70 year old bike 90 year old rider - Ariel SQ4

Today we look at Richards 1955 Ariel SQ4
Stewart and I have been friends for nearly 50 years and his Dad Richard turns 90 next birthday and is still hale and hearty and riding the SQ4, so this is a story that is very close to the Drizzle Gangs collective heart.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

🇨🇦 My deceased father-in-law, Tommy Neelands from Ontario Canada, was a racer in the 1930's running a 350 Rudge. During the war he was a motorcycle riding instructor for the Canadian army before being shipped overseas. When not racing bikes or fighting in the war he was riding a Square Four which he felt was very refined and the best bike ever. He also ran a Red Hunter 500. He was an Ariel man through and through.

[@glaicoantoniogobbo7018]

Wonderful story. He owns an Ariel Twin 500 KOH year 1952 here in Brazil. It gave me a lot of satisfaction. Everything from ARIEL interests me. Thanks for the special video. I liked it too much!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thank you for the kind comments 👍

[@glaicoantoniogobbo7018]

We are touched and grateful for the prompt response and consideration!

[@barrymacneil1471]

Thank you for sharing Richard with your viewers. At 73 I often wonder how many years of riding I have left. Based on Richard.... I obviously have at least 17 good biking years left!!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

He cycles most days as well great guy

[@savage22bolt32]

Guaranteed I have 22 years, but I'm planning on hitting 100, so possibly 32 years!

[@tedwitus]

Keep a'goin and thanks Barry ~ I'm 68 and shopping for a bike, while all those around me shout "you're nuts!" .. hard to stay focused sometimes but this comment and these videos help!

[@murraycharters6102]

@@tedwitus Good on you mate. I am nearly 78 and apart from having a Vespa at 17 years old I didn’t start riding motorbikes until I was 72. I never considered riding motorbikes because I spent 23 years flying Hang Gliders My son purchased a Harley CVO Street Glide new after riding a LAMS model Harley for a year. That piqued my interest My first bike was a Suzuki Boulevard 800 Which I had for about two years then traded it in for a new Suzuki VStrom 650 XT IN APRIL 2018. I have done nearly 40,000 km on the V Strom and loved every minute of it I had a family member comment to me when I bought the first bike “so now you are trying to kill yourself riding a motorbike “ My reply was “No I am riding a motorbike to live” Life is all about how many bottles you can fill up, it is not about how many empty bottles you can string out. Ride as safely as possible and enjoy your life. Greetings from Australia

[@kens.213]

I'm 74 and still riding. I sold my last Harley a few years ago and bought a Suzuki Burgman 650. Sold that and bought a Yamaha 400 Majesty scooter. 56 years without an accident, and counting!

[@bigjoe4020]

What a story !! Bought it for 5 quid, sat in the cupboard in pieces for 40 years, owner is 90 years old and still rides it.....you couldn't make this stuff up...Love it and definitely be following this build. Sounds great too and what an usual cylinder configuration.

[@kevansimister3967]

Now 71 still riding ( pan 1100 ) a bit heavy now but no intention of stopping I’d like a triumph 1200 but can’t afford one TE

[@peterross4713]

Good job man . Expat in Dallas TX .

[@rodneyyoung8096]

It inspiring to know that being old doesn't mean vegging out in a recliner. Making good choices pays off.

[@MadChalet]

@Dorsey Jack Re: rear cylinders ... I can imagine. There seems to be a lack of cooling fins, right?

[@drdoolittle5724]

You Guys really have the knack, bringing a bike to life, not just a machine but one loved and cosseted as a member of the family, just a joy to watch and personally, I feel privileged to be included! BIG thank-you!

[@georgeprime2249]

I did my CBT early December last year. I was 70 in April last year. Starting to ride again for the first time since the 1970s.

[@timmason7430]

My first time hearing this Bike. It's pretty cool.

[@kdsowen2882]

Well done ! I was given a square-four by an elderly man, when I was 12. I walked past his house every day and always said hello. One day he said, would I like a motorcycle ? He showed me this huge bike, a bit rusty here and there, it looked like it hadnt been started for years . All I had to do was pick it up . My father didnt believe me, and a few weeks later I saw the digger-driver loading it onto his trailer, after he'd obviously just finished demolishing the old house. I always wondered what happened to the old man , realising now , that he'd obviously gone into care of some sort. Almost 55 years later, I own 4 motorcycles ranging in size from 250cc to 1000cc. My plan was to slowly work my way backwards as they become too heavy. Now I might have to rethink that . Dave, Aotearoa nz

[@johnbellamy6449]

was lucky enough to have a pillion ride on one of these on christmas day1970. we had stayed over with good friends Jim and Lillian Lee,and on the cold crisp Christmas morning took me on the back to visit his mother ,a round trip of perhaps 20 miles. that bike was destined for theU S A as thats what Jim did at the time. exporting. his main job was test rider at Meriden Triumph and remember to be on the pillion of such a fine rider with such riding skill,and anticipation was something i will always treasure in my memory. another bike he took me on the back was a Scott squirrel and being a two stroke it sounded fantastic. i am now 72 and still ride,just got a new royal enfield meteor 350. havent seen Jim for over 20 years,hope he is still in good health.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Great memories thanks for sharing - Mike

[@sparkyjb488]

fab, brings back a lot of memories for me. i had a basket case mk1 ally engine sq4..price £2.. so i can beat your price by £3 i was 21 at the time.rebuilt the engine my self ..gc & t healey was the boys for bits.. we got an exchanged crank from them.. new ends.. reg number was MYM 36 ,SOLD FOR £90.. WISH I HAD THAT MACHINE NOW thanks for the memory's cheers john bunning.

[@jediknight2350]

awesome bike my uncle made a custom chop using this engine in the 1970,s ill never forget it the sound was fantastic.

[@carlarthur4442]

Great seeing someone of that age still riding wonderful , I remember Fred Marriot who ran a Motorbike shop having an Ariel Square 4 , his son still runs the shop in Oxton Rd Birkenhead . I've turned 72 and still ride a B M W K75c , haha 😄 remember cow horns and ape hangers . Great bike and video thanks 😊 👍

[@classicraceruk1337]

The gear change on the right is the correct place!!! 1 up 3 down gears perfect. Just like my old Goldstar, RGS and Norton 6500SS from days gone by.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Yes its strange on the Norton it felt really natural (I have bikes in the past with that configuration) but for some reason on the Ariel it catches you out - Stew and Richard say the same thing

[@phil-zz5hk]

my 1st ride . got mine free from the regiment in 75 .they where going to retire it . it just finished an exercise in brecon beacons . wish i still had it today .

[@kevingrose5484]

This is what keeps me coming back! Norton, and Triumph guy, would love to have a Square Four!

[@xt225]

My Uncle Gus had one. Picked it up in London one evening after work in my Dad's Comma Van, in about 1970.

[@derekcollins1972]

My grandmother gave an old Ariel Red Hunter away some years back that was stored in the old chicken coop since the 1950's. A couple of young fellas helped clean out her barn and asked about it. She decided to give it to them. If I had only known....

[@georgebarnes8163]

Had an old 350cc Red Hunter many years ago, it was not fast but a great sidecar tug.

[@derekcollins1972]

@James Ogden lol. Could be true. She wasn't wearing any undies that day.

[@iansaxby729]

That’s where I live! Didn’t know you’re from Upton. Saw a Squariel the other day on Church Lane, must have been you.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

We grew up in Upton But now in North wales but yes might have been me on the bike as I rode down Church Lane last week on it

[@stanleydenning]

They say, in this post, that a lot of Arial Sq. four's went to America. I have been a motorcyclist enthusiast and have lived in America for sixty years. I have never seen an Arial here. Not even in a museum. I find the Areal Squair four fascinating. I wish I could own one.

[@Barrybristle]

Being also 73 and just returning to Biking I also wondered how long this can last. Not any longer, 17 years sounds good to me. Hope that Dad Richard extends this for many years to come.

[@hookywookywithmalarkyman704]

71 year old liverpudlian here Thailand 16 years now ! soooo lovely to see fellow eccentrics ... best i ever had was a bantam HA !

[@willywonka8730]

Thank you from Phoenix Arizona

[@daveco1270]

The guy that runs our local bike meet up has one of these. The Square Four has one of the coolest looking engines ever built. Richard is my new hero... I hope I'm still out there riding at 90.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

He has been my hero for 45 years

[@martynedwards1092]

Just acquired a 1979 BMW R100 RT in outstanding restored condition and I upgraded the front suspension with Racetech internals. What a wonderful analog machine! We love riding when it's not raining here in the Pacific Northwest! Lovely channel, thank you!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thanks for watching

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

great music fantastic bike and cool rider = thank you sir = very well done !

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thank you

[@stevemartin9179]

Hi guys Thank you for your videos, BBC4 quality 👌👌

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Wow thanks guys genuinely blown away by your comments - Mike

[@stevemartin9179]

Just to add a little more, my neighbour Len was evacuated from Guernsey at the start of the 2nd world war when the Nazis invaded and he and his brother Dave were taken in by a mill owner in Yorkshire, they had a private education and more! the stuff of CS Lewis! They returned to thank the family who took them in in the early 60s both on Ariel SQ4’ Being a young man of only 60 its great to see and learn about these fantastic machines Which Len speaks so fondly of. PS Len will be 90 next year. Cheers guys.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@stevemartin9179 show Len the video and send him our best regards

[@stevemartin9179]

@@LemonDrizzleGang I certainly will, thanks guys great channel👍👍

[@donaldwainwright]

My late father passed away in 2012 aged 90 he left my his 1956 Arial square four I ride it regularly in 62 yrs old

[@王策-w6t]

这是传承

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

The title really ought to read.. A 7 year old bike and a 19 year old rider... That is the very thing about British bikes. They have so much SOUL and Character. That it makes one young and very free again.

[@geraldtakala1721]

At 77 I am just a young punk wonderful report on a great bike and wonderful rider

[@richardblackmore348]

Lovely video and an inspiration. I'm another oldish ex biker hitting 70 next year. I have a basket case 1966 3ta 21 at the back of the shed I need to get back together when I can finally stop working. It is an ex police bike I've had since the 80s and was my only means of transport making regular trips from South Devon to Bristol on a rain drenched A38 until an accident passing Cheddar. I'm thinking of an off road trail sort of rebuild so I can potter around the byways and green lanes of Dartmoor in my twilight years. And if I am doing that at 90 I will be well chuffed.

[@maskedavenger2578]

Doesn’t sound bad for an old crock ,like a cross between a Jack hammer & a Swiss cobblers shop on piece rate ,fantastic din 👍

[@ericmowrey6872]

What a great vid and a wonderful story..great fun. Still riding at 90, that's truly impressive. As a young teenager in the early '70's I had the chance to buy a MKII but opted for a '64 Bonneville instead. I always loved the way the rear exhaust tubes fade into the cylinder head on this engine.

[@michaeljohnson2922]

For those wondering about your time left…… A young monk joined a monastery and the senior monk started him in the kitchen washing dishes. The young monk looked around and said “there’s thousands of plates how can I do this all myself”. The senior monk replied “the only dish you have is the one in your hand”. All you have is today, jump on that bike and enjoy your day. You’ll get in trouble thinking about tomorrow or how you’ll manage the future. But today, you can go for a ride. Similar to the dish in his hand, right now is all you truly have. I’ve been riding for over 30 years and that is the best way I’ve found to look at riding a motorcycle.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Very true - even better if the Dish has Lemon Drizzle Cake

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks for posting been riding many many LOL yours myself started on plant Bonneville have modern bite now but old 68 prime always my favorite

[@bav114]

Awesome bike and rider 👍🏻

[@juliancrooks3031]

I hope to still be riding when I hit 90. Good for him and great bike

[@gwwayner]

Now 71 I've been riding motorcycles for 55 years and my current bike is a 2010 Triumph Street Triple R modified quite a bit with 60,000 enjoyable kilometers. Great video very well done. I'm surprised at how racy and great the sound is coming from that Ariel when you open the throttle. The old British motorcycles all had hemispherical combustion chambers which is why they had that great sound. Winter coming here in Canada, so the bike is put to bed until Spring.

[@tonyfurneaux3399]

Hello, I am in Saskatchewan, so my 77 KZ1000 is wrapped up to, can't wait til spring lol.

[@chamberizer]

I am 64 years old & been riding the same motorcycle for 45 years. I own a 1973 triumph tiger 750. It now has 63,000 miles.

[@russellmarshall5288]

@@chamberizer Now that is loyalty.You must still be in love.

[@cimarron3114]

Squariels do not have hemispherical combustion chambers.

[@gwwayner]

@@cimarron3114 I stand corrected!

[@markgreenhow7953]

The square four is a good example of what the British bike industry was capable of and what could have been. Imagine where British bikes could have gone with investment and development.

[@a1hamer]

My late father had bought a new Ariel Red Hunter in the mid '50 . He really loved the bike and was a buff in riding and maintaining it to be better than new. In his day he rode a SQ 4 at the dealers and remembered this till his last days as it was a revelation in speed and sound. Great so sampel what he was all about from this beatiful video. Big thanks.

[@ldnwholesale8552]

My father did endurance trials in the 50s on a Rad Hunter Ariel with success

[@kenrogers8366]

An amazing bike with its own unique sound. That's a Cornish registration number too!

[@MrToranaGuy]

That sure is an Epic story, and a great bike! Even if the bike isn't exactly how it was first produced, it's together, running and being enjoyed! Thank you very much for sharing it with us all on KZbin! It's these sort of back stories that makes old bikes and cars so alive, the history we share with them! I do hope the blokes have sorted it's niggles out and it's running like a clock for them!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thank you for your kind words, yes its running a lot better and they have purchased a Leader two stroke and there will be a video on that out soon

[@terryboehler5752]

Great story. Amazed at the smooth sound on the road.

[@philgreen5ges]

Awee just seen 👏👏 What a great video again ! Loving the story and brilliant presentation

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thank you so much 😀

[@williamlott7612]

Great video. I’ll enjoy following the build. Remember, old doesn’t mean bad. Darlington, South Carolina USA

[@randyroy4074]

Excellent video. Never been around any British bikes except a Bonneville that I ran a stop sign on because of reversed shifter when I was a kid. You inspire me to get my Guzzis out and ride. Thanks.

[@adrianpancaldi8646]

Not being a nit picker, however “Jampot” is a name given to the rear shock absorbers of some 1950’s AJS and Matchless machines, due to their shrouds looking like jam pots. Enjoying the videos and approach, keep it up!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Yes I realised that on the playback but i would have had to rerecord the commentary I should have said plunger but I can be a bit of a plonker sometimes, oh all nit picking is welcome its how we learn - cheers Mike

[@johnmoore3302]

Ariel referred to them as Anstey links. I had one for years with a Watsonian double adult chair fitted. Great bike, went the full length of the British Isles on it.

[@mcb10247]

i learnt to ride on an Ariel Square 4 sidecar outfit in 1963 that belonged to a window cleaner. it was a fabulous bike.

[@kayknowles5177]

I bought a Squarial in 1967, a 1955 model, as my first motorcycle (had a scooter before then). I discovered that it did have a few problems: the rear suspension links wore out quickly (I made lots of them to replace them regularly, like an oil change), the oil pump was fragile (the Ariel Club in the UK was my salvation for parts), and the high frequency vibration made my hands go numb after about 80 miles. But I enjoyed the bike so much that I stripped it completely at 18,000 miles, had the frame zinc plated and all the chrome redone, the wheels rebult, the shell bearings changed to bronze bearings, and all parts sand blasted and repainted with 18 coats of paint. The only thing I did not change and would have was to replace the oil pump with a Triumph oil pump, for reliability. It looked better than new. However, I sold it under pressure from a keen man, and he paid me an astonishing amount of money, enough for a deposit on a house. I don't regret selling it, the high frequency vibration really irritated me. I have never seen another one and 'mine' shifted from NZ to Australia some years later when it was bought by a friend, after standing in the rain, unused for 7 years.

[@kbjerke]

The sound? Like a *MERLIN!!!!* Love it!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Richard had a very understanding Wife

[@leonardpearlman4017]

I'm a 1955 model myself! I don't think I'm holding my value as well, frankly. I have seen one such bike before, but it wasn't moving. This is a treat!

[@colinm1325]

Great sounding machine and no doubt will be running sweet soon. Great story, and keep on riding.👍👏🌏🌈💞

[@colinm1325]

Probably sounds even better live 👍👏🎶

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

I turned down the offer of an Ariel Square Four for £11 as a teenager because I only had £10 in my post office savings account. I have ridden a couple of examples of them though.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

£11 !!!! scandalous I know where you could have got one for a fiver :-)

[@marinusmourik9494]

@@LemonDrizzleGang hahaha hahaha, that's a good one 👍

[@davidmacgregor5193]

@@LemonDrizzleGang In 1978, I sold a 1968 Lambretta LI 150 for £7, I asked for a tenner but he knocked me down to seven quid due to the silencer having a small hole in it. A few weeks later someone stole it from his home and threw it in the local beck ( a small river ).

[@kazfleszar5899]

your father is a inspiration to me i now hope i be riding at his age .well done

[@donalfredisaac]

I started riding at 14 and still riding at 78, so I´m very happy to see a 90 year old rider, it gives me great hopes to keep on going, on average I make about 20,000 miles a year (22,000 so far this year) about the S4, theres is one in Mérida Yucatán, saw it the first time in 1957, unfortunately it´s not running anymore, it´s been in a workshop for many years, the ride at the end of the video is great, and of course I´m subscribing in a minute.

[@davidburne9477]

My Dad died in 2020 aged 94. He owned a hand-gear change model as a young lad. I think he was 14 or 15 at the time, and in South Australia a motorcycle licence could be obtained at around that age. The brakes were terrible, and he ruined a few pairs of footwear trying to get extra braking…. He later owned a Scott Flying Squirrel, which would be a nice bike for you blokes to feature. Sort of the RD350 of its day. Nice to see these old bikes getting around. I am 68 and get about on my unrestored 1974 Morini 3 1/2 drummie from time to time.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

+David Burne great to hear about your dad Are you still in South Aus ? i lived in Highbury for years back in Wales now Have you seen our Morini test we are big Morini fans here

[@mowoggreen7878]

Brings back memories of my 57 mk2 of a few years ago and of my 49 4G all iron 1000 tele rigid when I was 16 in 1971, i found the 49 bike somehow smoother than the 57 ?? With a hint of VW beetle exhaust note, lovely video, thanks.

[@alanireland5222]

Great sound

[@savage22bolt32]

On my phone speaker it seemed to have a nice "burble" to it.

[@danielmcneil3004]

Thanks for the Ariel video. Great sound when you open it up. I think this bike loves the open road at least in its present state of tune. A real classic beauty. Cheers, Dan. 👍🏍🇨🇦

[@keith-nb8ps]

He was only opening the throttle a third..plenty more left ..The manufacturers used to bore the rear cylinders 3 thou.. more than the front ones to allow for piston expansion..

[@bsimpson6204]

Lovely machine, the engine beat is brilliant

[@sneekylinux]

I had the privalige of riding one of these back in the 90's and what a education!!

[@stevegallagher687]

When a great video. Actually out riding a classic bike. Positively love it .

[@johnhsmith8566]

I love that your still riding never stop ..way too go.

[@michaeltowler2632]

In the 50s in our street, we had a Vincent Black Shadow and an Ariel square 4, My brother-in-law had a matchless 998cc side-valve combination. It seems impossible now but we used to go to Hurly at the weekend, Me behind my brother-in-law and my sister and 3 kids in the sidecar. The sound of the Ariel sounds so good.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

The street I grew up in one of our neighbours had an Egli Vincent stashed in a shed, would love to know what happened to it

[@davidlong7851]

Thanks for the really fresh and honest way you make your video's , always loved the Square 4

[@kevansimister3967]

Ps my first road bike was when I was old enough to get a license ( 1965 Ariel arrow 200 LMG 18 C )

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

There is a classic racer Mike Hose who races one currently its really rapid fb.watch/9D3JE_y-qH/

[@arthurclarke7072]

Great stuff nice to see great characters ,,🏍️🏔️🌋🗻

[@m0ogy]

A great video and story Mike, it reminds me of a slower reving Honda CB750 that is running bad, it has that sound, what a great story, I look forward to the Triton and the Japanese bikes as I'm a bit younger that you guys........Dave North Lincolnshire.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

I did think that there is a CB750 on rusty exhausts sound to it

[@m0ogy]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Lol, yes a CB750 set up bad with an old Alfa 4-1 or a Piper 4-1............very "Lemon Drizzle" cake days!

[@ralphfoley4827]

What a great story. Hope I'm doing something like that if I ever make it to 90.

[@robertlindstrom540]

Got my license in -74 and started with a used 100cc Kawasaki, think it was a -72. Where I grew up (Finland) the bikes that could be bought were not that many, the japanese brands were the best ones that were for sale in those days so really look forward to what you can find and film from that era. The Honda fours were the most wanted, and of course the iconic Kawasaki Z1. Never could afford any of those back then, and now I`ve become too lazy to tinker much so the nearest to a "classic" for me is my Vulcan 750 from -95 that for the moment is my only ride. Bought it in 2012 and thought that I use it for a short period until I find something that I want more. And here we are a decade later, where did that time go? Anyway, this was meant to be a short thank you for your interesting channel, hope that you continue to cover this fascinating subject. And also that we all can keep riding for decades still!

[@ultimobile]

blimey - I rode one of these in the early '70's in Brisbane Oz when I was fixing my VB600 Ariel and sidecar - and I frequently visited a guy with lots of Ariel stuff - he first had the two pipe 1000 and then acquired the 4 piper and let me ride it - after a single it was like a smooth dream - just wind it on and watch it go - didn't sound like that tho - something different in the pipes I guess.

[@kafkastrial8650]

My mate next doors dad had one and my mates mum could get it on and off the rear stand .she was a big lady but we were still impressed !

[@Brian-tb1zs]

What a Great Looking bike ! Never seen one before, thanks for showing it 👍👍👍👍👍

[@edwardroberts8761]

I'm nearly 60 and Ariels were ancient when I was young. When my mum and dad emigrated to Australia they left two British bikes behind. Bikes were cheap. Free even.

[@martinowl]

What a great story. Good luck & best wishes to the guys for the future

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Thanks appreciated

[@Aubury]

What a fellow, amazing.. bravo. Ariel were a very go ahead company, in comparison to BSA/Triumph who's death march of vertical ohv twins, to a cliff edge.

[@lesterhall5310]

Another Great, informative, entertaining and well put together video. Keep up the good work.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Much appreciated!

[@rob2475]

Hi Mike! I think I’m right in saying that we shared some hair raising moments way back when we used to swap bikes, my 400T Dream Honda for your 350 Moto Morini. Can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see you, Stuart and Richard on your channel. I also remember the Arial bits in the airing cupboard. Still tell people about it today. Great to see in it finally making a noise!!

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Rob - Great to hear from you how are you going ?

[@rob2475]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Doing fine thanks. It’s just so funny how I’ve been watching your vids for a few days totally unaware that it was you!! Not saying you’ve changed that much but when I last saw you, you were a young dashing blond guy! The penny dropped for me as soon as Stewart started speaking. He hasn’t altered much. And am I right in thinking the other ‘Drizzle’ boys Richard and Dave are the lads we used to go and visit in Shrewsbury? I’m still biking too. Have an X11 Honda, a classic 400T Dream and a RST 1000 Aprilia Futura. My wife rides a Suzuki Savage bobber and a CB 350s, and one of my daughter has an SV 650 Suzuki.

[@motolorraine]

Great to hear you and your family are into bikes. Keep watching.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

@@rob2475 yes indeed We used to call Dave Dai We are all a bit older but still the same and taking the piss out of each other What are you up to these days Stew mentioned you are a minister these days (oh motolorraine is Stew)

[@rob2475]

@@LemonDrizzleGang Well I guess Stew’s referring my being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses so in that sense a minister, but I earn a living as a Podiatrist these days. How life twists and turns eh? So you lived in Australia then. It’s great that you’re all still mates together and what a collection of lovely bikes between you. I’ve been hankering for a Griso for a while now. I still remember your excitement over getting that 750 Laverda sf I think it was. Wow, long time ago! I’ll certainly keep watching your channel, with greater interest now!

[@DayvidSchricker]

I am genuinely believing KZbin recommendations can read my mind now. I was just thinking about this very machine without searching about it on Google or other social media first.

[@TheAncientBiker]

Very interesting thanks. Also please pass on my thanks to Richard because I shall be 80 next year and I've been thinking I aught to pack up riding but he's shown it's still ok at 90 so here's to at least another 10 years. :-) (Also a Richard)

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

Great stuff and good to hear, Richard is an inspiration I will let him know he has inspired you to carry - thank you for watching - Mike

[@brienfoaboutanything9037]

True about Ariel Motorcycles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3qzZouZnKt2opY

[@hawkwood6405]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Richard is an inspiration. Keep the videos coming.

[@nbandpinportugal]

Lovely story. Keep them doggies rollin'....

[@Bulletguy07]

I'm not a biker but always enjoyed looking at them and that bike is a beautiful example of engineering. Easy to see why it's now considered the "family heirloom" despite spending a deal of time in bits scattered around the house......including the airing cupboard!! It's easily good for another 70 years so Richard will be riding that on his 100th birthday!

[@andrewelder8751]

Great bikes guys! My first was a 1958 350 Gold Star (B31?). 2nd was a 1971 750/5 BMW. Current bike I bought new, a 1974 BMW R90S. Safe riding.

[@notwocdivad]

They used to call the Square 4 the "Gentleman's Tourer" I have heard of some owners over boring the rear two cylinders by a gnats hair (old engineering measurement!) to stop nipping up with the heat, and fitting a small oil cooler these two changes are supposed to aid reliability a great deal! If originality is not a concern it may be worth looking into? Long may you continue to ride Sir, you are an inspiration to all us who are in our advancing years!!!

[@vanislandsteve]

What a beauty!!

[@tonupkid8524]

God, what a super ride through the countryside towards the end of the video ! That really takes me back to times past. I had a ’57 MK2 here in Montreal until a couple of years ago, but never dared to give it full rein. I always rode it as if it was an old gentleman, keeping it well below 2500 rpm for fear that one of its rods would snap, or a bore would seize ! Every km I did, I would be listening intently for the slightest sign of imminent disaster, or a different engine sound, my muscles tensed for a sudden emergency clutch disengage manoeuvre. Even so, I loved that bike to bits !

[@carlsitler9071]

That must be the most awesome bike I've seen. I owned a 1963 Montgomery 260 thumper.

[@larrymonaghan7318]

Beautiful bike. Awesome rider. I’m 58 and will never stop riding

[@garybrown4854]

I've only ever seen one in the flesh once , a magnificent beast , well done to the owners and those concerned for saving it , hope it makes it to the I.O.M. Classic . Looking forward to the updates on the build , hope you can find the OE parts to get it back to how it should be . Great back story to this bike as well , wish the owners and the LDG the best in your endeavors , well done .

[@swampmarshy]

Absolutely magnificent bike, sounds wonderful. I’ve only ever seen one, and that was a long time ago. The wife was asking me today about how many more years of riding I can do. At 58, I got almost another lifetime if Richard is anything to go by, the man is a true inspiration. Loving your work, please keep it up.

[@Afro408]

Beautiful! My uncle had one with a side car, when I was a lad back in the fifties, but I never saw it, or remember him, because he was killed on it at a level crossing. 🤷‍♂️ Heard plenty of stories about it from my mother.

[@G100666]

I love stories that start with a chat in a pub 🙂

[@deancardon8138]

Loved seeing this my Dad owned one!

[@regd.2263]

I love it I'm glad I'm not the only one that's got stuff everywhere in my home, like the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and sitting room. I have memories of a Ariel square four in the 1960's, but I was a scooter owner but now I own a Triumph Bonneville America at 74. One of my mates had the square four I will never forget it because I couldn't get over how much it sounded like car engine when revved up. Well enjoy it matey and have many more hours of motorcycling

[@ชญาภาเเจ็คสัน]

I thought I was veteran rider at 81..beat me Frank Jackson by 9 years.. just bought a Intersepter..just love it.

[@Davidm1956]

Great video Mike, thanks for sharing. Never new an Ariel Square 4 had such a great exhaust note. 65 years old and that's the first time I've heard one. I'd buy one just for that. Loved the rider view too - the Smith's ammeter dancing from -15 to +15 telling you absolutely nothing! Reminds me of my first bike - a 1955 C11 BSA. Dad was awesome. Like my cousin in his mid 90's still kicking around with old Riley's and a mid 50's RR Silver Dawn. Keep going boys :)

[@stewartentwiistle952]

Brill vid guys. Stu's dad is an inspiration!! I'm 68 and current bikes are KTM Superduke 1290R, KTM RC8R and KTM Superduke 990. I had my dad's Ariel Huntmaster 650 for 40 years which sadly was left at the back of the garage during a house move and sent to the tip with the rest of the "junk" by the new owners before I could rescue it. More with Stu's dad please. I'm sure he must have some fantastic stories from his biking over the years.

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

I have always fancied a Superduke 990 I have ridden lots and also SMT990s will get one eventually

[@stevenholton438]

Tragic!!