1984 Honda Ascot FT500 Review Info

One recent post has generated the lion’s share of views, that of the 1984 Honda VT500 Ascot for sale recently on Craigslist. I dug through my collection of mid-80’s Cycle magazines to see if I could contribute any more information about that popular motorcycle.

“Its pieces serve rather than amaze.”

Cycle magazine did a review of the 84 Ascot in its June 1984 issue, and to my surprise it was quite positively reviewed. The Ascot’s wide bars helped it feel very maneuverable at even low speeds, a boon for urban riders particularly. While the 500 might not be made for long freeway trips owing to its light weight, the overdrive 6th gear allows the engine to spin under 4000 rpm at 60mph.

“Urban bopping is what the Ascot does best…[the] lack of driveline lash lets you concentrate on riding rather than the machine”

Its suspension shortcomings do not inspire hard twisty road charging. The engine provides “good, docile power” through the tachometer. While unimpressive, the single disc and rear drum brakes are effective. In 1984, the VT500 Ascot sold for $2,347.