BMW R42 vs Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter (1959)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R42stacks up against the Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R42 | Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1928 | 1959 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 12 hp | 26 hp |
| Fuel capacity | — | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 3-speed | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | — | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.5-26 / 3.5-26 | 3.25-20 / 3.25-19 |
BMW R42 vs Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R42 and the Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R42 brings 12 hp, while the Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter counters with 26 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: