Second Generation Ascots > The V-Twin Years: Stock To Lightly Modified

Potential VT500 purchase (Oh, who am I kidding....it's probably a done deal)

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scott s:
 I made an introduction thread on the FT side.

http://ascot500.com/index.php?topic=789.0

 I've known for years that a friend picked up an Ascot. I've not seen it on person and she really knows nothing about motorcycles. She once had a pipe dream about riding and bought this bike. Any time we talked about it, I was under the impression that it was the single.
 Today, she finally got around to taking some pics for me. SURPRISE!! It's a VT500!



 She said it needs a caliper because the P.O. told her. That could mean anything from a complete brake overhaul to just a minor rebuild. All stuff I've done plenty of times and am comfortable with. Are the calipers and rebuild parts readily available for this bike?
 I don't know how many miles are on it yet. The tank looks like it could use a cleaning, but doesn't look rotten. I'm working on setting up an in person viewing.
 Give me some pointers and any known weak points for this model that I should be aware of. I'm known to haul home complete basket cases, so working on them isn't a problem. But if there are model specific things to check, let me know.

 It has a title, hasn't run in a few years, and I can get it for under a grand. Possibly way under. Any way to tell from the pics what year it is?

scott s:
 These are the only other two pics she sent. If the tank is solid, I can clean it. No problem....done it plenty of times. I'll just assume the carbs need done. I have a great carb guy within walking distance of my house.
 Then, normal stuff: fork oil, battery, plugs, engine oil and filter, etc.
 And I'm sure the tires are toast, too.




 It's possible I can even work out a package deal with this CB360. I don't want it....just sold two NICE CL350's, but I might be able to flip it.

J6G1Z:
The VT500FT Ascots were made in '83-'84.

Sometimes the fuel tank will rust through at the lowest point by the seat due to ethanol fuel & moisture. Replacement tanks are near impossible to find. The coils go bad after a while. Replacements are available through Honda & Rick's Motosports.

Usually they run well & are fairly maintenance free.

My first Ascot was a '84 Black VT. It was a great bike!

Good luck
J.

Bucko:
It's looks like it's in really nice shape under that dust.

I'd use a POR kit to clean and coat the inside of the tank.

I wouldn't assume the carbs need to be rebuilt.  I'd get some fuel flowing through them - i.e. ride it for a while - even if it's running a bit rough - before rebuilding carbs.

There's a vacuum actuated fuel shut off built into the  fuel tap.  I think they're pretty bulletproof but if you trouble getting fuel from the tank to the carbs - check the tap first.

Brakes are easy to rebuild - probably don't need anything but a complete disassemble, cleaning (particularly the seal groves - you can use a dreamel with wire wheel for that) and reassemble.  If you do need new seals (I bet you won't) I think they're still available as the Ascot caliper was used on a bunch of other Honda bikes.

Check and adjust (if necessary) the valve clearance.  Easy to do.

Hard to tell the year from the pictures as there was a black model one year and a very dark blue (which can look black) model the other year .  The year will be on the steering neck ID plate/sticker.

It'll probably burn some oil as the valve seals from that vintage tend to get either hard or soft and leak a bit.  Unfortunately you have to pull the motor to get at the seals (but it should be possible to do without removing the head) - but I wouldn't bother until the time you have to have the engine out of the frame for some other reason (which may be never  :)) - just be mindful of when you need to add some oil.

If you don't buy it, let me know, I'm interested (depending on where it is).

scott s:
 I thought they had hydraulic valve adjusters?

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