Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1982 Honda Ascot FT500 custom. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Named after Ascot Park, a former flat-track raceway in Los Angeles, the Honda Ascot had a cult following – an excellent Motorcycle Classics article suggests that it’s a “tight handling, urgent machine with seamless power and acceleration.”
This example (VIN: JH2PC0704CM001071) maintains the urgency but adds a whole bunch of style as it was built into a distinctive custom by Scott Halbleib of H Garage. Please note that the frame has been powdercoated and the VIN is no longer visible. The bike and builder were profiled in an this Pipeburn article. We recommend that you check out that article for details, but a summary of modifications is provided below:
Modifications:
Aermacchi gas tank.
Cone Engineering muffler integrated into custom tail section. Vintage microphone housings used for the headlight and tail light.
The frame was chopped and de-tabbed, all joints were re-welded.
New header with custom mid pipe, Mikuni 36mm roundslide carb with custom made velocity stack, custom carb manifold, modified footpegs.
Vortex clip-ons, steel braided brake lines, vintage Honda Racing paint scheme.
Progressive shocks and springs, turn signals mounted to passenger peg mounts.
Custom seat upholstered by New Church Moto.
New controls, master cylinder, and reservoirs.
Not pictured is a Ballistic battery as well as Motogadget switches and relays.
The seller acquired it “about a year ago directly from the builder. I fell in love with it from the pictures and video and had to have it. Still has the nipples on the tires from the original build. I have never ridden it once as I was just getting it for show. The bike looks and sounds amazing in person.”
This Ascot has been covered in several online publications. In addition to Pipeburn, it was featured by: 1downfourup, Motor NL, NAPCM, Bike Post, Lenta, and Cafe Racer Passion. It was also shown at the 2016 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show.
The seller states that the bike has 18,648 miles (based on the title, true mileage is unknown) and he has not ridden it. “It still has the little nipples on the tires from the original build.”
He adds that it was just serviced and there are no known mechanical issues. “The only real cosmetic issue is the gold paint on the grip is peeling. Other than that it needs a good professional detailing.”
Currently located in Hartsdale, New York, this Honda is offered on a clean Kentucky title. Have any Ascot stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
