Hans Torvalds Ariel

"I like that there's a little extra thrust in the engine," says Hans Torvald, and twists the throttle. The Ariel, a 500cc motorcycle from the 1940s, stands out in the crowd of veterans with its lightly modified racing character. The "Endunker" has received a number of modifications both on the outside and inside the engine, which gives it speed and excitement.

When Hans Torvald Haugo is not busy assembling eyeglass frames, he assembles veterans with the aim of making the bike easily able to keep up with traffic on the highway. For a "warrior" like the old Ariel originally was, it has required thorough work on both the engine and chassis.

Rolling project in boxes

When Hans Torvald bought the bike, it was a rolling project, partially disassembled and with a bunch of parts lying in a box. The box contained a little bit of everything, and in the pile of parts, some could be used and some were sold. Some were missing and some were doubled. A not entirely unusual situation when buying a "box project."

On the parts market at home and abroad

To complete the bike, there was a lot of travel to parts markets at home and abroad. Hans Torvald's bike most likely came to Norway during the war. After the war, specifically in 1947, it received Norwegian papers like many "warriors" and was registered for civilian use. In the years after the war, it passed between many different owners before Hans Torvald bought it as a rolling "cash project".

Not entirely original

Those who know the Ariel models will quickly see that Hans Torvald's bike is no longer completely original. The bike has been given a more personal touch, and parts from various Ariel models and years have been used. The mudguards are originally from Norton , but they fit the bike well. Hans Torvald has also made a number of parts himself. The mudguard stays are perhaps what he is most proud of, because as he says "they look contemporary, are slim, sleek, and they hold without vibrating to pieces". The exhaust pipes are also homemade, and with a megaphone muffler the bike gets the right bang and not least the right sound. Hans Torvald particularly likes the sound, because as he says; "it gives you a good sense of self out on the road".

Sporty lines

Hans Torvald's goal has been to build a stable vintage motorcycle that can be driven, that can follow traffic, and that looks sporty. The bike is stable, and there has been little "screwing" along the way. There is not much trimming, but a customized gearing has been made on the gear wheel on the engine so that it is more leggy than many comparable "comrades".

Lightly trimmed

In an old book Hans Torvald has about traditional trimming from the island in the west, he gleaned tips on installing a camshaft from a side-ventilated engine. This gives longer lift and better airflow when pulled in the direction of a tight wire. The disadvantage is uneven idling, but that is to be expected. He has spent a number of hours in the workshop to give the Ariel a design slightly different from the A4. Low center of gravity, black paint, extended gas tank, low handlebars, and a seat that is pulled back somewhat give the right amount of thrust. In addition, he has lowered the handlebars.

Utility bike

Hans Torvald says this is his work bike. When the car is going to the workshop, this is the bike that is used for daily transport. The longest day trips are usually around 500 kilometers, without having to touch a screw. Reliable!

Around Skåne

Hans Torvald has driven the Skåne Rundt with the Ariel several times, and has been first to the finish line on both the first and second day. Because as he says; "It's a bit like me, it likes a bit of gas, and the Swedish country roads demand speed and excitement."