The Armstrong MT500 Military Motorcycle.

General

CCM ARMSTRONG Motorcycles of Bolton Lancashire manufactured the Armstrong MT500 for the MoD Contract No.FVE23B1680 from 1985 to 1987. Over 2000 units were supplied to the British Forces for use in the UK , (including Northern Ireland ), West Germany , and Cyprus and in the Gulf. The Canadian and Jordanian forces also had similar specification bikes albeit in smaller numbers.

Disposal of used MT500's by the MoD commenced as early as 1989, with the majority being replaced during 1994 to 1998. After the contract had been completed, the company, spare parts service etc. was sold to Harley-Davidson who continues to offer the bike in various specifications to various Forces throughout the world. The replacement General Purpose Motorcycle chosen by the British government in 1993 was the Harley-Davidson MT350, which whilst not identical to the MT500, does share many parts with the earlier bike.

Description

Dual-purpose on/off road bike.

Engine

• 485cc Four Stroke twin port single cylinder ohc engine with four valves.
• Bore & Stroke 89mm x 77.4mm.
• Power: 32 BHP @ 6200rpm.
• Torque; 38NM @ 5500rpm.
• Ignition: CDI electronic ignition, independent of Battery/Alternator system.
• Lubrication: Dry sump "oil in frame" with pressure feed through engine & gearbox.
• Washable primary & replaceable element secondary filters.
• Air Filtration system: Paper element
• Carburettor: 30mm Amal as standard.
• Gearbox; 5 Speed constant mesh, pressure lubricated, with wet multiplate clutch.
• Final Drive; 520 O Ring Chain.

Electrical System

• Battery : 12volt 5-amp hour.
• Alternator: 190 watt.
• Headlight: 45/40 watt.
• Other: Full Road lighting including Indicators, Brake lamp, Dashboard warning lights. Etc.

Frame

• All steel Frame and Swinging arm, with Taper roller head bearings and needle roller swinging arm bearings, the latter being grease able.
• Front engine protector bars, steel sump guard, folding foot pegs, main stand and side stand. Rear mounted rack with pannier frames fitted on either side.
• Marzocchi front suspension with Ohlins twin rear suspension units.

Wheels

Akront Magnesium alloy rims; Front 21" Rear 18" With Metzeler Enduro tyres normally fitted as standard.

Brakes

Sealed drum brakes front & rear.

Bodywork

All heavy-duty plastic including seat base, side panels, headlamp cowling, front & rear mudguards, and air box.

Performance.

• 0~60 mph in 9.5 sec.
• Maximum speed approx 95 mph.
• Cruising speed 70 mph.
• Fuel Consumption: Approx 50~60 mpg.
• Range: 120 miles approx.

Dimensions & Capacities.

• Unlade weight: 160kg approx.
• Fuel capacity: 12 litres.
• Fuel type: Unleaded or Leaded.

Equipment

Kick-start, single seat, quick detach rear wheel, decompressor lever, manual cable choke, blackout switch on electrical system. Twin mirrors.

Available extras

Dual seat, genuine pannier bags, special 10litre jerricans, headlight guards, long-range fuel tanks, tyre pumps, stainless steel exhaust mufflers, Mikuni Carburettor kits, Hand Guards.

In addition to stocking quality fully checked examples of the bikes, we also hold huge stocks of genuine spare parts for the MT500 and MT350, accurately computer controlled , available by mail order etc, Most Credit and Debit Cards accepted and normally 24 hr parts despatch.

As from July 2001, we are proud to announce that we are the ONLY Armstrong MT500 parts supplier, actually approved by CCM Motorcycles Ltd, the original manufacturer.

Please note certain items are offered subject to availability.

E & OE.