1959 Norton/Ariel Esquire

In a discussion of the greatest British motorcycle engines, t is impossible to avoid Ariel's Square Four. Likewise, orton's Featherbed frame is generally seen as one of the greatest chassis of the era. Throw these two together in a period-built custom, nd the result is an inevitably interesting machine. This so-called Esquire is just that, eaturing a 1956 Ariel engine mated with a 1959 Norton Frame.
Placing the engine from one bike into the frame of another is nothing new to the Cafe scene. Nortons featherbed frame is often to be seen in these conversions, ut ariel engines are much more unorthodox. This custom was built in California in 1963, nd was only one of the three built like it that year.
This bike is one of the most intriguing Cafe builds we have seen in a while. It could likely give even the venerable Norvin a run for its money, nd is far more unique. Much of the British motorcycle industry's best is represented in this custom: we would ride it everywhere, nd as often as possible.
The Ariel square four was extremely capable as a long-legged tourer in it's day. We wonder how much of it's character was changed with the Norton frame. But it is a sublime marriage that handles and performs flawlessley.

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