Harley-Davidson isn’t the first company that comes to mind when discussing dirt bikes. The company once leveraged its ownership of Aermacchi - opens in new window or tab., an Italian manufacturer of small-displacement motorcycles, to build the 1978 Harley-Davidson MX250 - opens in new window or tab. for motocross.
However, the project produced disappointing results, and Harley shelved the idea of making dirt bikes after only one year of production. Twenty years later, it dipped its toes into the off-road waters again with the release of the Harley-Davidson MT500, like the one recently listed for sale on eBay.
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Lining up for Government Cash
While building off-road rigs isn’t its forte, Harley-Davidson has a long history of supporting American war efforts. In 1917, about one-third of the motorcycles Harley produced were sold to the US military. The following year, almost half of its bikes were sold for use in World War I, and during World War II, it produced nearly 90,000 WLA models - opens in new window or tab. for military service.
Landing a government contract for the MT500 would have been a huge financial boost for the company. The military only wanted diesel-powered vehicles for logistical reasons, and production was halted. Of the handful of MT500s still in circulation, this one reportedly spent a pampered life in a dealership before landing in the seller’s personal collection. It still looks showroom fresh.
Harley on the Outside, European on the Inside
Though Harley-Davidson is stamped into its side covers, there’s little Harley in this bike. Its 504-cc single-cylinder Rotax engine - opens in new window or tab. is Austrian. The unit-construction engine houses the five-speed gearbox in a single casing and serves as a stressed member of the frame, a far cry from H-D’s signature V-twin.
The Harley-Davidson MT500 is a direct evolution of the Armstrong MT500 - opens in new window or tab., a British military dual-sport motorcycle whose design Harley bought. The Armstrong MT500 evolved from an Italian-designed motorcycle called the SWM XN Tornado, which also sourced a Rotax 504-cc single-cylinder engine.
A Pretty Pristine MT500
The British/Italian carryovers include a tubular steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member for a little extra rigidity. Suspension and brakes are pretty Spartan—a basic telescopic fork paired with twin rear shocks and spongy drum brakes. Most of its bodywork, including its gas tank, fenders, headlight cowl, and covers, is plastic for practicality. The MT500 has a single rectangular headlight, as well as turn signals, brake lights, and mirrors to make it street legal.
It has a solo seat, and the rack on the rear is designed to support additional gear, including a waterproof rifle case. Harley made a pair of hard plastic cases that mounted on either side of the fuel tank, too—another popular accessory that this one unfortunately doesn’t have.
What it does come with, though, is an intact toolbox, a certificate of origin, the dealer MSO and invoice, and the original owner’s manual, still sealed in plastic. It also comes with just 10 miles on the odometer.
The low miles and pristine condition add to this example’s collectability. Toss in a little Harley historical significance and limited production numbers, and you have a motorcycle bound to make an astute collector very happy.
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