MT500 US spec. Note: Picture-heavy post

[sirhrmechanic]

Some folks in the 'welcome' area asked that I post some details of my US-spec. MT500. This is a 1999. Serial number 9. Now 700 miles on the odometer. It's one of the lowest mileage Harley MT bikes I have come across and its condition reflects this -- it's the best one I have seen. I looked at quite a few before buying this one.

I know there are some brand new ones and lower mileage ones here. Some US dealers have them on display with 0 miles still. So it's certainly not the best. But I am pretty sure it's completely un-bodged.

I tried to take picture of intresting 'US' features. At least, I think they are US items, especially stickers. But you guys will know a lot more. As I mentioned, the scabbard is certainly for an SA80. It will not fit my Colt police duty rifle (which is basically an M4) because the front sight interferes. With a flat gas block, the M4 would fit fine. But nothing in the US DoD inventory would fit into it.

If anyone wants more detailed pictures of anything... let me know as I am delighted to help document the little things as a small contribution to the forum.













The above image is interesting, because it wasn't on any other bikes I looked at. It's a military issue IR strobe. Used for target marking, LZ marking, etc. It works fine. Using NODs, you could 'find' your parked bike miles away if you had a clear line of sight!







The above is the tank decal. All the decals on this bike are mint. If anyone wants some 'reproduction quality photos' for restoration, let me know and I'll try and oblige. These may be common or already done, but if not, here is a new set. This may also be a standard 'dealer' decal. Why you would reference 'trailer' towing on a military bike, I don't know. Then again, everything here requires a warning stickers to placate lawyers and feeble-minded owners.





Note the cad plated fasteners. These are silver or grey cadmium. They don't appear to be zinc or parkerized.



I had seen on some other threads folks asking about detailed pictures of the pannier mounts on a US bike. I you need more pictures or details, let me know.





Serial number 9. Did the 'first' bikes go to the military? Were they display pieces or used at places like AUSA? Not sure. I can't believe this was a trials bike as it's too new. I got to see the military trials of the FMTV trucks down at Stewart and Stevenson at the early '90s. they weren't so much testing them as trying to destroy them. There is no way this saw 'proving ground' use.



This shows some details of the wiring harness. Not great, but all the wiring is like new and in original position.







Original tire... just 700 miles on the odo. Unusually, no checking or UV or 'sitting' damage. These tires are like new.



Hope these help and for anyone looking to do a restoration, research the US bikes... or just for grins.

Cheers,

Sirhr

Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum.

Oderint dum Metuent

[ZIP TIE]

Nice You have some very interesting vehicles in your garage there any chance of a couple of picks of some of your others?

[Derrick]

Excellent photos, very good for reference.

One area that causes problems when re-building is the wiring and cables each side of the oil tank, under the fuel tank.

If you're tempted to remove the tank, please do post photos of this area. It would be good to know how H-D planned the cables and harness should be routed.

[Murdock]

That brilliant thank you A vehicle is only ever original once in its life

Is that a Ford model "A" I spy

[Thumper]

What a great bike. It looks more like a 350 frame than a 500.

Has it the 500e engine?

If it is based on the 350 frame, is this any help getting imports into the USA?

[Wirralman]

Serial number 9. Did the 'first' bikes go to the military? Were they display pieces or used at places like AUSA? Not sure. I can't believe this was a trials bike as it's too new. I got to see the military trials of the FMTV trucks down at Stewart and Stevenson at the early '90s. they weren't so much testing them as trying to destroy them. There is no way this saw 'proving ground' use.

The test batch was made in 1995 and is listed as such in one of the HD books. It was those that were the test bikes
Those bikes made in 1999 and 2000 were 'production' bikes

Has it the 500e engine?

Check thread title. There is a USMT500e Manual listed in the forum Manuals section

If it is based on the 350 frame, is this any help getting imports into the USA?

An MT350 would be a re-import. I'm not sure the problems are about importing, they are about registering for the road. They are not a recognised US made bike so registration is difficult in some(most?) states.

[Bunker]

Stunning mate, great pics. Whats with that silencer - looks capped off??

[ZIP TIE]

Whats with that silencer - looks capped off??

Spark arrestor added on the end of the Yank bikes

[green_machine]

A very nice looking bike in a very interesting garage.

Stuart

delicatus latina

[sirhrmechanic]

Before I head off to watch the Superbowl (I am rooting for the commercials)...

Thanks for the kind words. It's a neat bike and when the snow goes bye-bye enough to take it outside, I'll take more pictures and detailed shots.

The garage is interesting and packed full right now. I'll post some pictures tomorrow. The red car in the background is a 1914 Model T ford. The grey one is a 1923 Springfield Silver Ghost that I restored from boxes of parts (had to dig the frame out of a barn floor...)

Bikes are an eclectic mix. But here are a couple of teasers.




This is my most-ridden vintage bike. Did almost 1,000 miles on it last year. 1927 JD 74"


Travel through the rockies 2 years ago. In may. 8 feet of snow at the side of the road on this pass.

Cheers,

Sirhr


Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum

Oderint dum metuent