When an email from Ariel, a UK-based sports car brand, arrived in my inbox, I wondered if someone had mistaken me for another JC. Jeremy Clarkson and his "Top Gear" duo may have been the team that introduced me to the Ariel brand, but this email was addressed to me.

That's because the Somerset, England-based brand has once again stepped into the motorcycle world after a 92-year hiatus.

Named "Dash," the bike commemorates Ariel's first product, the Ariel Ordinary, which the brand claims was the world's first mass-produced vehicle, created in 1871.

Ariel Dash comes in two versions: the belt-driven Dash Urban and the Shimano-powered Dash Adventure. Both are built around a 1.3 kg frame (in different shapes) that combines titanium and carbon fiber and uses 3D printed lugs for internal cable routing and a clean aesthetic.

The frame uses Reynolds 6-4Ti seamless ELI titanium tubing. The tubes are joined with 3D printed Ti-6AL-4V grade 5 titanium, using the same machinery that produces space rocket combustion chamber components and satellite thrusters.

The seat tube and seat post are made of carbon fiber, creating the beauty of a continuous tube from the bottom bracket to the saddle clamp.

The Dash Urban with Zipp's Vuka track bar on the front uses a single-speed Gates carbon belt drive. It weighs 10.9 kg and uses the Mahle X35+ power system with a 250 Wh battery and 250 W rear hub motor. It promises a range of up to 45 miles and up to 80 miles with the optional range extender.

The Dash Adventure is powered by Shimano's 1x12 GRX mechanical groupset and offers a 2x12 Mahle X20 power system with a 236 Wh battery and 250 W motor. The Adventure promises a range of up to 50 miles, or 95 miles with the range extender.

Both bikes can be connected to the Mahle My Smartbike app, which allows users to configure the bike, adjust power delivery settings, log activities, and install firmware updates.

Both bikes will be fitted with Aera GR23 wheels assembled to Hope RS4 hubs, with the option to upgrade to Aera AR45 carbon wheels. Mudguards, tailfin luggage racks, tailfin pannier bags, integrated Super Nova lights, and Brooks C13 saddles can also be specified as options.

The standard Dash Urban is priced at £8,320 plus VAT (20%) for £9,984. The price for the gravel bike, the Dash Adventure, is £9,160 plus VAT, or £10,992. No pricing information is currently available for the optional extras.

Each bike will be made to order by a single technician at Ariel's factory in Crewkerne, Somerset. Bikes will be available for order from June 10, 2024, but lead times have not yet been finalized.

After the 1871 Ordinary, the British brand continued to make bicycles for over 60 years, producing men's, women's, and racing cycles until 1932.

In 1873, James Moore set the first hour record with an Ordinary High Wheel. He ran 14.5 miles over the Molineux Grounds in Wolverhampton; in 1893, this record was set by J. W. Stocks at 25 miles, and in 1897 it was set at 32.5 miles.

In 1932, Ariel's attention turned to motorcycles and Ariel bicycle production was halted. Today's launch marks the end of that 92-year hiatus.