The ancient of days
I have a soft spot for big side-valve singles, having enjoyed years of ownership and some long rides on a BSA M21. And I’m also partial to Ariels. So a ride on Selly Oak’s 598cc side-valve VB was something to look forward to.
This 1950 tele-and-rigid example belongs to Wiltshire-based Ariel OC stalwart Dave Owen, but had spent most of its life north of the border, including several years on the Isle of Orkney. So when we took it to Avebury’s West Kennet avenue of standing stones for photos, the VB would not have been impressed – Orkney’s Neolithic Ring of Brodgar and standing stones of Stenness are some 2000 years older than the Avebury Henge.
The VB’s ruggedness and Ariel’s good finish must have been appreciated in those harsh environments, and despite a little rust, this machine is very presentable, and remarkably original.
Flathead
The side-valve layout, the original for four-stroke motorcycle engines, was retained at a time when the state of available metallurgy presented a real danger of overhead valves collapsing, with consequent damage to the head, cylinder and piston. The sv layout had its drawbacks – very inefficient gas flow, which reduced power and increased fuel consumption, as well as hot running leading
