I think I might need to see a Psychiatrist after talking to my BiL today.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

My  BiL called in this morning for the Christmas present exchange visit as Wendy was out - he says I might need to buy an Ariel Leader as I mentioned it in more than once  in conversations in the last year - I owned two back in the 1960's as well as an Arrow.
Gutless compared to modern two strokes with none existent brakes. That said they seem to be pretty cheap still.
He has a mate with a rusting BSA in his shed that is a Road Rocket 650 - he had never heard of the model!

I've been googling Leaders for sale .................

[Athame57]

I owned two back in the 1960's as well as an Arrow.

I owned an Ariel Arrow in the 1960s also, trouble is mine was the Airfix model!

[AshimotoK0]

We all have our moments of madness Ted.

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1613669

[Laverda Dave]

We all have our moments of madness Ted.

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1613669

I think that tarp will come up really well after a good scrub!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I saw that one Ash & yes Dave the Tarp look as if it could be saved!

[MCTID]

Ted.....BEHAVE !   

Get that Road Rocket if you must.......(even if it's just to sell it on and get it back on the road).

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I owned two back in the 1960's as well as an Arrow.

I owned an Ariel Arrow in the 1960s also, trouble is mine was the Airfix model!

Mine was a write off used by a small rural garage as a parts shopping vehicle - cost me £15 scrap with an unmarked log book back in 1965 - front forks were bent & mudguard damaged plus a dent in the box frame that pulled out. I spent almost £60 in parts etc managed to break even when I sold it to a good mate. 

Putting that cost into perspective my Triumph twenty-one cost £35 as a good runner that I sold about 18 months later for £45 - it had all the original bath tub panels - its still on the DVLA database - 102 ETF.

[Orcade-Ian]

Hi Ted,
My 'Roadholder' mag just delivered today (Norton Owners Club) has a Leader for sale - seems a better bet than the earlier basket case if you are serious (or daft enough)

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Not quite sure how it's original with a home brew TLS brake though

Ian

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Nice looking bike but I wiould not buy unseen ever again - not sure what the parts situation is on these old bikes.

I'm meeting an old friend during the Christmas break - he did an oily rag restoration on one a few years ago he paid £25 for it as a non runner about 15 years ago. Turned out to be an expensive project like his Facel Vega 500.

[Matt_Harrington]

Oooh, a Facel Vega, now that IS a car to covet! (CAn't say I have a soft spot for the Ariel)

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Oooh, a Facel Vega, now that IS a car to covet! (CAn't say I have a soft spot for the Ariel)

My mate imported the Facel from Australia lovely looking Art Deco styling but the are not a great drive.

[Laverda Dave]

Oooh, a Facel Vega, now that IS a car to covet! (CAn't say I have a soft spot for the Ariel)

My mate imported the Facel from Australia lovely looking Art Deco styling but the are not a great drive.

They had one of those on Bangers & Cash the restores show not long ago. Worth a watch over crimbo.

[Rozabikes Tim]

I'd never heard of them but just googled them, they seem to have a bit of an old Merc look with an American twist. But French!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

IIRC the bumpers were SS nice interior but suspension/handling was terrible.
My mate sold it via a dealer who found a buyer on the US.

[Matt_Harrington]

And from what I remember, the exhausts exited through the bumpber - looked very neat...