I recently bought a MT 500 Military enduro bike , thats practically new (only 525 miles on it as of right now) nPowered by a 500c Rotax motor with a whopping 26 advertised horsepower. Now I knew it would be no powerhouse , but really thought it would handle pretty bad in the sandy soil we have here in FL , considering it's basically 1970's technology built in 1999 (2000 Produced) . it was like riding a motorcycle from john deere! The low power does not wind up fast , just very smooth and just keeps chugging along but in the sandy stuff , just trudged thru like it was nothing , and felt extremely light despite being a 370 pound bike.And the cool factor is that most people (including most working at dealers)have never seen one as most are in collections and newer dealers have never had one in stock.And ya have to love it's "tour pak"..... 2 haed bags up on the front of the frame (partially to help lower the heat from the motor being visible to heat seeking devices , then there's the flip top opening automatic rifle case!

 

That's a neat bike. What about it is 1970's technology?

 

Twin shocks pretty much went out on dirt bikes in the early 80's as well as this design was originally by Armstrong for the British military in the late 70's early 80's when introduced ....... They were used in the battle over the Falkland islands. Is a really cool ride , and suprises people when you go to a HD type of get together , as most have never seen or heard of one.

 

I have never seen or heard of one before. Cool.

 

doesn't it run on diesel, bio-diesel, vegetable oil
or something like that?? not cracking wise, I'm asking?

 

Nope! Which is exactly why the US Military does not have this bike in inventory , since the Navy will not ship gasoline anymore . The Kawasaki KLR's are modified to tun on diesel.

 

I've seen old Harley dirt bikes but I've never seen one of these. Very cool!

 

Built for the British army and returned as surplus to US Harley dealers. Rotax motor with storage boxes and gun carrier. Very limited production.
Here's some more pictures from the Matthews collection site (Still need to take my camera to get one's of mine, exact same anyway) Where they have one for sale..... $11,500 !

 

2 more pic's

 

US Air Force used them for Combat Control teams and even some for Special Ops.