Great find Sean!! Another great video. I'm the guy that you talked with at Columbia Harley Davidson. I was having tires put on my bike that day. You actually had this bike in the back of your truck that day. When i first saw the bike I realized it was the bike in your truck that day. Sending find and great videos. If you want to ride and discover some great country roads and beautiful scenery, hit me up brother. Keep on with the great videos and may God bless you and your family in the next chapter of your journey. Dave
Wow a trip back in time! I passed my test on one of these back in 99. Uk military. You can tell this one was meant for the UK...look in the rifle storage. The shape matches the handguard for the SA-80 and there's even a slot for the SUSAT sight. Great vid thanks 😊
@@TheAbandonedAccount7 Oh did you come up with that all on your own or did you steal it since it's the most worn out, smooth brained joke when it comes to motorcycles. If you're gonna be an a hole, at least be original.
Great find! I am 62 years old this month and I love my 2018 BMW G310 R, one cylinder. I don't need triple digit speeds and at 60 mpg on back roads it is a blast!
That is the British Army issued Dispatch Rider motorcycle. It took over from the Armstrong 500cc in the 90's. I rode one of those in the First Gulf War in 2003 and crossed the departure line on D Day and was used as a forward Recconaisance Officer supporting an Engineer Tank Regiment. The bike was fantastic in the sand and I was able to advance in front of our vehicles identifying enemy placements, tank positions and command posts. I even was heli lifted numerous times to various forward locations where I was miles behind enemy lines reporting in. A couple of times I inadvertently "bumped into" enemy positions and the Harley gave me the power to get away. One of the best times of my 35 year career. Normally the panniers carried documents when used by dispatch riders and the weapon case the British Army SA 80 bulpup rifle. In my case I carried the rifle but the front panniers had rubber style bladders with extra fuel and spare oil. My backpack was strapped to the rear lift pannier and another bladder ontop of the tank for additional drinking water. I would beg and steal extra fuel from anybody. I would love to own one.
So does Harley. Well u better be prepared 2b sliding. Across thpavement if u riding 1of these dreadfull HD piles. Go ask any nurse what she thinks of HD bikes, lazer pointers blinding 100's children, &pets, or bright green anti freeze, chemicals that smells& tastes sweet almost like kool aid. Very worst most notoriously poor handling example of end all in dangerous motorcycle configuration ever created in humans history pioneered by thIndian company/ embraced by thsnakes@ Harley Davidson. Since th70's I always used Harley &Co. as my hood ornament illustrater displaying finest example of what not 2ever do& how not 2b as an engineer or customer. They bow2 their idiot customers. U see these biker people locally, 50k bike front yard of a falling apart trailer home. These bikers have a "yea my obnoxious bike will put me in poorhouse hell& I gonna show that off" thing going. "And u all, u can deal with it while my engine says f-you without a muffler." Loooong flexy whippy frames set on nex2 zero suspension grossly excessive 890lb curb weights (b4 u plop on a 300 lbs of leather& meat) ...makes them flex even more. Especially if u riding out here. In pothole infested country roads. If so you (will, will, will) be going down. And hard. There is a reason these guyz wear leather more then any other motorcyclist. If I place 30 lbs on my Mt. Bike entire frame begins flex like sphagetti. Their front wheel weighs a good up2 80lbs (more then my entire too heavy electric moped) &that with wimpy little cowhorn skinny pot metal handlebars. Anything th engineers could have fathomed 2do wrong, thats what they went ahead&did. Mikes brother Ken from Minnesota came over 1time on some 1500cc behemothing it took 3of us guyz 2nervously dismount & walk him across 6" puddle. I have gone down on pavement many times I used 2cafe race 4years. Motocrossed even longer. Just slidding, sliding, sliding on pavement it feels like cold ice wearing 2your bones.
I gotta say, I don't share his faith, but he does his faith right. I can hear and appreciate what he appreciates without having it forced on me and that's a credit to him.
same, I still cringe a bit any time I hear a bible verse but at least he keeps that part to a minimum, the rest is just good quality character, seems like a really nice dude
Your videos are absolutely a blast to watch. I had been a sportbike guy all my life, your videos got me interested in cruisers. I ended up actually making a video about cruisers and it is now among the top 3 videos on my channel. Thank you for inspiring small content creators like myself! Godcbless!
I was watching the other friend's channel but I like yours buddy I don't know what it is Your content is so much different I like beards and Bikes better
Awesome find Sean! Two things. The military used a purple silicone brake fluid back in those days. That might be why the brakes and brake fluid is still good after 24 years. A lot of military equipment can sit in storage for many years before it is used. I think it was D.O.T 5. Also, most every gas powered vehicle had low compression and would run on Mogas, which is usually around 85 octane. I hope this bike is a keeper. You can find a lot of off road trails in TN.
I've been watching this channel for 5 years and you take this bike to a shop less than 10 miles from my house? I literally recognize the field you rode around in.
Damn I normally don't comment regularly but this has to be one of the best finds till date. Coming from a family of army personnel I totally loved it. Showed it to my grandpa. He said they used to have something like this not Harley but yeah 'Royal Enfield' love and respect from 🇮🇳
I haven't ridden a bike in many years but man this video made me miss it. That is an amazing, rare bike and as was said "a piece of American history". Congratulations and best of luck.
Dude props to Dan he's always going above and beyond for Sean and Craig he knows nothing about bikes but he's interested in everything but he tried to learn what an amazing guy..
I agree with previous comments I love these videos of things I'd otherwise never get to see or learn anything about.. just wish we had a dealership in Oz like you ran srk
Same here. If I ever add another Bike, it looks like I’ll be Driving from Texas to Tennessee to Buy one from Sean. The only Honest Dealer in America probably.
The 2 lock boxes are similar in appearance of Gerry cans we used to haul fuel or some cans were designed like coolers insulated so we could transport or keep foods hot and cold. Another idea is similarly to the runners in the field who needs to get orders to generals on the ground using well a dirt bike
Armstrong MT500 The MT500 was developed by the British military for use in the Falklands War in 1982. Production rights for the motorcycle were sold to Harley Davidson 5 years later. Equipped with a Rotax 481.3 cc engine, the bike generates 32 horsepower and has a top speed of about 90 mph.
I would suggest that was one made for the British Army as that weapon carrier is shaped with the pistol grip and trigger in the forward position, ie bullpup design of the SA 80, and also when you looked in, the foam was in the shape of the front grip which is almost triangular with the top loped off. The side panniers are for holding dispatches, documents and messages etc.
As far as I know the British Army only ever bought the 350 cc version from Harley. But the rifle carrier on Sean's MT 500 does look identical to the ones fitted to British Army bikes. A couple of MT 500 demo bikes were brought into the UK, a mate of mine bought one of them directly from H-D UK.
Rode these on dispatch in my time in the British Army..Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus. Harley-Davidson built with UK CCM (Clews Competition Machines) motors. Superb piece of kit from the 70's Armstrongs.
This brings back memories, was a real novelty being able to ride these in Germany, as I was deployed with the British Army shortly before these were phased out, not a great calling for motorcycles on the battlefield, with limited carrying capability, limited protection and a whole plethora of required extras i.e. different fuel and a new driving license category. It was a shame to lose them, they were really heavy, but they were reliable enough to get you through most things, these eventually were phased out and later replaced operationally with the Yamaha Grizzly 450 and tailor. Another great video Sean, good luck with all your future endeavors, and keep up the hard work.👍👊
I used to ride one of those when I was in the British Army. I was a despatch rider between 1994-1995 and the front fork panniers and gun case were really useful. I think British Army ones were 350cc though. They replaced our Armstrong 500cc bikes, which had kickstarts and were quite unreliable (although mine was pretty good!).
out of curiosity why would the British Army use them. They were Armstrong company or something built? just went with that contract rather than triumph or another British bike, or is Armstrong a British company.
UK used some of these. Remember riding one and working on a handful when I was in a VM role. The rubber insert inside the rifle box was triangular which makes me think it might have been destined for the UK at one point. The hand guard on an L85 is triangular in shape.
Biker Brotherhood is INCREDIBLE!! We know it no one else does !! When you ask the Shop Owner if he wanted to ride it ? He said “It is yours !!! You FiRST !!!! True Answer !! GOD BLESS !!
Gee, you'd think the Harley Museum and HQ would insist you don't leave without having it running since it's one of their own and a very rare bike too. They definitely have mechanics on duty there and all the tools you need you'd think.
It's a Museum/HQ not a drive up garage. Last thing they want is people dropping by for service. They let them shoot on the property and supplied some staff to assist. But no, they wouldn't even let them in the building.
@@badad0166 Aww quit with the HD apologist nonsense. Have you ever heard of a thing called public relations? A guy who has a rare HD bike and 1 million plus subs, you don't give a helping hand? Yeah right. They have a large collection of bikes and with that comes staff who maintains and is equipped with tools. So tell us all how an hour or two of their time would bankrupt the company?
They have plenty of people there that could of helped. The dude wouldn't even let him sit on one. Its a Harley, not the Monalisa. I bet the dudes over at wheels through time would of been more than happy to lend a hand and probably let him sit on whatever he wanted, and those bikes are way more rare and expensive.
That looks like it could be my favorite bike. I always wanted a 500 cc or just slightly bigger Enduro type bike, like a Honda, but this would be 10,000x cooler to be able to drive around town and to shows and stuff. Way cool find.
It’s great to see you back, Sean. I was beginning to think you left us. This is one of the only shows I watch on TH-cam, and I don’t watch regular TV. I always look forward to your Bible quotes as well. Btw, that Harley is sick.
That white strap brings back memories. Brought my first big twin (FXRS Convertible) home - first bike sold from the then new Harley dealer in my town on Christmas eve in 1990. They let me have the packing straps to tie it down in my trailer, as it was too snowy to ride it home. Still have and use those straps.
For those saying it never be the same without craig. Sean and Craig were great together but a lot of us follow Sean before Craig was in it. Sean is a fighter and a great human being and he will be rewarded for his acts.
Hi Sean, Just to let you know, I rode one of these in the British Army, we stopped using them in 2006 as we do not use them any longer, we orginally had 10 bikes in our Regiment, it was petrol (Gas) at that time. and funny I completed my motorcycle licence test on one. It was the replacement for the Armstrong 500. Great to see one again. Thanks
Also the rear weapon rack was perfectly sized for the 5.56 SA80 rifle. It had a centre stand also, part of the test was to kick start the bike and place it on the centre stand
Really strong never broke down, once you get the balance right it will fly through the sand , only downside it a bit heavy if you come off, modify straps on rear for assistance
You beat me to it. The rifle is the L85a1 (sa80) ironically, they took the rifles of us not long into the conflict due to unreliability in desert conditions. God awful reliability with these bikes, just like the original rifles
I.remember when these came on the market almost immediately out of the surplus stores ,a lot of them made it over here as the bike is an armstrong mt500 at heart and we alresdy had loads, but years back i rememeber the harleys appearing amongst the ads from the old armstrong british built bikes.
When is American not American? It is an Italian design with an Austrian Engine that was made in the UK and sent out to the US as a kit when HD bought the project. The project was sold as the engine couldn't be run NATO standard fuel which all new purchases had to have. It is a great example of HDs delusional grasping at straws and of British motorcycle history.
I just bought a 2012 Kawasaki ninja 250r... My first bike. I'm restoring it while my workplace helps me get my bike license on their bikes. Rode a bike for the first time at work and fell in love with the feeling, now I'm turning a wrench on this thing and pulling my carburettors to clean them out I'm feeling like my calling was actually motorbike mechanic.
I just want to say I'm a plumber and I got my son his first dirt bike 2nd hand its a chinese 50cc. I replaced the engine never have I rode replaced an engine while warming up the engine and test riding it the chain broke. I have this channel to thank for giving me the confidence to just do it. Bikes running great replaced the chain( it was sold rusted solid I did my best to restore but I figured that would happen to it) we got in for under 300$. I have no one to talk about this being it's just my family so I just want to say thanks. Today's Bible quote is " iron sharpens iron" don't let people tell you your less of a person for getting used chinese bikes for your first bikes, do your thing be safe have fun.
My Dad told me about these bikes back in the day. He retired from the "Assembly Plant" in York. Nobody that I know growing up in York call it a "factory". They take great pride in assembling the world's best motorcycles.
Loved the Bible verse and how you found a Harley mechanic / shop owner who was willing to help you get the bike running. God bless you. Pastor Dean (retired), Ocala FL.
Man still missing Craig. Sucks that these two won’t be doing regular videos together. It is also clear that Sean is spending more money on this channel than Craig is on his. Seems to me like Craig got left behind. (Even if he is the actual mechanic lmao)
Pretty sure he left Craig and the other guys his shop to use and keeps paying them.. that's better then any other boss that moves thier company and just fires thier employees.
So fun fact, the mt500 is essentially a swm bike from italy for which harley bought the license. That includes the rotax engine, which should be mostly bulletproof. But then, as was established in an old video, sean neither knows of rotax nor of the whole country austria, so who am i telling that 😂 Great vid btw
An Italian design, with an Austrian Engine that was built in the UK and assembled in the USA to try and get a military contract, but failed due to not meeting the brief. I did my apprenticeship for a company in the UK trying to convert them to standard NATO fuel, not my department, but would see them around. I guess it was a failed project, why it was sold to Harley. Thorn EMI was the company, did a few military contracts, but mostly known for making lamps and renting TVs. It might have saved HD a few bucks if they had done so research first. The least American American bike ever, even your average honda probably has more USA made parts in it.
Looking at the rifle box on the back. It's for the British military as that holds the SA80 or known as the L85A1 rifle 100 percent. Plus a friend of mine had a ex British army one without all the boxes on it.
Ive had both models, the 500cc Armstrong version and the HD 350 version. Both great fun to ride 👍. HD has electric start and front disc brake, both helpful 🌝
I just love your videos! They're really interesting and one just sees how much you love what you do. Thank you for providing words of wisdom in English - as a German it really improves my English listening to you citing verses I have only heard in German... Guess we aren't that different after all! Thank you and God bless!
Even the housing inside the compartment for the rifle looks like the shape of the SA80 handguard. I wonder if that was a part leftover from when it was originally made by Armstrong.
My first thought was: Did they make sure there was oil in the thing? My second thought was: I WANT ONE! That bike is so cool! Plus, it's so American! Can you imagine an off-road bike with a built-in box for your AR-15? Talk about a bike built for the 'zombie apocalypse'/end of the world! I need one of those.
I love watching this clean honest fun, I will get a new bike someday mine disappeared two days before Christmas last year. Still miss her. Wife has been hinting to me so soon, thank God
I had the pleasure of working on the 350 whilst serving in the British army around 2008, had to weld up a few sockets to get the spark plug off haha and I still have it. Extremely heavy bike
I so love Seans enthusiasm for bikes, it really comes across on the videos! Me and a friend once took once of these out two up in a feet of snow in the UK a few years ago. Was awesome!
Those handlebar hexagonal grips were available from the 1960's- 70's and were meant to conform better to your natural grip. If you join your thumb & pointer finger at the tips you can see the hole they make is hexagonal shape. I found a rusted Yamaha DT1MX at the tip that had a set.
Y’all should’ve left the bike untouched in the box and just open one side. Super rare and cool to see, probably not a 2nd one in existence. Would be a cool museum piece
Rotax makes a pretty good motor. I remember when I was racing my FZ600 in the 80's they had a 600 singles class with mostly Yamaha SRX 600's and a lot of other people ran Rotax powered bikes. You could really hear the difference in RPM when at full speed.
We had these when I was in the British Army, they were actually very good but I always found it weird that we had Harleys. They must have got them for a good price. Nice trip down memory lane. Thanks!
Lived in Milwaukee for decades - Coakley was a big moving company; rode past the Harley place many times. Fun fact - my wife's grandparents met and worked at the original Harley-Davidson garage.
AKA the video the world didn't know it needs. Stream of consciousness brainstorm: Collab with Craig. Each builds their own version of the brief and rides it to the halfway point between PA and TN to challenge each other. The WV/VA/KY border? So 3 states means the bikes need to be a 3-way mash-up? Vespa + engine from bike B + something from bike C?
Sean, you should never ever do anything without Craig... He is your guardian angel and fixer.... Well done. Kindest Regards to you and Craig Jesper of Denmark 🇩🇰😎🇩🇰
I bought one $600 . The Canadian army bought a bunch of them from Bombardier . I got rid of it after a couple of months. Slow heavy and almost no brakes. Bombardier owned Rotax and used their engines in CANAM dirt bikes.
Best thing about this video is Dave. Tenn has some of the nicest and most helpful people I've ever met!
Its true, been to Tenn a couple times and the people I've ran across have always been so nice and accommodating...
Tenn, N Al, NW Ga and NE MS(once out of a City)people are all alike. All of them are great to ride through.
right? had a smile on my face for that entire segment 😂
Sean offering him the 1st ride was a nice gesture too. Awesome video for sure!
This is in Wisconsin...smarty pants🎉
And dickhead Dave didn't even let him SIT on a bike 😅 booooooooo
İf Craig was there he could start that motorcycle in 5 mins..we love you Craig
He is the bearded mechanic on youtube
I miss Craig! Is there ever a possibility of getting back together ever?
@@jamescrockett6887 he said in a previous video they'd still do some videos together
we miss you craig
@@puro Yup, I could see them doing some challenge videos like cartrek and the grand tour.
Honestly one of the most genuine acts of brotherhood. Letting a guy use your gear off the strength of it being the move. Solid.
Great find Sean!! Another great video. I'm the guy that you talked with at Columbia Harley Davidson. I was having tires put on my bike that day. You actually had this bike in the back of your truck that day. When i first saw the bike I realized it was the bike in your truck that day. Sending find and great videos. If you want to ride and discover some great country roads and beautiful scenery, hit me up brother. Keep on with the great videos and may God bless you and your family in the next chapter of your journey. Dave
Wow a trip back in time! I passed my test on one of these back in 99. Uk military. You can tell this one was meant for the UK...look in the rifle storage. The shape matches the handguard for the SA-80 and there's even a slot for the SUSAT sight. Great vid thanks 😊
I bought a 6 pack of beer enjoying it six times.
I passed my test and 73😂
Cool. That's why it has a Rotax engine? or is it common for Harleys to have a Rotax engine?
I love the motorcycle community. Dude has some seriously nice bikes in his shop and he's smiling like a little kid on that thing. It's so cool to see.
Definitely 👍
Tiny dks supporting other tiny dks. So cute
@@TheAbandonedAccount7 Oh did you come up with that all on your own or did you steal it since it's the most worn out, smooth brained joke when it comes to motorcycles. If you're gonna be an a hole, at least be original.
I’m so glad y’all are still making videos!! Just really hope Craig is gonna be making them with you still!!
My favorite part was when Sean couldn't get spark and it was the young kid who figured it out 😂. He's a future Craig!
then sean took credit for figuring out the problem lmao
Mini Craig!
I think I figured out the problem, I should have asked the boy to begin with.
@@Beckii2k11 that's the christian way.
Lol yeah
Great find! I am 62 years old this month and I love my 2018 BMW G310 R, one cylinder. I don't need triple digit speeds and at 60 mpg on back roads it is a blast!
That is the British Army issued Dispatch Rider motorcycle. It took over from the Armstrong 500cc in the 90's.
I rode one of those in the First Gulf War in 2003 and crossed the departure line on D Day and was used as a forward Recconaisance Officer supporting an Engineer Tank Regiment.
The bike was fantastic in the sand and I was able to advance in front of our vehicles identifying enemy placements, tank positions and command posts. I even was heli lifted numerous times to various forward locations where I was miles behind enemy lines reporting in. A couple of times I inadvertently "bumped into" enemy positions and the Harley gave me the power to get away. One of the best times of my 35 year career.
Normally the panniers carried documents when used by dispatch riders and the weapon case the British Army SA 80 bulpup rifle.
In my case I carried the rifle but the front panniers had rubber style bladders with extra fuel and spare oil. My backpack was strapped to the rear lift pannier and another bladder ontop of the tank for additional drinking water. I would beg and steal extra fuel from anybody.
I would love to own one.
I want one!❤
I want one!❤
Another great video Sean & Crew. Shout out to Dave and his shop for stepping up and helping out. You can tell he loves what he does.
Huge shout out to Dave
I love how Sean is just a bike-loving child with ADD and he just lets it shine unashamedly. Makes my day every time!
Adhd
adhd
ADD? It's called PASSION! :)
So does Harley.
Well u better be prepared 2b sliding. Across thpavement if u riding 1of these dreadfull HD piles.
Go ask any nurse what she thinks of HD bikes, lazer pointers blinding 100's children, &pets, or bright green anti freeze, chemicals that smells& tastes sweet almost like kool aid.
Very worst most notoriously poor handling example of end all in dangerous motorcycle configuration ever created in humans history pioneered by thIndian company/ embraced by thsnakes@ Harley Davidson. Since th70's I always used Harley &Co. as my hood ornament illustrater displaying finest example of what not 2ever do& how not 2b as an engineer or customer. They bow2 their idiot customers.
U see these biker people locally, 50k bike front yard of a falling apart trailer home. These bikers have a "yea my obnoxious bike will put me in poorhouse hell& I gonna show that off" thing going. "And u all, u can deal with it while my engine says f-you without a muffler."
Loooong flexy whippy frames set on nex2 zero suspension grossly excessive 890lb curb weights (b4 u plop on a 300 lbs of leather& meat) ...makes them flex even more.
Especially if u riding out here. In pothole infested country roads. If so you (will, will, will) be going down. And hard.
There is a reason these guyz wear leather more then any other motorcyclist.
If I place 30 lbs on my Mt. Bike entire frame begins flex like sphagetti. Their front wheel weighs a good up2 80lbs (more then my entire too heavy electric moped) &that with wimpy little cowhorn skinny pot metal handlebars. Anything th engineers could have fathomed 2do wrong, thats what they went ahead&did.
Mikes brother Ken from Minnesota came over 1time on some 1500cc behemothing it took 3of us guyz 2nervously dismount & walk him across 6" puddle.
I have gone down on pavement many times I used 2cafe race 4years. Motocrossed even longer. Just slidding, sliding, sliding on pavement it feels like cold ice wearing 2your bones.
Dave is awesome, I hope this video brings his shop some more attention and customers. I wish I lived nearby!!
Amen to that
Love Harleys, Dave's shop is 40 mins from my house, it's great
I gotta say, I don't share his faith, but he does his faith right. I can hear and appreciate what he appreciates without having it forced on me and that's a credit to him.
Well said! Completely agree.
Well to you 2.....The penny will drop one day that our God..... Jesus, is the risen Savour. A personal relationship
same, I still cringe a bit any time I hear a bible verse but at least he keeps that part to a minimum, the rest is just good quality character, seems like a really nice dude
Your videos are absolutely a blast to watch. I had been a sportbike guy all my life, your videos got me interested in cruisers. I ended up actually making a video about cruisers and it is now among the top 3 videos on my channel. Thank you for inspiring small content creators like myself! Godcbless!
This channel is great because Sean does super cool stuff but he's also always so positive and happy.
Got to keep it positive
@@BikesandBeards thats because he got his friend the Holy Spirt riding with him. God Bless yall!
Hey Sean are you gonna keep making videos
I was watching the other friend's channel but I like yours buddy I don't know what it is Your content is so much different I like beards and Bikes better
@@BikesandBeardsenough with the bible verses. That’s where I stop watching and give the video a thumbs down
Awesome find Sean! Two things. The military used a purple silicone brake fluid back in those days. That might be why the brakes and brake fluid is still good after 24 years. A lot of military equipment can sit in storage for many years before it is used. I think it was D.O.T 5. Also, most every gas powered vehicle had low compression and would run on Mogas, which is usually around 85 octane. I hope this bike is a keeper. You can find a lot of off road trails in TN.
I've been watching this channel for 5 years and you take this bike to a shop less than 10 miles from my house? I literally recognize the field you rode around in.
That's pretty cool.
Small world - This shop used to be down the street from me in Spring Hill. I'm pretty sure another youtuber, Vice Grip Garage is also in Lewisburg.
Damn I normally don't comment regularly but this has to be one of the best finds till date. Coming from a family of army personnel I totally loved it. Showed it to my grandpa. He said they used to have something like this not Harley but yeah 'Royal Enfield' love and respect from 🇮🇳
The most Honda looking Harley I ever saw!
I thought I was the only one who said that, love and respect brother
I haven't ridden a bike in many years but man this video made me miss it. That is an amazing, rare bike and as was said
"a piece of American history". Congratulations and best of luck.
Sean walking around and asking if he could ride every cool bike he saw was the highlight of the video lol
HD has gone Woke-Puke. Don't care about them anymore.
Nope the cool shop owner was! That guy needs a channel
Dude props to Dan he's always going above and beyond for Sean and Craig he knows nothing about bikes but he's interested in everything but he tried to learn what an amazing guy..
I agree with previous comments I love these videos of things I'd otherwise never get to see or learn anything about.. just wish we had a dealership in Oz like you ran srk
Same here. If I ever add another Bike, it looks like I’ll be Driving from Texas to Tennessee to Buy one from Sean. The only Honest Dealer in America probably.
The 2 lock boxes are similar in appearance of Gerry cans we used to haul fuel or some cans were designed like coolers insulated so we could transport or keep foods hot and cold. Another idea is similarly to the runners in the field who needs to get orders to generals on the ground using well a dirt bike
Armstrong MT500 The MT500 was developed by the British military for use in the Falklands War in 1982. Production rights for the motorcycle were sold to Harley Davidson 5 years later. Equipped with a Rotax 481.3 cc engine, the bike generates 32 horsepower and has a top speed of about 90 mph.
That’s not bad. Sounds like a great Bike for Adventure Riding or just hitting the Trails.
@@joeybobbie1 I totally agree
Kudos to the repair shop owner. He is a generous man.
I would suggest that was one made for the British Army as that weapon carrier is shaped with the pistol grip and trigger in the forward position, ie bullpup design of the SA 80, and also when you looked in, the foam was in the shape of the front grip which is almost triangular with the top loped off. The side panniers are for holding dispatches, documents and messages etc.
Made by British company Armstrong, licenced to Harley..
As far as I know the British Army only ever bought the 350 cc version from Harley. But the rifle carrier on Sean's MT 500 does look identical to the ones fitted to British Army bikes. A couple of MT 500 demo bikes were brought into the UK, a mate of mine bought one of them directly from H-D UK.
@@Boodaduk With an Austrian engine.
@@ekspatriat Cool, I always thought Rotax was Japanese. I learn something new every day!
Total agree , definitely Brit spec.
Offering your new friend first ride, was very classy, him turning it down was even more classy! This video earned you a new subscriber!
Rode these on dispatch in my time in the British Army..Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus. Harley-Davidson built with UK CCM (Clews Competition Machines) motors. Superb piece of kit from the 70's Armstrongs.
This brings back memories, was a real novelty being able to ride these in Germany, as I was deployed with the British Army shortly before these were phased out, not a great calling for motorcycles on the battlefield, with limited carrying capability, limited protection and a whole plethora of required extras i.e. different fuel and a new driving license category. It was a shame to lose them, they were really heavy, but they were reliable enough to get you through most things, these eventually were phased out and later replaced operationally with the Yamaha Grizzly 450 and tailor.
Another great video Sean, good luck with all your future endeavors, and keep up the hard work.👍👊
I used to ride one of those when I was in the British Army. I was a despatch rider between 1994-1995 and the front fork panniers and gun case were really useful. I think British Army ones were 350cc though. They replaced our Armstrong 500cc bikes, which had kickstarts and were quite unreliable (although mine was pretty good!).
Looking at the rifle storage box, looks like the rubber is the same shape as an SA80 hand guard if you ask me
out of curiosity why would the British Army use them. They were Armstrong company or something built? just went with that contract rather than triumph or another British bike, or is Armstrong a British company.
Were you in a postie squadron?
UK used some of these. Remember riding one and working on a handful when I was in a VM role. The rubber insert inside the rifle box was triangular which makes me think it might have been destined for the UK at one point. The hand guard on an L85 is triangular in shape.
Always a joyous moment when a bike that you've been working on finally starts...the all around smiles and happy expressions are priceless. Awesome!!
Biker Brotherhood is INCREDIBLE!!
We know it no one else does !!
When you ask the Shop Owner if he wanted to ride it ? He said “It is yours !!! You FiRST !!!!
True Answer !!
GOD BLESS !!
The Military bikes were made and assembled in York PA. No part of that bike is from Milwaukee. The Motor is made by Rotrax. I worked there.
Dave Rocks! Congratulations on getting that bike going. I'm glad you're back to making your video. All is right in the world now.
Gee, you'd think the Harley Museum and HQ would insist you don't leave without having it running since it's one of their own and a very rare bike too. They definitely have mechanics on duty there and all the tools you need you'd think.
It's a Museum/HQ not a drive up garage. Last thing they want is people dropping by for service. They let them shoot on the property and supplied some staff to assist. But no, they wouldn't even let them in the building.
@@badad0166 Aww quit with the HD apologist nonsense. Have you ever heard of a thing called public relations? A guy who has a rare HD bike and 1 million plus subs, you don't give a helping hand? Yeah right. They have a large collection of bikes and with that comes staff who maintains and is equipped with tools. So tell us all how an hour or two of their time would bankrupt the company?
@@kman-mi7su There is no mechanic on site, the museum's primary function is preservation, not restoration.
They have plenty of people there that could of helped. The dude wouldn't even let him sit on one. Its a Harley, not the Monalisa. I bet the dudes over at wheels through time would of been more than happy to lend a hand and probably let him sit on whatever he wanted, and those bikes are way more rare and expensive.
@@rm25088 No, they don’t, it’s a museum not a motorcycle shop. Go ask if you can sit in the Egyptian coffins at the Louvre, see how that goes 🤣🤣.
That looks like it could be my favorite bike. I always wanted a 500 cc or just slightly bigger Enduro type bike, like a Honda, but this would be 10,000x cooler to be able to drive around town and to shows and stuff. Way cool find.
My kids and I were there last July. They had a blast seeing everything they have. I was in aww.
It’s great to see you back, Sean. I was beginning to think you left us. This is one of the only shows I watch on TH-cam, and I don’t watch regular TV. I always look forward to your Bible quotes as well. Btw, that Harley is sick.
That white strap brings back memories. Brought my first big twin (FXRS Convertible) home - first bike sold from the then new Harley dealer in my town on Christmas eve in 1990. They let me have the packing straps to tie it down in my trailer, as it was too snowy to ride it home. Still have and use those straps.
For those saying it never be the same without craig. Sean and Craig were great together but a lot of us follow Sean before Craig was in it. Sean is a fighter and a great human being and he will be rewarded for his acts.
We still miss Caleb 😢
@@FreeFincadw im still here
Hi Sean, Just to let you know, I rode one of these in the British Army, we stopped using them in 2006 as we do not use them any longer, we orginally had 10 bikes in our Regiment, it was petrol (Gas) at that time. and funny I completed my motorcycle licence test on one. It was the replacement for the Armstrong 500. Great to see one again. Thanks
Also the rear weapon rack was perfectly sized for the 5.56 SA80 rifle. It had a centre stand also, part of the test was to kick start the bike and place it on the centre stand
Really strong never broke down, once you get the balance right it will fly through the sand , only downside it a bit heavy if you come off, modify straps on rear for assistance
That was destined for the UK 🇬🇧 gun case is for a l8a5
I believe you are correct sir. 🤔
You beat me to it. The rifle is the L85a1 (sa80) ironically, they took the rifles of us not long into the conflict due to unreliability in desert conditions. God awful reliability with these bikes, just like the original rifles
I.remember when these came on the market almost immediately out of the surplus stores ,a lot of them made it over here as the bike is an armstrong mt500 at heart and we alresdy had loads, but years back i rememeber the harleys appearing amongst the ads from the old armstrong british built bikes.
@@sundrieddeliversthey were unreliable in northern Ireland to lol nothing to do with the desert
Took my test on one of these in the early 80s in aldershot uk . As I was in the army we could us the 500 to learn on as it was the only bikes we had
I don't think I could be happier that it's you that found that bike. Truly a piece of American history that belongs breathing fresh air!
Are you serious? He thrashes everything he sits on! Have you seen him do a 0-60?! It's brutal to watch.
When is American not American? It is an Italian design with an Austrian Engine that was made in the UK and sent out to the US as a kit when HD bought the project. The project was sold as the engine couldn't be run NATO standard fuel which all new purchases had to have. It is a great example of HDs delusional grasping at straws and of British motorcycle history.
Check Armstrong UK guys. It is no more a US HD than a Honda....
Sean doing the mechanic work on by himself and not relying on Craig? This really is a new beginning!!
Jokes aside, love your vids man
It's like the early Bikes and Beards/SRK Cycles videos where half the comments were saying, "You need to get a real mechanic!" ;)
I just bought a 2012 Kawasaki ninja 250r... My first bike. I'm restoring it while my workplace helps me get my bike license on their bikes. Rode a bike for the first time at work and fell in love with the feeling, now I'm turning a wrench on this thing and pulling my carburettors to clean them out I'm feeling like my calling was actually motorbike mechanic.
I just want to say I'm a plumber and I got my son his first dirt bike 2nd hand its a chinese 50cc. I replaced the engine never have I rode replaced an engine while warming up the engine and test riding it the chain broke. I have this channel to thank for giving me the confidence to just do it. Bikes running great replaced the chain( it was sold rusted solid I did my best to restore but I figured that would happen to it) we got in for under 300$. I have no one to talk about this being it's just my family so I just want to say thanks. Today's Bible quote is " iron sharpens iron" don't let people tell you your less of a person for getting used chinese bikes for your first bikes, do your thing be safe have fun.
amazing bike . props to harley for letting you raid there facility and to dave for not calling the cops lol . yall made a new freind and new memories
Man, that is badass! And the hospitality from Dave, that’s so wholesome. Awesome content!
Dude, you crushing it! great content as always, hope you and Craig can do some co-labs!
My Dad told me about these bikes back in the day. He retired from the "Assembly Plant" in York. Nobody that I know growing up in York call it a "factory". They take great pride in assembling the world's best motorcycles.
Loved the Bible verse and how you found a Harley mechanic / shop owner who was willing to help you get the bike running. God bless you. Pastor Dean (retired), Ocala FL.
Man still missing Craig. Sucks that these two won’t be doing regular videos together. It is also clear that Sean is spending more money on this channel than Craig is on his. Seems to me like Craig got left behind. (Even if he is the actual mechanic lmao)
he said "who's comin with me?" i guess and craig didn't want to leave understandably.
Pretty sure he left Craig and the other guys his shop to use and keeps paying them.. that's better then any other boss that moves thier company and just fires thier employees.
I think Craig is slowly trying to build up his own thing.
Craigs channel is awesome. The way I see it we have double the fun now with 2 channels 😊
What happened to Craig?
So fun fact, the mt500 is essentially a swm bike from italy for which harley bought the license. That includes the rotax engine, which should be mostly bulletproof. But then, as was established in an old video, sean neither knows of rotax nor of the whole country austria, so who am i telling that 😂
Great vid btw
An Italian design, with an Austrian Engine that was built in the UK and assembled in the USA to try and get a military contract, but failed due to not meeting the brief.
I did my apprenticeship for a company in the UK trying to convert them to standard NATO fuel, not my department, but would see them around. I guess it was a failed project, why it was sold to Harley. Thorn EMI was the company, did a few military contracts, but mostly known for making lamps and renting TVs. It might have saved HD a few bucks if they had done so research first.
The least American American bike ever, even your average honda probably has more USA made parts in it.
Super awesome to see that they're still amazing people in this world!!! Dave is definitely the MVP of the video!!
Looking at the rifle box on the back. It's for the British military as that holds the SA80 or known as the L85A1 rifle 100 percent. Plus a friend of mine had a ex British army one without all the boxes on it.
Love how you share you faith in these vids. God bless youse.
LETS GO!!!!
I’m loving these new/old bike videos guys.
Cheers Pat🇦🇺
Ive had both models, the 500cc Armstrong version and the HD 350 version. Both great fun to ride 👍. HD has electric start and front disc brake, both helpful 🌝
Glad to see things are moving forward for you in Tennessee. Maybe Dave will become a regular on the channel.
I just love your videos! They're really interesting and one just sees how much you love what you do.
Thank you for providing words of wisdom in English - as a German it really improves my English listening to you citing verses I have only heard in German... Guess we aren't that different after all!
Thank you and God bless!
I've lived in Tennessee for a year and yes, the people are nicer.
Welcome home, brother
Again welcome to Tennessee! Thank you Crusty Grunt Cycles for giving Shawn the Proper Tennessee welcome!
This was awesome. Loved end bit where you stopped by Crusty Grunt Cycles. Dave seems like a stand-up guy.
Great video!
This is the only bike Harley's made in the last 50 years that I want
I always look forward to your awesome vids Sean. They put a smile on my face when nothing else can.
Now that Sean's in Tennessee a colab with vicegrip garage would be awesome!
Craig would have had this running in 5 minutes
Yes! The beards are back with more bikes!
Are you guys shooting videos in Tennessee now? Would be cool to see y'all do something with "The Dragon"
Even the housing inside the compartment for the rifle looks like the shape of the SA80 handguard. I wonder if that was a part leftover from when it was originally made by Armstrong.
My first thought was: Did they make sure there was oil in the thing? My second thought was: I WANT ONE! That bike is so cool! Plus, it's so American! Can you imagine an off-road bike with a built-in box for your AR-15? Talk about a bike built for the 'zombie apocalypse'/end of the world! I need one of those.
I love watching this clean honest fun, I will get a new bike someday mine disappeared two days before Christmas last year. Still miss her. Wife has been hinting to me so soon, thank God
I had the pleasure of working on the 350 whilst serving in the British army around 2008, had to weld up a few sockets to get the spark plug off haha and I still have it. Extremely heavy bike
I so love Seans enthusiasm for bikes, it really comes across on the videos!
Me and a friend once took once of these out two up in a feet of snow in the UK a few years ago. Was awesome!
I've been dying for a Sean video, and this is one of the COOLEST ones yet! Loved that tour and that bike is so freakin neat!!!
Glad you enjoyed it
@@BikesandBeards I did man. I enjoy all of your content. I usually watch a dozen old videos a week between drops. You do a great job 😀
Those handlebar hexagonal grips were available from the 1960's- 70's and were meant to conform better to your natural grip. If you join your thumb & pointer finger at the tips you can see the hole they make is hexagonal shape. I found a rusted Yamaha DT1MX at the tip that had a set.
Y’all should’ve left the bike untouched in the box and just open one side. Super rare and cool to see, probably not a 2nd one in existence. Would be a cool museum piece
i just found your channel the other week and I love your content. great work man
Awesome, thank you!
Its good to see that great content is still being made after the move
Missing Craig so much, his wisecracks were great!
Rotax makes a pretty good motor. I remember when I was racing my FZ600 in the 80's they had a 600 singles class with mostly Yamaha SRX 600's and a lot of other people ran Rotax powered bikes. You could really hear the difference in RPM when at full speed.
I have a good good feeling Tennessee Sean is going to be a lot more exciting videos than it already is!
We had these when I was in the British Army, they were actually very good but I always found it weird that we had Harleys. They must have got them for a good price. Nice trip down memory lane. Thanks!
Armstrong MT500s are fairly common here in the UK
Without Craig I don't think anything will ever work, ever again.
haha
Fortunately thier are alot of "CRAIGS" out thier aka techs! Just not as many are as laid back as he is!
@@theglitch99 say thier one more time
@@notesonwheels THIER
@@theglitch99 thanks
I'm honored to say I served in combat with Dave, great dude!!
Wow that’s awesome
tiny dk motorcycle guy was in the military? Wow im so shocked. Nice redundant comment bro
Ya he seems like a super stand up guy, with awesome hair
Good Job Tennessee!.. You need to show that Harley ..it's a part of our American History
Lived in Milwaukee for decades - Coakley was a big moving company; rode past the Harley place many times. Fun fact - my wife's grandparents met and worked at the original Harley-Davidson garage.
One does not simply grow a beard and get to own a motorcycle, one must first get a motorcycle and then the beard shall find it's path to you... 🙏 😂😂😂
You guys seriously need to do a video on a classic vespa and try make it a powerhouse
Uhhh…random? 🎉
But awesome 🙌
AKA the video the world didn't know it needs.
Stream of consciousness brainstorm: Collab with Craig. Each builds their own version of the brief and rides it to the halfway point between PA and TN to challenge each other. The WV/VA/KY border? So 3 states means the bikes need to be a 3-way mash-up? Vespa + engine from bike B + something from bike C?
Sean making new friends already. This is awesome.
That was very cool indeed! I wish I could still ride, but sadly that's not happening anymore. Still fun to watch a piece of history come to life.
Sean, you should never ever do anything without Craig...
He is your guardian angel and fixer....
Well done.
Kindest Regards to you and Craig
Jesper of Denmark 🇩🇰😎🇩🇰
Craig would have caught the coil being unplugged. Just sayin
Yep. He's no doubt feeling easily replaced right about now too. ,😉
I miss Craig already
We had these in the British Army. I remember the shitty leathers and helmet they would give you for it too.
haha
The gun case is fitted for the SA80
Both the bike and the brotherhood are beautiful! Congrat's!
I bought one $600 . The Canadian army bought a bunch of them from Bombardier . I got rid of it after a couple of months. Slow heavy and almost no brakes. Bombardier owned Rotax and used their engines in CANAM dirt bikes.