'58 Ariel Square Four

[Rock 'n Roll DaddyO]

So, I have a chance to buy a '58 Ariel Square Four. It was running when parked, it should fire with fresh gas, lines, and battery. My question is what is a bike like this worth? The bike is in storage so no pics right now.

[Tattoo]

Originally Posted by Rock 'n Roll DaddyO

So, I have a chance to buy a '58 Ariel Square Four. It was running when parked, it should fire with fresh gas, lines, and battery. My question is what is a bike like this worth? The bike is in storage so no pics right now.

Photos will really help. What is he asking for it?

[GT6Steve]

It's worth both of my testicles since I'm not using them anyway!

The Square Four is just goofy enough to be my ultimate dream machine. Keep us in the loop if you succeed in buying it!

[Rock 'n Roll DaddyO]

No pics as of now, it's actually a '57 not a '58, not missing anything. No asking price just make an offer. I was thinking about offering 9-10k, is this a fair price? Too high? Too low?

[Lindy]

How complete and how original 9-10 is way to high IMO, square fits are bad ass but if your planning on keeping and riding you had better be prepared to learn a lot about wrenching (more than most British bikes) as they have some very unique quirks!

[el diablo]

how about 5K and see how the other party reacts ?!

those ariel SF can be a pain in the ass sometimes
and yep they need maintenance more than a triumph or BSA

but there aren't many around and there for good bike to buy and invest in

[Lindy]

This is one that my Dad had several years ago, I know he got into for way less than 5 (prices have gone up some I know) it was a running bike and very origional, but it did need a little top end work as it had some leaks (but dont they all)

[gumpy]

Rock n roll

You may want to take a person u trust to go take a close look at the bike...I always like to purchase something that i can take a good look at...bring the bike outside in direct sunlight...then you will have an idea what its worth...talk about the positives about the bike...if u start nit pickin the gent may not want to sell to you...all prices are negoitable...if u hang around long enough he will tell u what he wants for it....you might be surprized with a lower price ...

[Rubone]

In the '70s I passed on a really nice square four because the owner took the top end off to rebuild it and it was stolen out of the back of his truck. So a really nice Squariel with no top end. Should have bought it but at the time I had no clue how to find the missing parts. After all, he only wanted $75 bucks!
Robbie

[Rock 'n Roll DaddyO]

I can trust the seller since it's my uncle! He has several Ariel's but will not sell any of them, the one I am trying to buy belongs to my aunt. I do not want to lowball them on the bike, so I am just looking for a fair no haggle price. If I spend a little more I don't really mind since I know the history of the bike, she has owned it since the late '60's. All original and complete! So, what's it worth?

[Hopper]

Well, they sell at auction for big money, 15 to 27k etc.
http://www.midamericaauctions.com/au...&submit=Search
But they are fully restored.
A bike that 'ran when it was put away' is not fully restored. It might just need a bit of tinkering, or it might need $10,000 worth of parts, paint and chrome, plus up to 1,000 hours of your time to do the work.
So depends on what the real shape of the bike is, how many miles it has from new, how it was treated.
Pics would really help.

What price does your uncle/aunt want for the bike?

[Goldy]

The price you mentioned is on the high side, but if it's in good condition and runs, you are in the ballpark...I've seen good original ones go for a lot more than that.

[panhead_pete]

Maybe tell your uncle you aren't sure and don't want to offend him with an offer he may feel is a very low offer?????

[slddnmatt]

i bought this one a few months ago, its a prewar one,and it hadn't been started in quite a few years.. took me a day to get it fired up, but the ariel experts tell me the SQ fours have some oil gallies that have a tendency to plug up from sitting over time with oil in them. wouldnt want to granade the engine at higher rpm from lack of lubrication.. the prices vary quite a bit on the years and condition..