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← Ariel
Allround · 1954

LH 200 Colt

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MotoLibrary Score
37 /100 Commuter
Power/Weight
0.08 hp/kg
Top Speed
100 km/h
Engine
197 ccm

1954 Ariel LH 200 Colt Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Ariel's allround motorcycle lineup, the 1954 Ariel LH 200 Colt utilizes a 197 cc (12 cu in) air-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 10 HP (7.3 kW) at 5,600 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 50.8 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the LH 200 Colt measures 123 kg (271 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.08 HP/kg (12.3 kg per horsepower). The 11-liter (2.9 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 3.5 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 314 km (195 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 100 km/h (62 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Ariel archive, this model family spans 6 indexed model years from 1954 to 1959, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
50.8 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.08 HP/kg (12.3 kg/HP)
Theoretical Range
~314 km (195 mi)
Engine
Displacement 197.0 ccm (12.02 cubic inches)
Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke
Engine Details Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power 10.0 HP (7.3 kW)) @ 5600 RPM
Compression 7.5:1
Bore x Stroke 60.0 x 70.0 mm (2.4 x 2.8 inches)
Fuel System Carburettor
Fuel Control Overhead Valves (OHV)
Ignition Battery/coil
Cooling Air
Transmission
Gearbox 4-speed
Final Drive Chain (final drive)
Clutch Multiple dry plate
Performance
Top Speed 100.0 km/h (62.1 mph)
Fuel Consumption 3.50 litres/100 km (28.6 km/l or 67.21 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 81.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Exhaust 1-into-1 pipes
Chassis
Frame Type Semi double cradle
Front Suspension Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear Suspension Plungers
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 2.75-19
Rear Tyre 2.75-19
Front Brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear Brakes Expanding brake (drum brake)
Wheels Wire spoked
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 123.0 kg (271.2 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.0813 HP/kg
Overall Length 2030 mm (79.9 inches)
Fuel Capacity 11.00 litres (2.91 US gallons)
Other
Starter Kick
Electrical 6 Volt system
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Suspension
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Transmission
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Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

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Beginner
A2 license compatible, manageable power.
🌍
Best For
All-Round & Adventure
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Handling
Very lightweight — easy to handle
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