Ariel announce the end of their Honda V4-powered Ace naked after 10 years of UK production

Small-scale British car and motorcycle manufacturer, Ariel Motor Company have confirmed that their 10-year production run of the Ace roadster has come to an end.

The final machine has now been delivered to its owner, finished in a striking orange and blue Gulf-inspired livery – marking the end of a lengthy chapter in the Somerset firm’s 150+ year two-wheeled history.

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First launched in 2014, the Ace was powered by a 1237cc Honda V4 engine taken from the VFR1200 sports tourer and was sold as either a manual or semi-automatic DCT option.

Tested by MCN at the time, Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves was left impressed, saying: “Ride quality is excellent and other than seeing the linkages bobbing up and down by the clocks, you don’t notice the girder front end, which is a compliment to this unusual suspension layout.”

The last bike to leave the plant was internally dubbed ‘The Last One’ and was built from start to finish by experienced Ace technician, Joe Green.

“It felt like a big moment to send off the last Ace motorcycle,” Green said. “We’ve loved creating these bespoke works of art and we look forward to each returning for scheduled servicing – it’s like seeing old friends again.”

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If girder forks weren’t your bag, the Ace’s machined billet aluminium frame could also be equipped with a conventional front end and set up to everything from a cruiser to café racer riding position. It also spawned multiple special editions, consisting of the Ace R, Ace of Diamonds, Iron Horse, and the Black Edition.  

The company remains open to the idea of more bikes in the future, with Ariel Director Simon Saunders adding: “The history of Ariel is steeped in bicycles and motorcycles, and we’re keen to ensure that this legacy continues to feed our future. We are already looking at the possibilities for a new, different Ariel motorcycle – so, watch this space!”