MT350 - 500

[manxie]

I`ve taken a real shine to these Armstrong MT bikes and you guys seem to have one or two on here. I`d need to sell something if I were to eventually buy one, probably the MZ, but out of curiosity which one would you`s go for.... 350 or 500, and why? How are they as bikes, what are they worth ... they look great fun. 
cheers,
Steve.

[Moto63]

Evening Steve, before you buy let me talk to a guy I/we (me n big bro) know he has about 12 of the things, he rents them out to weekend trippers who fancy going green laning. Does quite well out of it too I think. He knows them inside out so I'm sure he'd be able to pass on some advice. Cheers..Michael

[manxie]

Nice one, cheers Michael. I wont be buying one in the near future so there`s no rush. If I decided to go down the MT route I`d need to sell something first. Cheers, Steve 

[timbo]

350 has electric start, disc front brake, and usually two plastic front panniers and a plastic gun case for the SA80. Good ones are now up towards £2k
500 has a left hand kick start, and they have a reputation for being difficult and unreliable to start. Good ones are now £1500.
There are a few on here, with a vast knowledge and experience of both 

[manxie]

Thanks. There doesn`t seem to be too much difference in performance? I found this info, don`t know how accurate it is......

MT350:

Performance:  •0-60mph: 9.5 sec
•Maximum speed approx 79mph
•Cruising speed: 65mph .
•Fuel Consumption: 50-60mpg
•Range: 120 miles approx
 
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
 
Dimensions and Capacities:  •Unladen weight: 160kg approx
•Fuel capacity: 12 litres
•Fuel type: Unleaded or Leaded
 

They certainly seem to be well spec`d. Fancy wheels, brakes and suspension.
 
 

[timbo]

When I took the ride-out at the Shepherds Rest, we had one breakdown. The cam belt on Marks MT500 snapped. Well, due to the design, this causes no valve damage, and he had the cover off, and his spare belt fitted in half an hour at the roadside. Impressive 

[manxie]

Very impressive!! I have a phobia about bloody rubber bands making engines work, we`re on our 5th for the car which is 15yrs old and has just turned 60k  so it`s good to know that when the belt snaps on the Rotax motor everything`s safe 

[bth2bth2]

When I took the ride-out at the Shepherds Rest, we had one breakdown. The cam belt on Marks MT500 snapped. Well, due to the design, this causes no valve damage, and he had the cover off, and his spare belt fitted in half an hour at the roadside. Impressive 

and that from a man who has never ,ever ,had one go on him before 

brian

[Mark]

When I took the ride-out at the Shepherds Rest, we had one breakdown. The cam belt on Marks MT500 snapped. Well, due to the design, this causes no valve damage, and he had the cover off, and his spare belt fitted in half an hour at the roadside. Impressive 

Half an hour!!! 10 minutes tops. 

Harley MT350 electric start/left kicker, discs front and rear, CV carb, panniers on front.(American)

Armstrong MT500 left kicker only, drum brakes, Amal carb, panniers on rear.(British)

There is also a Harley MT500 in USA same as our 350.

All bikes are capable but at different speeds, there is a fair difference in usable power on the 500 for loaded up touring.

[Mark]

When I took the ride-out at the Shepherds Rest, we had one breakdown. The cam belt on Marks MT500 snapped. Well, due to the design, this causes no valve damage, and he had the cover off, and his spare belt fitted in half an hour at the roadside. Impressive 

and that from a man who has never ,ever ,had one go on him before 

brian

Your turn next, on the motorway, in Holland, middle of the night, in the rain.