HARLEY DAVIDSON MT 350 E MILITARY BIKE

[Gil Boyd]

Well I went and did it part of my mid life crisis, well thats what I told my wife anyway. Saw one for sale low mileage and really tidy and went for it.
Got the manual too..............must be good REME produced it. It takes me back to 95 when I used one to visit the lads out in the OOloo, much better then those kick start Armstrong 2 strokes we had previously which didn't like being chucked out of planes...............this is HD electric start a pure luxury

Information

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[WarPig1976]

Chuck those Hollywood bars for a set of Mini Apes and remove your baffle and I'd say you're in business. Maybe a pair of forward controls in the future, you know, once you're comfortable with the bike.

[Gil Boyd]

Well looked after

[mrclark303]

Nice one Gil, that's a very smart looking ride and only been dropped out the back of a C130 once!

[Gil Boyd]

John,
Funnily enough it had on a pallet though. I was the only RSM on two wheels, got me away from the Officers for part of the time on exercise. Peace and Quiet!!

[bigduke6]

Nice Gil,

I was looking at one myself but just bought the AJS, so on hold for now.......

[Gil Boyd]

I was speaking to one of the buyers who worked at MOD Abbey Wood last week who has since retired.
His sole job was to buy 2000 of these in 1995 from Harley direct to replace the 500cc Armstrong he tells me which were failing at a very high rate. It was quite a difficult procurement he tells me, what with electric start needed and a kick start and a smaller engine, as well as an SA80 case which could take the sight too, and that it could carry the same load phew..................not easy then!!!

He reckons in all probability there are only about 1200 on the open civvy market, so have become quite a sought after beast, especially if you get it with all the boxes too, which cost about £500+.
You never know, might need that rifle case in the next few months if it all goes Pete Tong over here in the UK.............in the meantime, I'll carry my sandwiches

MT350 History:

In 1984 CCM-Armstrong, a relatively small company manufacturing competition bikes, was awarded the contract for supply of motorcycles to the British Army. Based in the north west of England, CCM has a renowned history for competition success dating back to the early 1970s.

Initial contracts were for the supply of approx 3000 Armstrong MT500s to British, Jordanian and Canadian armies, between 1984 and 1987. Thereafter, manufacturing rights were sold to Harley-Davison USA.

From the late 1980s, disposal of MT500s began; and in 1993, the replacement MT350 was sourced directly from Harley Davidson. Similar in many ways to its predecessor, the 350 shares many cycle parts with the 500.

The MT350 general purpose military motorcycle has far outlived its life expectancy - a testament to the bike's design and strength. It has successfully served where many bikes have failed.

The MT350 continues to operate successfully with the versatile design enabling repeated rebuilding as parts become worn or damaged, as would be expected for a vehicle operating under such adverse conditions and arduous duty cycles.

For some years, both the MT500 and 350 have been available on the open market with many examples in circulation and an active aftermarket supported by various interested groups.

Engine: Rotax 4-stroke 4-valve head, OHC single cylinder twin-port
Lubrication: Oil carried in frame. Dry sump, pressure fed through engine/gearbox
Gearbox: 5-speed constant mesh, pressure lubricated with wet clutch
Final Drive: 520 O-ring chain

MT350 Parts and Performance Spec:

Displacement: 348 (79.5 mm. bore x 70.4 mm. stroke)
Max. power: 29,5 BHP @ 8,000 RPM
Max. torque: 27,9 NM @ 6,500 RPM
Carburetion: H-D 'CV Type' with paper element air-filter

Electrical system:

CDI Electronic ignition
Independent battery & alternator system
Battery: 12volt, 14 amp hour.
Alternator: 190 watt.
Road lighting incl. 45/40 watt headlight, direction-indicators, brake lamp, and dashboard lights

Starting system: Electric & 'kick' starters
Brakes: 230mm Grimeca hydraulic discs, front and rear

Range: 120 miles on full tank

[bigduke6]

Forgot to say Gil, Welcome to the Civilian world of Military vehicles .........

[Gil Boyd]

been there before Geoff and miss my Pan European like mad.

[browningautorifle]

Looks for all the world like the ones we trialled here some decades back, about the '80's I think. Didn't have the add ons though, just the basic bike. We had them for D.R. use but don't recall them staying around.