Arrow
Like the PC800, the Leader failed to set sales on fire. A
supremely practical motorcycle, especially compared with
what was available at the time, it combined the best aspects
of both a scooter and a motorcycle. Its 16 horsepower engine
gave it a top speed of around 70mph, while its full-size wheels
made for confident handling.
Test reports concluded that the Leader “was comfortable,
went well, handled nicely and braked smoothly.” Most criti-
cism was aimed at the bodywork. The luggage compartment
lid was insecure, and the side panels difficult to remove for
routine maintenance. That said, the Leader still won “Machine
of the Year” in a Motor Cycle News ballot, and while it proved
popular with police forces, its innovative features failed to
inspire the British bike buyer who preferred the sportier look
of a traditional 4-stroke single or twin. The Leader also suf-
fered as sales of all motorcycles were hit by another innovative
vehicle also launched in 1959: the Austin/Morris Mini.
Whether Ariel had always intended to build a “sports”
Leader, or whether the decision was a response to disappoint-
ing sales, a new stripped-down version of Page’s design was
announced at the end of 1959. The Arrow was mechanically
identical to the Leader but was missing its bodywork and fea-
tured a new “gas tank” with ears extending forward to carry
the headlight. The Leader’s deeply valanced front fender and
fully enclosed rear chain guard were retained. The Arrow was
lighter, and while still unconventional, sportier looking. The
lower weight also translated into livelier performance, as road
testers found out.
The Arrow would “step off the mark a little more briskly,”
cruise comfortably at 60mph and return 60mpg. Below that
speed the handling and suspension were good, but above it,
the Arrow “began to pitch and weave.” Fast bumpy corners had
to be treated with a degree of respect.
The Arrow used the same 6-inch single-leading-shoe brakes
as the Leader, but now with iron hubs as a result of some
cracks appearing on Leader alloy drums. Braking was “just
about adequate” for a solo rider, said testers, requiring “heavyhttp://www.MotorcycleClassics.com 53
The 247cc air-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin makes some 16 horsepower for a top speed of around 70mph.