Armstrong MT500 CFR 86-78530

[Grant McCullough]

Hi Robin, looks like you found a nice project to keep you busy. The first time I saw one, I asked the rider what it was, he said it was a Harley, the side cover on that bike also said Harley Davidson. I suppose the parts supply was going to the CF,from Harley by then. I only saw one in service once, the previously mentioned rider noted my enthusiasm, but (Wisely) declined my request to ride his machine.

I also own one of these hard to find machines. It took quite a few years from the first time I saw one, until I was able to get one for the collection.

Force Motorcycles out in the UK has a large amount of spares. You may require some of their wares, judging from the look of the piston and the strange angle of the connecting rod. I would love to know the cause of the engine failure, to avoid any future ones. If you find out the cause, please share with the community.

I hope you the very best in successful resurrection of this rare machine.

Grant McCullough

[Robin Craig]

Thank you all for the comments.

Alex, the TRW doesn't interest me frankly, don't know why, but doesn't.

Grant thanks for the comments.

The bike went by Covid courier to a mate who is going to assemble the bike for me. The Canadian parts manual has arrived.

He has put the two halve together so far and that's about it. Once he gets the manual the shopping list will come out and the parts order will go in.

Maybe riding this summer, who knows.

[Peter Phillips]

Hi Robin, I was in 1 Svc Bn from 86-92 then 2 Svc Bn from 92-97 and do vaguely recall seeing a few bikes neglected and sitting in various compounds in Calgary and Petawawa. If anyone asked about them the story goes that they were for DR's (Signals Dispatch Riders) to use to convey messages in the field from the Battalion CP to the Brigade CP. But I was also informed that no one used them because a) they broke down a lot, and b) no one was qualified to ride them, and c) the Iltis had a heater and overhead protection. Don't forget the Iltis was the new toy back then so they got used a lot. And as I think about it, 90% of exercises were held in the Fall, Winter and Spring which made the bike even less desirable to use. In all the exercises I was involved in from BC to NB over 11 years in support of every unit in the Brigade, I can truly say I never seen one working in person. That's not to say they weren't a good machine in the right hands.

On a lighter note working for various units (1 Fld Amb to be exact), anyone ever load up a 6 x 6 5-ton with feminine hygiene products wearing webbing and a rifle with cam paint on Good times!

[Alex Sandor Csank]

Originally Posted by Robin Craig

Alex, the TRW doesn't interest me frankly, don't know why, but doesn't

Well, that's certainly in MY favour, as you won't take mine then!

[Ed Williamson]

I have one too

[Alex Sandor Csank]

Originally Posted by Ed Williamson

I have one too

Ed, you DO have eclectic tastes in vehicles, don't you?

[Robin Craig]

So the work has started, by my mate, not my handy work.

He has taken apart the front wheel hub. so far its new wheel bearings and brake shoes. he is thinking new control cables may be prudent and a fuel tap for the tank and new tires as these are shot.

It will be a slow process as he has other work to do but I am happy to have someone knowledgeable do the work for me. In the mean time I do work for others and my side job to afford it all, fair exchange, and progress.

[Darrell Zinck]

Hi Robin

A video from a m/c centric youtuber on the Armstrong MT500 (78569) that I thought you might like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2yR4d_pu14&t=22s

Happy New Year

regards
Darrell