The Armstrong MT500 Military Motorcycle

Origins of the MT500:

The Armstrong MT500 traces its roots back to the early 1980s when Armstrong-CCM Motorcycles, a British manufacturer, was commissioned to create a reliable, simple, and tough motorcycle for military use. Built around a Rotax 500cc single-cylinder engine, the MT500 was designed to be robust, low-maintenance, and versatile enough to handle the unpredictable demands of armed forces.

Image Credits: Wiki

Military Adoption:

The MT500 found service primarily with the British Army, but also saw adoption by NATO allies, including Canada. Its air-cooled engine and basic mechanical systems meant fewer points of failure, making it ideal for field repairs. Unlike flashy civilian bikes, the MT500 was strictly utilitarian: matte paint, blackout lighting, rifle brackets, and panniers emphasized function over form.

What Made It Special:

Engine: The Rotax 504E single-cylinder, producing around 32 horsepower, known for reliability. A clever aspect of the engines design - if the cambelt snaps, the piston and valves will not collide. The worst that happens is the bike stops running - frustrating in the field, but it doesn’t destroy the engine.

This was very deliberate, because the MT500 was built for military use, where reliability and ease of repair were more important than maximum performance.

Design: Built for off-road use, with long-travel suspension and a high ground clearance. This meant the MT500 could tackle rugged terrain with ease, from muddy tracks to rocky trails.

The long-travel suspension absorbed shocks and bumps, giving riders stability and control even when fully loaded with gear.

High ground clearance ensured it could traverse obstacles like logs, ruts, or uneven surfaces without risk of bottoming out. Combined with knobby military tires and a sturdy frame, the MT500 was engineered to go where standard road bikes couldn’t, making it a dependable tool in unpredictable combat environments.

Durability: Minimal electronics and rugged construction meant it could withstand harsh conditions. The MT500 was intentionally designed to be as “soldier-proof” as possible. By avoiding fragile electronics and unnecessary complexity, it could survive exposure to mud, water, dust, and extreme weather. With a tough steel frame, simple mechanical systems, and field-serviceable parts, the MT500 was built to keep moving when it mattered most.

Adaptability: Configurations included mounts for weapons and cargo, tailored for different operational needs. The motorcycle could be fitted with panniers for supplies, racks for carrying essential field equipment, and even mounts designed to secure rifles. This flexibility allowed soldiers to customize the MT500 depending on mission requirements, whether it was for reconnaissance, courier duties, or supply transport. Its ability to transform from a lightweight messenger bike into a fully equipped utility vehicle highlighted the versatility that made it so valuable in the field. Some display bikes today carry MTP Field Packs, as they fit nicely with the style of the bike and are practical for long rides.

Left Sided Kick Start: The left-side kick start is another quirky but defining feature of the Armstrong MT500.

Most motorcycles have the kick starter on the right-hand side, but the Rotax engine used in the MT500 was designed with it on the left. Soldiers could mount or dismount the bike from the left (the standard side, especially when carrying a rifle or pack) and still kick-start without circling around.

The Rotax’s layout meant the kick starter fit more efficiently on the left, keeping the overall build simpler.

For collectors today, the left-hand kick start is one of those unusual details that makes the MT500 instantly recognizable and more unique.

Legacy

By the early 1990s, Harley-Davidson acquired the design and introduced the MT350E, a slightly updated version with electric start and refinements. Still, the MT500 remains the original blueprint, remembered fondly by collectors, enthusiasts, and veterans who rode them in service.

The MT500 Today

Finding an MT500 today is no easy task. With limited production numbers and years of hard military service, surviving examples are scarce. For those lucky enough to own one, the bike represents more than just transportation—it’s a piece of history, a symbol of engineering pragmatism, and a reminder of an era when simplicity was the ultimate sophistication.