ARMSTRONG MT500 MOTORCYCLE
| Weight: | 160kg | Length: | 2.17m |
| Height: | 1.16m | Width: | 0.79m |
| Crew: | 1 | Maximum Road Speed: | 130km/h |
Many thanks to Jay of Barton Motors of Bath Ltd for the information below
The Armstrong-CCM company started supplying MT500 bikes to the UK army in 1984, replacing the Can-Am Bombardier.
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.
MT500
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 multi-plate 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.
MT500
