When we went to the Ariel factory a few years ago, we asked the question about whether a tuned version of the Ace would be built. It was alluded to then, but in the form of the new R we finally have our answer. Using the Honda VFR1200 motor, the body built around the bike could certainly take more power – and it’s now been given that in the form of a tuned block that’s said to hit 201bhp. This is done via Mark Woodage – aka Brains of paddock fame. A reworking of the bike’s internals will be married to a tweaked chassis, BST wheels and Öhlins specced to suit. Well, if you’re paying 60 grand for one, you’d want it to suit you, right?