Hello from KC (Parkville actually). I found a running '84 VT500 on CL, and went to look at it last weekend. It needs a little work, but it runs and shifts and it appears to be complete. Haggled with the owner a little, and it looks like I'll be able to get it for $700. I'm going to pick it up today.
I've always loved the look of the flat trackers, and I even did a street tracker conversion on an '82 Yamaha Virago 920 a couple of years ago (pic below). I sold that one, and I've been kicking myself ever since. I also did a Suzuki GR650 street tracker several years ago, but I don't like the way it turned out so I'm not going to post any pictures of that one
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I've got a 16 year old son who I'd like to get on street bikes (don't tell mom). I have a 2006 Ducati ST3s (no way I'm letting him ride that) and a 1979 Goldwing naked project bike. That one's a little heavy to learn on. The Ascot looks like a great gateway into the world of street bikes for him.
Once I pick it up, I'll start a rebuild thread and post some pictures. For now, I'm happy to have found a group with a common affliction.