Armstrong 1981-1987

* Note this is a sub-section of Armstrong Equipment

Armstrong were motorcycles produced from 1981 to 1987.

1980/1 Armstrong Equipment made 3 acquisition which would put it in a position to make motorbicycles for racing which could lead to bikes for road users within 2 years

Having made a bid to take over the Meriden Cooperative 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 (made by Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) engines were being used.

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.

See Also

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Sources of Information

• The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press 2004 ISBN 1 86126 674 X