HONDA FT500 Ascot (1982-1983) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda Ascot was a name given to two motorcycles manufactured by the Japanese maker in the early 1980s. The FT500 and VT500FT were manufactured under the Ascot name between 1982 and 1984.

In 1982, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer introduced the Honda FT500 Ascot, a half-liter motorcycle offered in Monza Red or black. The tank stripes and the FT500 decal on the red bike were grey and silver, while on the black model were red and orange.

In addition, the motorcycles delivered to the United States were limited to 135 kph (85 mph), as was required, while the ones supplied to other countries were limited to 180 kph (112 mph).

The bike's visual department was characterized by standard features, such as a small rectangular headlight, a one-piece dual seat, a single exhaust system with a silencer mounted on the right-hand side, and five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.

As for the power figures, the 1982 Honda FT500 Ascot took its muscles from a 497cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 34 hp with a peak at 6,200 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.

In the suspension department, the motorcycle packed a 37 mm air-assisted fork on the front with 152 mm of travel and dual spring preload-adjustable gas-assisted shocks on the rear, providing optimum suspension performance and handling.