MT Information

The following information has been published here with the kind permission of Force Motorcycles

MT350/500 History

Written by Force Motorcycles, updated Feb 2026.

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

Initial contracts were for the supply of approximately 3,000 Armstrong MT500s to the British, Jordanian, and Canadian armies between 1984 and 1987. Thereafter, manufacturing rights were sold to Harley-Davidson USA.

From the late 1980s, the 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 far outlived its life expectancy—a testament to the bike’s design and strength. It successfully served where many bikes have failed. The fleet of MT350s was finally disposed of by the MoD in 2009 and steadily found its way into civilian ownership.

As a capable all-rounder in “civvy street,” 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 designed to be operated under such adverse conditions and arduous duty cycles.

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

Force Motorcycles continued to deliver original equipment and pattern parts to the MoD under formal contract right up until the disposal of the bikes in 2009; now, the supply is to the general motorcycle trade and private users with an unrivalled range of products. Both these models have now found their way into dozens of countries all over the world, and parts customers continue to pop up everywhere!

All in all, an iconic bike for a lifetime of pleasure!

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

MT500 Parts and Performance Spec:

Displacement: 485 cc (89mm. bore x 77.4 mm. Stroke)
Max. power: 32 BHP @ 6,200 RPM
Max. torque: 38 NM @ 5,500 RPM
Carburetion: Amal 30 mm carburettor with paper element air-filter

Electrical system:

CDI Electronic ignition
Independent battery & alternator system
Battery: 12volt 5-amp hour
Alternator: 190 watt
Road lighting incl. 45/40 watt headlight, direction-indicators, brake lamp, and dashboard lights

Starting system: Kick start (later US models incl. electric start)
Brakes: Sealed drum brakes front and rear

Frame

One-piece steel frame with taper roller bearing steering-head. Steel swing-arm with re-greasable needle roller bearings.
Steel front engine protector bars and sump guard – folding foot pegs, main stand and side stand. Rear carrier rack. mounting frames for detachable panniers and for gun-box.
Marzocchi front suspension.
Twin Öhlins rear suspension units.

Wheels

Front 21″ Rear 18″. Akront Magnesium alloy rims. Stainless steel spokes;
Metzeler Endurotyres standard fitment.

Bodywork & Equipment

Heavy duty moulded plastics including, single seat, side panels, headlamp cowling, front & rear mudguards, air box, toolbox, panniers (optional 10 litre jerrycans) and gun-scabbard. Quick detach rear wheel, decompressor lever, manual cable choke, blackout switch for electrical system. Twin mirrors. Hand guards (‘bark-busters’).

MT350 Performance:

0-60mph: 9.5 sec
Maximum speed approx 79mph
Cruising speed: 65mph
Fuel Consumption: 50-60mpg
Range: 120 miles approx

MT350 Dimensions and Capacities:

Unladen weight: 160kg approx
Fuel capacity: 12 litres
Fuel type: Unleaded or Leaded
Overall payload 146kg

MT500 Performance:

0-60mph: 9.5 sec
Maximum speed approx 95mph
Cruising speed: 70mph
Fuel Consumption: 50-60mpg
Range: 120 miles approx

MT500 Dimensions and Capacities:

Unladen weight: 160kg approx
Fuel capacity: 12 litres
Fuel type: Unleaded or Leaded

Email: bikes@forcemotorcycles.com

Tel: 01283 548910 / 07860 408917