Somerset-based purveyors of fiendishly quick scaffolding, Ariel, will start making bikes again from next year.
The company - which started manufacturing bikes in 1898 - will make a return to the two-wheeled world in 2012 with plans to build 200 in its first year. And rather like it like its cars, they promise to be rather fast.
Ariel boss, Simon Saunders, told TopGear.com: 'They'll be quick, but won't necessarily feel it. There are lots of 202mph bikes out there, but most people can't put the power down. We want all of the performance to be achievable, not academic - we're not chasing big numbers.
'Like the Atom, no two bikes will be the same - we want to offer more than a superbike or track bike. If a customer tells us they want something set up for touring, we'll make it.'
Which artfully explains why there are two different styles of bike in the sketches. Though there will be some standardized parts, including a Honda engine, which is yet to be named.
Prices start from £20,000 and order books will open later in the year.
Can you think of an appropriate name for Ariel's new bike, TopGear.commers?
Now watch Jeremy's face getting mashed up by an Atom.
Ariel to build motorbikes
After conquering the Top Gear test track, Ariel move onto two wheels. They’ll also be fast…
Related
- Category:
- Car News
- Top Gear on Facebook

- Join us on Facebook
- First drives

- Porsche Boxster S
- Geneva motor show

- TG's guide to Geneva
- Exclusive: Lotus Evora GTE

- In this month’s TG mag
.jpg?p=120522_05:21)
.jpg?p=120522_05:22)
.jpg?p=120522_05:23)
.jpg?p=120522_05:24)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)



What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Archontasius commented on this article
at 10:02 am on 28 July 2011
ariel electron
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
InvaderOne commented on this article
at 10:04 am on 28 July 2011
What about the Ariel Quarks?
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
sweetlizard commented on this article
at 10:35 am on 28 July 2011
Ariel "I'll tear your face apart"... sounds good.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
alanlo commented on this article
at 10:38 am on 28 July 2011
Intercepter
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Kwokie commented on this article
at 10:39 am on 28 July 2011
Ariel Ophanim
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.