New restoration project

[TN2Wheeler]

I have a warm spot in heart (or maybe a soft spot in my head) for old Hondas. I've had a couple of VT500 Ascots (500cc v-twin) one of which was an fairly extensive restoration (http://webpages.charter.net/jrandall/vt500/vt500.htm) and just this week I bought a '82 FT500 Ascot (500cc single). It's red. And flat black, and flat black, and flat back - why do you suppose shade-tree mechanics love flat black paint so much? Anyhow, I have a new toy to occupy my spare time:

The bike starts, runs and rides OK but actually looks FAR better in this photo than in real life. It needs some serious detailed TLC to look good plus quite a bit of maintenance and a maybe even a few "improvements" over the original design to suit my tastes. Good platform for such a venture though. I love thumpers

So anyhow, look for me on this "classic' at a MSTA or VJMA event next Spring.

[skyway_rider]

I'm looking forward to seeing the project completed Jim.

[Brick]

I had one of those... mine was black and I stripped it down and took it road racing... it was fun. Not too competitive but fun. I was 46 when I did that and my number was 46... AND the exercise told me that I was a street rider and get back on the street before you kill yourself!

[HawkGTRider]

I have a warm spot in heart (or maybe a soft spot in my head) for old Hondas. I've had a couple of VT500 Ascots (500cc v-twin) one of which was an fairly extensive restoration (http://webpages.charter.net/jrandall/vt500/vt500.htm) and just this week I bought a '82 FT500 Ascot (500cc single). It's red. And flat black, and flat black, and flat back - why do you suppose shade-tree mechanics love flat black paint so much? Anyhow, I have a new toy to occupy my spare time:

Attachment 4601

The bike starts, runs and rides OK but actually looks FAR better in this photo than in real life. It needs some serious detailed TLC to look good plus quite a bit of maintenance and a maybe even a few "improvements" over the original design to suit my tastes. Good platform for such a venture though. I love thumpers

So anyhow, look for me on this "classic' at a MSTA or VJMA event next Spring.

I don't know that you'd call the FT a "little" bike, but compared to most of what you see, it is. It's actually on my short list of "little" bikes that appeal to me.
I don't know if you saw it, but I rode my '80 Suzuki GS450e to the NVR this past weekend. I had a wonderful time flogging it around some curvy roads including the Cherohala Skyway on the way home.

[C-Lunsford]

Looks like a good start of a fun project. Never owned one myself but have a friend that loves his for scooting around on the local back roads. His is set up like a street version of a TT bike (dirt track with lefts, rights and jumps) with lights. Keep us updated as the project moves forward.

[avidirder]

I've never ridden that Ascot, but I like singles. Good luck on the project!