Vfr 1200 Motor In New Ariel Ace Motorcycle

Had not heard of this development regarding Ariel using the Honda 1200 engine in a new bike? See this URL: 

http://therideadvice...e/#.U6rLDfldWAh

[image: Arial-Ace-002.jpg]

looks like it's a lot easier to work on  !!!

Looks like the shaft system too, that RR is the honda unit hanging below the seat just like the 1200 is situated as well. That tank though barely looks like a liter of fuel?

Looks like the shaft system too, that RR is the honda unit hanging below the seat just like the 1200 is situated as well. That tank though barely looks like a liter of fuel?

 If you read the link it says Ariel will customize each of the 100 to 150 versions they make so if you want a touring version they would maybe produce a bigger tank? Wonder if you could order the DCT as well? Looks like it has the shaft drive in there though hard to tell.

Went to Ariel site and in fact they will offer DCT version if so desired and it is the shaft drive on the bikes. Good read if interested in a completely custom VFR 1200 build. They are looking to produce between 100 and 150 bikes per year.

http://www.arielmoto..._screen_v2.html

Tanks come in three sizes, from 14L to 21L.

$35K Yeah...

Now that is different..
Oh, and can I have that rear wheel???

Very cool, but I think I'd rather put the $34K towards the cost of an Atom. :)

Very cool, but I think I'd rather put the $34K towards the cost of an Atom. :)

Yeah, cars are way more practical, theres more room, you can haul stuff around in them, you don't get wet while driving them, etc.

wait, what?


Oh, nevermind..............

Very cool, but I think I'd rather put the $34K towards the cost of an Atom. :)

Yeah, cars are way more practical, theres more room, you can haul stuff around in them, you don't get wet while driving them, etc.

wait, what?


Oh, nevermind..............

Lol, I think a Givi top case has about the same volume or more than the Atom's "boot."

I have to admit that I'm more than slightly curious how the optional front end might feel on the road or track.

[image: Arial-Ace-008.jpg]

At least it gives the surplus V4 1200 motors a nice home...

Attached Images

• [image: Arial-Ace-008.jpg]

I want the Forks seeing as Ohlins doesn't offer them for our bikes!

Wheres  is  the  gas  tank?  under  the  seat  .

yes, you can get it in a DCT.. I don't know why you'd want to, but to each their own I guess.

Wheres  is  the  gas  tank?  under  the  seat  .

Found  it  .

Honda engine good for over 170hp, a top speed of 165mph and a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds.

The black one is killer! I'd take one along with an Atom.

...I have to admit that I'm more than slightly curious how the optional front end might feel on the road or track.

That one is the cruiser-ish version, the one with the Öhlins forks is the sporty type.

I like them a lot...

Interesting, first I have heard of this.

...I have to admit that I'm more than slightly curious how the optional front end might feel on the road or track.

That one is the cruiser-ish version, the one with the Öhlins forks is the sporty type.

I like them a lot...

I've ridden a KTM 950 Adventure S at Mid-Ohio. That wouldn't stop me  :goofy:

yes, you can get it in a DCT.. I don't know why you'd want to, but to each their own I guess.

I guess the same reason that walking on foot gave way to horses, steam gave way to internal combustion, land lines to smart phones, foot clutch to DCT - progress baby. Your right though to each their own, some people continued to stay on horses, took the locomotive, continued to rotate their dial and yes poke away at their foot activated clutch. One man's progress is another's revulsion.

Yeah yeah, but they could probably figure out a way to "automate" sex, but would you want it?

The purity in riding a motorcycle is using all 4 limbs, the same way as a car using a manual transmission.  DCT for racing applications when tenths matter?  Sure.  But I'm not a racer and would rather be slower doing things myself because it's more involving, more engaging.

Just glad the DCT choice is out there. The market decides I guess. So far not much uptake on DCT with other brands but maybe over time? The Ariel Ace cruiser version with the wild front fork has my attention. Would I be able to get one here in Canada? Unlikely by the looks of it.

[image: y13bph7dh6tm5iaxhqwc.jpg]

First ride impression by MCN and they like it:

http://www.motorcycl...ce-at-goodwood/

I just hope Honda put this brilliant engine in more application.  The power characteristics would work well in all sorts of other bikes.  Personally, it's bit of an overkill in a naked bike.  The Speed Triple already has plenty oomph, and I just can't fathom needing more..  But I'm sure lots of people would disagree.

Same V4 would be fantastic in a GT bike.  Now that Honda has cruiser-ized the ST1300, and the VFR1200F's days look to be pretty much numbered, in favor of the VFR800, it is high time for the fabled VFR1200T touring version to take up the gap.

Also, the Diavel being the runaway success it has been for Ducati, Honda could easily put this V4 into a lightweight power cruiser that could compete very well.  I think that's kinda what the bobbed tail Ariel Ace was gunning for.  The funky forks don't do anything for me though.

And why Honda doesn't bring the Crossrunner here, I have no idea.  Hottest segment going, and Honda has zero contender here.

MCN writes ... "You can’t go far wrong when you start with a Honda VFR1200 engine and electronics, so it’s no surprise the Ace’s lump is a peach, developing linear power, with glitch-free fuelling, and a nice kick at the top end."

Sums up why after riding a smaller VFR or something like a Triumph Triple, I still feel the need to jump on the 1200 and go once more around the block. There is something about this motor and Ariel obviously get that. The fact they keep the shaft drive and the brakes also says something about the original machine as well. Going forward it will be interesting to see if this motivates Honda.

Cleary there is more potential. And the motor looks good out in the open ... maybe Honda would consider a K1300R type competitor.

MCN writes ... "You can’t go far wrong when you start with a Honda VFR1200 engine and electronics, so it’s no surprise the Ace’s lump is a peach, developing linear power, with glitch-free fuelling, and a nice kick at the top end."

Sums up why after riding a smaller VFR or something like a Triumph Triple, I still feel the need to jump on the 1200 and go once more around the block. There is something about this motor and Ariel obviously get that. The fact they keep the shaft drive and the brakes also says something about the original machine as well. Going forward it will be interesting to see if this motivates Honda.

Cleary there is more potential. And the motor looks good out in the open ... maybe Honda would consider a K1300R type competitor.

The engine is fine (but the electronics???), I couldn't disagree more. All I can say is that Honda must have provided a better ECU software package for Ace than they did for us Honda VFR 1200 owners.

A few reasons...

1. EU version of the ECU might not be the same as NA VFR1200's.

2. Ariel has what-appears-to-be a minimal - almost straight-thu - exhaust, without the EPA mandated crapola on it.

3. Could just be that... they are not quite as anal about the whole electronics issue as some VFR1200 owners.

My '10 is stock except a shorten aftermarket exhaust on it.  I have very little misgivings about the way the engine runs.  But that's just me.

A few reasons...

1. EU version of the ECU might not be the same as NA VFR1200's.

2. Ariel has what-appears-to-be a minimal - almost straight-thu - exhaust, without the EPA mandated crapola on it.

3. Could just be that... they are not quite as anal about the whole electronics issue as some VFR1200 owners.

My '10 is stock except a shorten aftermarket exhaust on it.  I have very little misgivings about the way the engine runs.  But that's just me.

Volfy I wasn't thinking as much about the power restrictions as the inclusion of a more sophisticated TC system (less abrupt) as well as the other ride control options currently available on newer ride by wire systems. The two I am familiar with are the Kawasaki KTRIC system on my late 2012 ZX-14R and the systems on my new FJR-1300ES. Honda doesn't have a sophisticated system like either of these on any motorcycle they sell to my knowledge. Hell they haven't even put FBW on the gold wing yet and the bike still has a manually adjustable windshield?????

After not owning a Honda since my 99 Blackbird I bought the 13 VFR 1200 and I love the bike. It has a brilliant motor, great brakes and handles well enough for the skill level of 99+% of the riders who will buy it.  but I expected more from the rather crude TC system from a engineering powerhouse like Honda. I turn it off most of the time because I have found that unlike the Kawasaki and Yamaha TC systems on my other recent bikes it's intervention is to abrupt and under some conditions upsets the handling more than it helps.