Ariel HT5

The Ariel Trials version was developped from the Red Hunter series and was commercialised 1956-59. There were 2 versions available: HT5 with 500ccm and HT3 with 350 ccm. The weight was claimed at 132 kg (dry without liquid).  This was clearly ahead of the 150kg of a 350ccm AJS. There was no lighter and more powerful 4 stroke trials bike around. Front wheel was 21 and rear 19(!), ground clearance about 22 cm.

Here are some scans and pics from my father Mark, who imported the only Ariel HT5 back in 1958 and was competing in trials and enduro Swiss championship.

Brochure Ariel Red Hunters 1958 Scambles	Trials HT5 and HT3
Ariel HT 1956 Red Hunter
HT5 in original trim from museum Joel Corroy	HT5 in original trim from museum Joel Corroy
Ariel with 132kg the lightest 500ccm trials bike to buy in 1958
Mark Frei on Ariel HT5 at Trial Yverdon (CH) 1959	Mark Frei on Ariel HT5 at Trial Yverdon (CH) 1959
Mark Frei on Ariel HT5 at Trial Höckler (CH) 1959	Mark Frei at training 1958
Mark Frei at Enduro Säuliamt 1959	in the 60ies you could also compete with a trials motorcyles  in Enduro races Mark became 2nd in the Swiss Champion Ship Enduro National Class over 250ccm
Ariel HT5 original, Museum Sammy Miller	Ariel HT5 special, Museum Sammy Miller

Sammy Miller GOV 132

Sammy Miller developped later on the famous GOV 132, which is rumored to be slimmed down to 115 kg with aluminium and fiberglass parts. Don Smith tested this bike in 1967 and he described it as "damn heavy"...Anyway, Sammy won many trial, like the Scottish Sixdays 1964, although the Ariel HT5 was no more produced since 1959! Then he switched to Bultaco and won 1965 the Scottish on his first attack. The heavy Dinosaurs like the HT5 died and many years later, this Bultaco win caused the Pre65 Twinshock Trials class to emerge.

GOV 132	GOV 132
	Sammy Miller 1960 SSDT
Sammy Miller Pre65	Sammy Miller 1964
Sammy Miller at Pipeline Scottish Pre65	Sammy Miller Pre65

Part 2: Ariels today

Part 3: Mark meets his HT5 after 50 years again on 31 July 2010