Armstrong motorcycles were produced from 1981 to 1987.
Having once been interested in Triumph with unsuccessful results, this large engineering firm took over CCM in 1980.
1981 CCM was briefed to produce a road racer which was shown as the CM35 and fitted with a 247cc water-cooled two-stroke Rotax engine unit and a six-speed Austrian gear-box. The frame had rising-rate rear suspension, Marzocchi front forks and Brembo disc brakes. Immediately successful, it had a TT win and grand prix placings.
1982 A 347cc version was added in the same format and the off-road CCM models became badged as Armstrong CCM. By the middle of the year, Rotax engines were employed.
1983 Machines were being supplied to Can-Am for the American market, with badges to suit.
1985 The company won a contract to supply the British Army with large numbers of trail machines. These were built to military specifications and fitted with a de-tuned version of the big four-valve Rotax single. After that, the road racing twins had little success.
1987 Harley-Davidson bought the military machine operation and the rest of the business was sold back to the founder of CCM, Alan Clews.
Saxon built roadracing motorcycles using Armstrong engines in 1989-1990.
Armstrong 1983 Models (from factory brochure)
ARMSTRONG CMX 490
Engine: New 482.3cc with magnesium crankcases
Horsepower: 52
Bore/Stroke: 85mm x 85mm
Trans: 4 speed with primary kickstart
Induction: Reed valve with Bing 40mm carb
Frame/Swingarm: Reynolds 531 tubing and detachable subframe
Suspension Front: 40mm Marzocchi with 300mm (12in) travel
Suspension Rear: (Quad link) Rising rate, , Mono Ohlin adjustable damper, 320mm (12.59in) travel
CMX 500 4 Stroke
Engine: Rotax S.O.H.C. four valve, four stroke of 493.7cc
Horsepower: 50 BHP
Bore/Stroke: 89mm x 79.4mm
Trans: 5 speed with primary kickstart
Frame/Swingarm: Reynolds 531 tubing
Suspension Front: 40mm Marzocchi with 300mm (12in) travel
Suspension Rear: (Quad Link) Rising rate, Mono Ohlin adjustable damper 320mm (12.59in) travel 560cc version available to order.
ARMSTRONG CMT310 MKII
Engine: Hiro trials engine of 322.7cc
Bore/Stroke: 80mm x 64.2mm
Trans: 6 speed with primary kickstart
Frame: Reynolds 531 tubing
Suspension Front: Marzocchi 27° 2/1 1/2° compound
Suspension Rear: Twin betor, with 165mm (6.5in) travel Weight: 196lbs
ARMSTRONG CMT 250
Engine: Hiro trials engine of 244cc
Bore/Stroke: 72mm x 60mm
Trans: 6 speed with primary kickstart
Frame: Reynolds 531 tubing
Suspension Front: Marzocchi 27° 2/1 1/2° compound
Suspension Rear: Twin betor, with 165mm (6.5in) travel Weight: 192lbs
ARMSTRONG CMX 250 LC
Engine: New 248cc liquid cooled, with magnesium crankcases
Horsepower: 42
Bore/Stroke: 72mm x 61mm
Trans: 5 speed with primary kickstart
Induction: Disc valve, 34mm Mikuni
Frame/Swingarm: Reynolds 531 tubing and detachable subframe
Suspension Front: 40mm Marzocchi with 300mm (12in) travel
Suspension Rear: (Quad link) Rising rate, Mono Ohlin adjustable damper, 320mm (12.59in) travel
ARMSTRONG CMX 125 LC
Engine: Rotax 124cc liquid cooled with magnesium crankcases
Horsepower: 21 Bore+Stroke: 54mm x 54mm
Trans: 6 speed ciose ratio with primary kickstart
Induction: Reed valve, with 34mm Mikuni
Frame/Swingarm: Reynolds 531 tubing with detachable subframe
Suspension Front: 40mm Marzocchi with 300mm (12in) travel
Suspension Rear: (Quad link) Rising rate, Mono Ohlin adjustable damper 320mm (12.59in) travel
Sources: Graces Guide, et al.
Other marques with the "Armstrong" name: Disambiguation
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