1984 VT500FT Ascot

Recently acquired this vintage motorcycle. With 11.6k miles it is good
condition. However, I know nothing about it. Looking for anything that
would help in restoration. Tips and tricks.

 

Basically it's a 500cc Shadow with a standard/sport frame. Most parts
will interchange.

Even though a rare bike, it's not considerably valuable based on the
age/condition. It's a nice bike though....just wasn't a good seller in
this country. I believe it sold best over-seas. I can't say much on
this though, the Blackbird was dropped from the US lineup and stayed a
strong model in Europe and Australia.

 

Didn't some/one of those Ascot's have shaft drive?

 

Beats me....

I know I remember looking at it when they were built. I bought
Suzuki's answer to the Ascot which was the Tempter 650. The Tempter
was a chain drive. I bought it because it had a couple features and
ergos that the Ascot didn't have.

I sometimes wish I still had that Suzuki. That was one of the only
Suzuki motorcycles that I actually wanted to buy over a Honda.

 

The 1984 we have is shaft driven.

 

Thanks Mike & Bernie, for the pics and history. I thought
I recalled a shaft drive, and I always thought those bikes
were very attractive. Just more Honda iron(aluminum)
now gone to scrap. i.e. more Honda bikes discontinued.