Tried the right forum but no success so asking here now.

VAL. H.

Thrower of cats at pigeons
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The British Army two stroke 250 Can-Am Bombardier circa 1980.

Any one got any experiance of these?

Any info greatfully received.

Cheers Val.
 
1200 technical section's not the place either Val -

I've moved it here - you may get more of a response :thumb2
 
Based in Hounslow 1980-1983. Rode a couple of military green canams...can't remember much though they were pretty easy to ride. I thought we had the 350cc bikes - maybe not.
 
there was a bloke who took one on the south american rally (rally of the andees?) back in the early 80's I've got his book someplace will try and find it.

it was that solo ride which inspired me to do some of my stupid at times (on hindsight) trips
 
Thanks for the responce guys :thumb2



there was a bloke who took one on the south american rally (rally of the andees?) back in the early 80's I've got his book someplace will try and find it.

it was that solo ride which inspired me to do some of my stupid at times (on hindsight) trips


Sounds interesting :mmmm

I'd be interested to hear more of this guy. Do you know his name?
 
What sort of info are you after ? Spares,running costs,regular faults ? It might give us an idea where to point you.


Hi, I'm looking for all the info I can get. IE: am I waisting my time and will end up with an unreliable bike that will be a thorne in my side or are they actualy quite good?

Do they have any go in them or will I allways be wanting more? I have read they are good for 80 plus, so I recon it'll be ok on road but what about trail riding and doing the odd steep slope etc.

I think 'Regular faults' is a good starting place though :thumb2


Cheers Val.
 
I'd be interested to hear more of this guy. Do you know his name?

had a bit of a look more cr4p in loft than I thought... as for his name no idea all I remember was he went to take part in a proper rally so there must be site for that sort of info he went as a privateer, no sponsorship, a rough idea but not real expirience in off-roading, rallies, raids etc. not enough tools, back up, very few spares.

He came back and wrote a book about it must have been around 82-84ish...... had some really rough pictures in when he was stuck in a rainstorm hell jungle s41t-hole! as the rally was average to badly organised.
 
Start at www.militarycan-am.co.uk
OOPS,missed that Timpo had posted same link

We seem to have a fair few Ex Forces Members,could they shed any light ? If the Military used them,they must have been fairly rugged and reliable.

One just went on e-bay for £390.Needed a bit of tidying but seemed a decent project as it was declared a runner.
 
Start at www.militarycan-am.co.uk
OOPS,missed that Timpo had posted same link

We seem to have a fair few Ex Forces Members,could they shed any light ? If the Military used them,they must have been fairly rugged and reliable.

One just went on e-bay for £390.Needed a bit of tidying but seemed a decent project as it was declared a runner.

Got out bid in last three seconds :( Taking into account travelling to collect, it would have cost over £500 including collection.
 
I had use of one whilst on exercise over a 6 week period. It was subject to loads of abuse and all it needed was a wack with a hammer to fix. However I still carry the scars from trying to start the bitch. L/H kickstart only with the pannier frame fitted = gouged calf muscles.
 
The British Army two stroke 250 Can-Am Bombardier circa 1980.

Any one got any experiance of these?

Any info greatfully received.

Cheers Val.

Started on one of these when I came back to biking in 1990. Very robust and solid and good to learn offroad skills on. Easier to kick over than Armstong MT 500 which I had later but I did have to have engine rebuilt. Seem to remember reading an account of some event in Falklands where forces guys were using Bombardiers and rated them highly!
 
Can am

I would buy the MT 500 or HD 350 if you want a Military bike from my memory going back to the late 80's Canams were rubbish the lights as most 2 strokes were not up to the job. I did,nt rate them one bit although they were lightweight compared to the Armstrong.

Take my advice say clear.
 
It was an amstrong that matey did the rally on, got that wrong.... oooops...:augie

still can't find the book either
 


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