Ariel Motorcycles was a British motorcycle manufacturer based in Bournbrook, Birmingham, and was one of the leading innovators in the British motorcycle industry.
Before manufacturing motorcycles, Ariel also manufactured bicycles.
The company was founded in 1870 and initially manufactured bicycles (with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel) and sewing machines. The name Ariel means “spirit of the air.”
From 1902 to 1925, Ariel also manufactured cars.
The company was acquired by BSA in 1951, but the Ariel brand continued to exist until 1967.
The Ariel name was revived in 1999, when Ariel Ltd began manufacturing sports cars, and it continues to do so today.
