MT 500 Scrambler

[Bonnielad]

OK chaps, time to declare my plans. Then I have to follow them through don't I?
After catching the MT bug with this years' Pyrenees Twinshock Trailfinder, the bike really showed its age and problems so it came home in need of some TLC.
So a full strip & rebuild is required. Then I got to thinking. . . .
I have always been strongly influenced by my Dads bikes from when I was a child. For this reason I own a 2003 Hinckley Bonneville because it gives me the classic 60s style with modern comfort and reliability. So why not create something similar with the Armstrong?
Sorry to the purists but you've got to admit the MT is pretty fugly.
So I have stripped off the square shouldered mudguards, the (very 80s) rectangular headlight and the hump-back tank (which is leaking anyway) and I will replace them with parts that resemble a 60s scrambler.
Aluminium curved mudguards, Round chrome headlight, rounder tank and finally replace the side panels with racing oval number plates.
As a final insult to the purists, there won't be a trace of green.
So far I've taken the engine to be "Mintered" (I've given up on the electric start, my pockets aren't that deep). I've bought the mudguards, tank & lights...
And I've given myself a deadline of the North Wales trip to get it finished.
Watch this space......

[surfermick]

how dare you, the mt500 is a thing of beauty

[surfermick]

how about some photo's along the way

[Bonnielad]

I'm a bit of a luddite when it comes to this sort of thing, if someone can tell me how to upload photos I'll do my best.

[surfermick]

how about sketches,what are you like with a pencil or better still some water colours

[appyarry]

It sounds good, can't wait to see it!

Ta,

[Bunker]

Have a look at Discofirecats pics I posted last week, Alex and I have been inspired and talked about doing something similar, with wide bars and a straight exhaust. Keep us posted.

[ellrider]

By coincidence after attending the scramble last weekend I've had pretty much the same idea, after seeing all the old stuff and the way they went, I also think I'd get on with something a bit lower like most of these old bikes are.

Another project, just what I need.

[Minter]

Ive now got Steve's 500 motor cleaned up and ready to check and rebuild for this project.. I'll document all the engine work here..