Ariel Gets Back Into Bikes with Customizable Ace Motorcycle

And while the Atom may be as close to a motorcycle with four wheels as you're likely to find, the modern firm founded by Simon Saunders is getting back to its roots with the launch of the two-wheeler seen here.

Called the Ariel Ace, it's a highly customizable bike that buyers can outfit more as a cruiser or a naked sport bike. Like the Atom, it's powered by a Honda engine: in this case a 1237cc V4 producing 175 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque – sufficient to power the Ace to 100 km/h in a quoted 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 265 km/h. Customers will also be able to choose between a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox, two suspension setups, three fuel-tank sizes, three seat heights and three wheelbase lengths, combining to provide a staggering array of choices instead of conforming to one type of ride or another.

Around the engine, Ariel has built a tubular aluminum frame that draws obvious inspiration from the Atom and is cloaked, where necessary, in carbon-composite bodywork. The bike is set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, with production slated to start next year at a rate of 100-150 units per year. It won't come cheap, though, as Ariel sets the starting price at £20,000, which comes out to about $34k but also includes the UK's 20 percent VAT rate.