MT-500 dispelling the rumors
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
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MT-500 dispelling the rumors
Howdy, I am the owner of a MT-500, a 2000 (the rarer model) and wanted to share with you what I knwo about the bike as well as get more info on them....
2000 Harley-Davidson U.S. MT500
The U.S. MT500 is one of the rarest and lowest production motorcycles ever made by Harley-Davidson.
Harley Davidson produced 355 U.S. model MT 500s in 1999 and only 115 U.S. model MT 500s in 2000.
The 1999 and 2000 MT500s were sold to a few select Harley-Davidson dealers. Those dealers were offered two bikes, but only a few bought the bikes. Most did not take advantage because of the economy at that time. These bikes sold for $10,000 or $11,500 off the showroom floor with only one available option, Panniers and a Gun case scabbard. The dealers had the option of selling the bikes; some were raffled (by dealers) for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, but most of them went to Museums or collectors.
Thus, this bike is one of the lowest production and rarest motorcycles ever made by Harley-Davidson.
It is still possible to find a Harley-Davidson MT350 or MT500 however, most of the MT350s and MT500s are in England, some are in Canada and only a few are in the USA. There are some in pristine condition (museum and private collections) but most of them have been well used and unfortunately, customized with paint, chrome or other cosmetic changes. There are also some mid to late 1980s tagged with the Armstrong name that are less valuable because they are pre Harley-Davidson. Mine is pristine and freshly out of the manufacturers crate.
The development of this Harley-Davidson MT500 (M-50 military term) began with an Italian company called SWM Motor Works. They used an Austrian engine called the Rotax which came in 350cc and 505cc sizes. After winning several trials championships and two world championships, the company liquidated. In 1984 Armstrong of Bolton, England bought the rights to SWM Motor Works.
They developed a military version of the motorcycle for use in the Falklands for the British Army, for desert use by the ******ian Army, and for the Canadian Army to use in mountainous areas.
Armstrong made this motorcycle from 1985 to 1989.
In 1989 Harley-Davidson bought Armstrong primarily for the rights to the Rotax engine to use for their dirt-track racing teams.
These motorcycles are very durable and can stand extreme desert temperatures, rocky terrain and harsh environments. They can even stand torrents of fording water as the operation manual states. However, they proved not good for military use because of two problems. One, the heat from the engine was easily detected by enemy forces using infrared scopes. They tried blocking the radiation by adding front Panniers, (Storage case) but to no avail. The other problem was the use of gasoline for the bikes instead of diesel which was used primarily by the military.
I am an active duty US Army Soldier stationed at Fort Knox, KY. I originally saw a MT 500 when I returned from my second Bosnia deployment (1999) and it was for sale at the Harker Heights (TX) HD shop while I was stationed at Fort Hood, TX and I immediately wanted one. I could not afford one at the time. I found another one many years later (in Wisconsin) and purchased that bike I bought it brand new out of the crate. I had every intention of riding it and have been tempted but with the low mileage I thought I'd hold onto it and take it to bike shows.
I bought this 2000 MT 500 out of the manufacturers create in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I bought it with the original MSO and titled the bike, the title is in my name. The bike is registered however, I did not mount the plate or put any type of sticker or anything on the bike at all.
More pictures located at: http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa405/Snakesoldier1969/
Once again, it is a really neat bike, if you have further information I'd appreciate you posting it. Really curious to see what the value is on the bike.
2000 Harley-Davidson U.S. MT500
Dual Purpose Motorcycle
Harley Davidson produced 355 U.S. model MT 500s in 1999 and only 115 U.S. model MT 500s in 2000.
The 1999 and 2000 MT500s were sold to a few select Harley-Davidson dealers. Those dealers were offered two bikes, but only a few bought the bikes. Most did not take advantage because of the economy at that time. These bikes sold for $10,000 or $11,500 off the showroom floor with only one available option, Panniers and a Gun case scabbard. The dealers had the option of selling the bikes; some were raffled (by dealers) for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, but most of them went to Museums or collectors.
Thus, this bike is one of the lowest production and rarest motorcycles ever made by Harley-Davidson.
It is still possible to find a Harley-Davidson MT350 or MT500 however, most of the MT350s and MT500s are in England, some are in Canada and only a few are in the USA. There are some in pristine condition (museum and private collections) but most of them have been well used and unfortunately, customized with paint, chrome or other cosmetic changes. There are also some mid to late 1980s tagged with the Armstrong name that are less valuable because they are pre Harley-Davidson. Mine is pristine and freshly out of the manufacturers crate.
HISTORY
They developed a military version of the motorcycle for use in the Falklands for the British Army, for desert use by the ******ian Army, and for the Canadian Army to use in mountainous areas.
Armstrong made this motorcycle from 1985 to 1989.
In 1989 Harley-Davidson bought Armstrong primarily for the rights to the Rotax engine to use for their dirt-track racing teams.
These motorcycles are very durable and can stand extreme desert temperatures, rocky terrain and harsh environments. They can even stand torrents of fording water as the operation manual states. However, they proved not good for military use because of two problems. One, the heat from the engine was easily detected by enemy forces using infrared scopes. They tried blocking the radiation by adding front Panniers, (Storage case) but to no avail. The other problem was the use of gasoline for the bikes instead of diesel which was used primarily by the military.
Here's my history with the bike
I bought this 2000 MT 500 out of the manufacturers create in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I bought it with the original MSO and titled the bike, the title is in my name. The bike is registered however, I did not mount the plate or put any type of sticker or anything on the bike at all.
More pictures located at: http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa405/Snakesoldier1969/
Once again, it is a really neat bike, if you have further information I'd appreciate you posting it. Really curious to see what the value is on the bike.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Victoria BC Canada
Mt 500
Hey nice bike. I have the 1999 version with the electric start as well as kick start. Mine has less than 2000 miles on it and is in very nice condition also. I too am wondering what they are worth. I saw one advertised at auction where it was expected to go for 20,000 to 24,000 USD. I don't think it sold but I can't find any more info on it.
Rob
Rob
Stage I
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Florida Keys, USA
MT-500 yr2000
Hey I also own a 2000 MT-500. I refuse to ride any longer, (400 miles) and is bone stock. I did peal sticker off tank. (Bad idea) weird glue... your info was correct. I bought mine in St Louis, MO. In 2000. $9000.00. It is fun to take to bike shows as NOBODY knows what it is. When I used to ride it Harley dudes would glance at it in disgust until they saw the side plate. Then I was best buddies. Oh well, peace.
Howdy, I am the owner of a MT-500, a 2000 (the rarer model) and wanted to share with you what I knwo about the bike as well as get more info on them....
2000 Harley-Davidson U.S. MT500
Dual Purpose Motorcycle
The U.S. MT500 is one of the rarest and lowest production motorcycles ever made by Harley-Davidson.
Harley Davidson produced 355 U.S. model MT 500s in 1999 and only 115 U.S. model MT 500s in 2000.
The 1999 and 2000 MT500s were sold to a few select Harley-Davidson dealers. Those dealers were offered two bikes, but only a few bought the bikes. Most did not take advantage because of the economy at that time. These bikes sold for $10,000 or $11,500 off the showroom floor with only one available option, Panniers and a Gun case scabbard. The dealers had the option of selling the bikes; some were raffled (by dealers) for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, but most of them went to Museums or collectors.
Thus, this bike is one of the lowest production and rarest motorcycles ever made by Harley-Davidson.
It is still possible to find a Harley-Davidson MT350 or MT500 however, most of the MT350s and MT500s are in England, some are in Canada and only a few are in the USA. There are some in pristine condition (museum and private collections) but most of them have been well used and unfortunately, customized with paint, chrome or other cosmetic changes. There are also some mid to late 1980s tagged with the Armstrong name that are less valuable because they are pre Harley-Davidson. Mine is pristine and freshly out of the manufacturers crate.
HISTORY
The development of this Harley-Davidson MT500 (M-50 military term) began with an Italian company called SWM Motor Works. They used an Austrian engine called the Rotax which came in 350cc and 505cc sizes. After winning several trials championships and two world championships, the company liquidated. In 1984 Armstrong of Bolton, England bought the rights to SWM Motor Works.
They developed a military version of the motorcycle for use in the Falklands for the British Army, for desert use by the ******ian Army, and for the Canadian Army to use in mountainous areas.
Armstrong made this motorcycle from 1985 to 1989.
In 1989 Harley-Davidson bought Armstrong primarily for the rights to the Rotax engine to use for their dirt-track racing teams.
These motorcycles are very durable and can stand extreme desert temperatures, rocky terrain and harsh environments. They can even stand torrents of fording water as the operation manual states. However, they proved not good for military use because of two problems. One, the heat from the engine was easily detected by enemy forces using infrared scopes. They tried blocking the radiation by adding front Panniers, (Storage case) but to no avail. The other problem was the use of gasoline for the bikes instead of diesel which was used primarily by the military.
Here's my history with the bike
I am an active duty US Army Soldier stationed at Fort Knox, KY. I originally saw a MT 500 when I returned from my second Bosnia deployment (1999) and it was for sale at the Harker Heights (TX) HD shop while I was stationed at Fort Hood, TX and I immediately wanted one. I could not afford one at the time. I found another one many years later (in Wisconsin) and purchased that bike I bought it brand new out of the crate. I had every intention of riding it and have been tempted but with the low mileage I thought I'd hold onto it and take it to bike shows.
I bought this 2000 MT 500 out of the manufacturers create in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I bought it with the original MSO and titled the bike, the title is in my name. The bike is registered however, I did not mount the plate or put any type of sticker or anything on the bike at all.
More pictures located at: http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/...kesoldier1969/
Once again, it is a really neat bike, if you have further information I'd appreciate you posting it. Really curious to see what the value is on the bike.
2000 Harley-Davidson U.S. MT500
Dual Purpose Motorcycle
Harley Davidson produced 355 U.S. model MT 500s in 1999 and only 115 U.S. model MT 500s in 2000.
The 1999 and 2000 MT500s were sold to a few select Harley-Davidson dealers. Those dealers were offered two bikes, but only a few bought the bikes. Most did not take advantage because of the economy at that time. These bikes sold for $10,000 or $11,500 off the showroom floor with only one available option, Panniers and a Gun case scabbard. The dealers had the option of selling the bikes; some were raffled (by dealers) for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, but most of them went to Museums or collectors.
Thus, this bike is one of the lowest production and rarest motorcycles ever made by Harley-Davidson.
It is still possible to find a Harley-Davidson MT350 or MT500 however, most of the MT350s and MT500s are in England, some are in Canada and only a few are in the USA. There are some in pristine condition (museum and private collections) but most of them have been well used and unfortunately, customized with paint, chrome or other cosmetic changes. There are also some mid to late 1980s tagged with the Armstrong name that are less valuable because they are pre Harley-Davidson. Mine is pristine and freshly out of the manufacturers crate.
HISTORY
They developed a military version of the motorcycle for use in the Falklands for the British Army, for desert use by the ******ian Army, and for the Canadian Army to use in mountainous areas.
Armstrong made this motorcycle from 1985 to 1989.
In 1989 Harley-Davidson bought Armstrong primarily for the rights to the Rotax engine to use for their dirt-track racing teams.
These motorcycles are very durable and can stand extreme desert temperatures, rocky terrain and harsh environments. They can even stand torrents of fording water as the operation manual states. However, they proved not good for military use because of two problems. One, the heat from the engine was easily detected by enemy forces using infrared scopes. They tried blocking the radiation by adding front Panniers, (Storage case) but to no avail. The other problem was the use of gasoline for the bikes instead of diesel which was used primarily by the military.
Here's my history with the bike
I bought this 2000 MT 500 out of the manufacturers create in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I bought it with the original MSO and titled the bike, the title is in my name. The bike is registered however, I did not mount the plate or put any type of sticker or anything on the bike at all.
More pictures located at: http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/...kesoldier1969/
Once again, it is a really neat bike, if you have further information I'd appreciate you posting it. Really curious to see what the value is on the bike.
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