Honda Ascot FT 500

[guitarguy1]

Is this a decent bike for a first time? I met a guy who might be trading me some guitar gear for this bike. It needs some work, but once I finish with that, will this be a good bike that will be ridable, or was this one of those bikes that was always low end for a reason?

[guitarguy1]

also, will it be able to haul me around? Im about 6'6 and weigh in around 260. any thoughts?

[Johnj]

If it's the VT then it's a v-twin 500cc in a very capable frame. These bike are not powerhouses, but they are very good handling bikes. A great choice for a first bike.

[guitarguy1]

i was hoping to hear something along those lines. thanks for the info. its much appreciated

[flynrider]

The FT Ascot was a 500cc single cylinder bike. Many people think it's a twin because of the dual exhaust ports and dual pipes on the front of the engine. The engine is actually from the Honda XL/XR 500 dirt bikes.

I haven't ridden one since the 80s, but I recall that it had plenty of low end pep and the output was in the mid 30 hp range. Good enough for around town and some freeway use. It topped out at around 90 mph.

[guitarguy1]

Ok, so I just found out that this fella lives about an hour and a half away from me. No big deal, unfortunately, I don't have a trailer. Whats the best way to lock the bike in place in the back of my truck? I have heavy motorcycle tie-downs (I use them for wood and metal working machinery) Should I just center it up and tie into place and hope for the best, or am I missing something simple and obvious?

Thanks

[flynrider]

How I do it :

1. Put the bike in the bed with the sidestand down. Put a small flat piece of wood or metal under the sidestand, so it doesn't dent the bed. The bike should be in 1st gear to keep it from rolling back and forth.

2. Attach two tiedowns from the rear of the bike (on the grab bars, if equipped) to the sides of the bed.

3. Attach two tiedowns from the handlebars to the sides of the bed. Compress the suspension and tighten up the tiedowns.

That's what works for me.

[guitarguy1]

Excellent, thanks for the info flynrider

[Johnj]

I always place the bike in the center of the bed, hook the tie downs to the handlebars and to the side of the truck, then tighten evenly compressing the forks. When done the bike stands upright. Check the straps often.

[guitarguy1]

hey folks, i just wanted to say thanks for the suggestions, i got it home fine. its a bit bigger then i thought it would be, but its in better shape to, so im very happy. thanks for all the help guys, im sure ill be picking your brains some more down the line