AJS Model 18 500 Statesman vs Ariel KH 500 Red Hunter (1965)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the AJS Model 18 500 Statesmanstacks up against the Ariel KH 500 Red Hunter. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | AJS Model 18 500 Statesman | Ariel KH 500 Red Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1965 | 1953 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 498 cc | 498 cc |
| Horsepower | 28 hp | 28 hp |
| Weight | 172 kg | 177 kg |
| Seat height | — | 31 mm |
| Fuel capacity | — | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | — | 4-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.25-18 / 3.25-18 | 3.00-20 / 3.50-19 |
AJS Model 18 500 Statesman vs Ariel KH 500 Red Hunter — which should you buy?
Picking between the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman and the Ariel KH 500 Red Hunter usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the AJS Model 18 500 Statesman brings 28 hp in a 172 kg package, while the Ariel KH 500 Red Hunter counters with 28 hp at 177 kg.
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:

