arrangement, which complements the frame design, can be replaced by telescopic forks. Handlebars, fuel capacity and the size and height of the seat can be varied, and Honda's dual clutch transmission is available.

One constant is that the Ace will be exhilarating to ride. That big V4 is ideal for the task, combining Honda sophistication and the convenience of shaft final drive with storming performance. It also has an appealing, long-legged character that is enhanced by Ariel's exhaust system, which burbles menacingly.

The riding position is relaxed and roomy; Saunders knows most of his customers won't be particularly young. The stretch to slightly raised handlebars feels natural. The low seat aids manoeuvrability of a bike that is quite heavy at about 240kg.

That reduced weight, combined with crisp fuelling, helps give the Ace thrilling and controllable acceleration. It's a fine bike for gentle cruising or country roads, at least until the exposed riding position becomes uncomfortable. Saunders' team is working on a small fairing that will be retro-fittable.

Handling is sure-footed and stable, while the girder front suspension system is well controlled by a single Ohlins shock; there's another at the rear. With abundant grip from broad Dunlops and fierce braking via six-piston Nissin front calipers, the only chassis drawback is that the low footrests limit cornering clearance. But the Ace isn't intended to match its Atom sibling's pace on a track, while higher-set footrests are among the many options.

-Telegraph