Ariel HT5

Key facts

Year

1958
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

497cc
Cylinders

1
Valves

Overhead valve
Output

24bhp at 5,800rpm
Performance

Dependent on gearing
Price new

£243
Loaned by

Private owner
Manufacturer

Ariel Motors Ltd

Although only in production from 1956 to 1959, the Ariel HT5 is widely considered to be one of the finest trials motorcycles ever. This bike was ridden by Gordon Blakeway in the 1958 International Six Day Trial (ISDT) held at Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany. Blakeway and Ariel team mates Ron Langston and Tim Gibbes (standing in for Sammy Miller) were awarded individual gold medals (no marks lost).

The International Six Day Trial originated as the International Touring Trial in 1913. The ISDT soon attracted the attention of leading manufacturers, who saw it as the ultimate test for their motorcycles. Since 1981 the annual event has been known as the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE).