• Ten-year production run of the bespoke Ariel Ace motorcycle concludes
• Personalised specification and Gulf-type livery marks final model of exclusive and collectable Ace bikes
• Future may see more Ariel motorcycles continuing the company’s 150+ year two-wheel manufacturing legacy

Ariel Motor Company, the UK-based low-volume manufacturer of ultra-lightweight road, track, and off-road vehicles, has announced that the last Ace motorcycle has now been delivered to its owner. Marking the end of a decade of production, the final model nicknamed ‘The Last One’ was the last of the 1,237cc Ariel Ace motorcycles built at the home of Ariel in Crewkerne, Somerset.

Released in 2014, the Ace had a machined billet aluminium frame, and a Honda V4 engine mated to a manual or DCT gearbox, it also featured multi-configurable options – including Ariel’s own girder forks. With the ability to configure bikes to individual specification, from Cruiser to Café Racer, the Ace also spawned several limited editions: the Ace R, the Ace of Diamonds, the Iron Horse, and the Black Edition.  

Every Ace motorcycle was a bespoke build to each customer’s personal specification. ‘The Last One’ was just as special, featuring a one-off ‘Gulf’ type livery, signed by the entire Ariel team. As with all Ariels the bike was constructed, start to finish, by one technician – the honour of the final build went to experienced Ace technician, Joe Green.

Joe Green, Ariel Technician: “It felt like a big moment to send off the last Ace motorcycle. We’ve loved creating these bespoke works of art and we look forward to each returning for scheduled servicing – it’s like seeing old friends again.”

The company’s long tradition of two-wheel manufacturing spans more than 150 years. Today, Ariel remains on two wheels with the new titanium and carbon Ariel Dash E-bike, which is soon to begin production for customers. Although the last Ace motorcycle has been built, the future may still see further Ariel models.

Simon Saunders, Ariel Director: “The history of Ariel is steeped in bicycles and motorcycles, and we’re keen to ensure that this legacy continues to feed our future. We are already looking at the possibilities for a new, different Ariel motorcycle – so, watch this space!”

With Ace production now finished, the exclusive models produced over the last decade are set to rise in value as they become collectors’ items. Ariel retains the original prototype Ace and a demonstrator in the company’s ever-expanding museum.

article supplied

Touratech comfort seats are now also available for the BMW R 1300 GS. Equipped with a new type of heating as standard, the seats, which are available in different heights, can be easily replaced with the original equipment thanks to plug-and-play technology.

As the central interface between rider and machine, the motorbike seat plays an important role in a holistic ergonomic concept. Touratech has been committed to this important area of vehicle equipment for three decades and has developed world-leading technologies for optimum motorcycle seating.

Advanced technologies for maximum comfort
Touratech comfort seats always have a core made of high-quality foam, the properties of which are not only model-specific, but also customised depending on the respective padding thickness using individual formulations. The carefully shaped foam core has an anatomically optimised groove that relieves pressure on the coccyx and concentrates power transmission on the sit bones. The precisely defined angle of the seat surface supports an ergonomically correct posture. The ingenious design of the seat cross-section makes it possible to realise a minimum crotch arch length with maximum cushion thickness. This makes it easy to reach the ground with your feet despite the generous upholstery.

Premium quality made in Germany
Touratech comfort seats are supplied exclusively as a ready-to-mount unit, so that easy replacement with a perfect fit is guaranteed. Like the foam core, the high-quality, accurately fitting seat base is a quality product made in Germany. Touratech comfort seats are equipped with the advanced Fresh Touch cover as standard. The special finish of this material ensures intense reflection of the sun's rays, reducing the heating of the surface by up to 10 degrees Celsius compared to conventional materials. Naturally, all seams are carefully taped so that the cover is 100 per cent waterproof.

Comfort seats with model-specific features for the BMW R 1300 GS
The new Touratech comfort seats for the BMW R 1300 GS also build on this high-quality technical basis. And they impress with a number of additional model-specific details. The most striking feature is the elaborate decor, which is coordinated with the vehicle design but sets striking visual accents. 
However, the seats also have some special technical features. The pillion seat, for example, has no longitudinal adjustment, so that a bombproof hold is guaranteed. This was made possible by the anatomical contour, which allows the pillion passenger to sit in a sovereign position independently of the rider. 

Optimum heat diffusion thanks to innovative heating technology
The new Touratech comfort seats for the BMW R 1300 GS, which are always supplied with heating, also offer real innovations on the inside. A new technology enables even more homogeneous heat distribution over a maximum area. The extremely slim design of the new seat heating, which is completely laminated into the base material, now makes it possible for the first time to equip low - and therefore thinly upholstered - seats with this comfort feature.

Plug & Play: Simple replacement, operation as usual
As you would expect from Touratech, the new heated seats for the BMW R 1300 GS also work as an easy-to-install plug-and-play solution. They are operated as usual via the existing BMW control system. This means: via a rotary switch on the handlebars for the rider's seat and a separate switch for the pillion rider.

The rider's seat for the BMW R 1300 GS is available in four heights: low (-2 cm seat height), standard (standard seat height), high (+2 cm) and extra high (+4 cm). The pillion seat is always supplied in standard height.

Further information in the webshop

article supplied

Ace Cafe London is delighted to be able to confirm attendance at Intermot, the prestigious event packed bike show making its eagerly awaited return in Cologne from 5th – 8th December 2024.

With everything for those who love the world of motorised two-wheels, from petrol engines to electric rides, and e-bikes to sports n’ tourers - whether you’re a rookie or experienced on two wheels, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy at Intermot 2024.

Together with stand and display, at Intermot this year the Ace celebrates not only the recent 30th annual Ace Cafe Reunion, and 60th anniversary of the release in 1964 of the film "The Leather Boys", which featured the cafe and many of its then patrons and their bikes, as well as the 86th Anniversary of the cafe having originally opened in 1938, the 27th anniversary of “Ace Corner” opening on Sundays in 1997 for a “View & Brew”, and the 23rd anniversary of the cafe having fully re-opened in 2001!

See you at Intermot 2024
Hall 7.1 stand A-059

/
https://www.facebook.com/INTERMOT

See you at the Ace in 2025!

Motorcycle enthusiasts hold on to your seats… World 500CC Champion, the one and only, Wayne Gardner is set to take centre stage at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show, taking place at Newark Showground on January 11-12, 2025.

The Indonesian family of the Gresini Racing MotoGP Team continues to grow. Starting in 2025 and for two seasons, the Gresini MotoGP Team will enjoy the support of Velg Rossi, a leading company in the motorcycle wheels industry.
 
United by innovation and a passion for two wheels, Velg Rossi will team up in the premier class with Nadia Padovani’s team, which from next March will field rookie Fermin Aldeguer alongside the confirmed Alex Marquez.
 
Velg Rossi will gain visibility on the swingarms of the Desmosedici GP24 bikes numbered 54 and 73, on the box panels, and on the trucks of the Faenza-based team.