11-5-15 Update: The last time I featured this bike, it did not meet reserve as bidding stopped at $4,545. It seems that the bike has transferred hands to Bator International, who is now offering it up in Ojai, California with better photos and a BIN of $5,950 or best offer
Never imported to the US, the Ariel Leader was quite unique with the enclosed design. It was introduced in 1958 but production ended when the Ariel went out of business in 1965.
The 249cc two-stroke twin produced 16 horsepower, enough to get this bike up to 68 miles per hour while pushing that giant fender/windshield combination through the wind. The entire package weighed about 330 pounds dry. Interesting design features include an underseat fuel tank (the dummy fuel tank was used for storage and could fit a helmet like the new Honda NC700X) as well as optional hard luggage. Speaking of options, this was apparently the first British bike to offer turn signals.
This specific Ariel Leader (VIN: T29796-B) was restored a year and a half ago, and while the paint is ‘not to a high standard’, the bike is claimed to be mechanically sound. The seller never got a title for it so it has only been ridden once, up to about 50 miles per hour. Titling this should be an interesting adventure, depending on your state of residence. The original UK number plates are included with the sale, as are all the customs paperwork. The question is, will titling it be worth the hassle for an opportunity to own such a rare bike?
Find this Ariel Leader for sale in Santa Barbara, California with bidding up to $575 and the reserve not yet met