Topic: What about the VT 500 Ascot? (and a possible package deal)

[MoMo]

I bench and THEN vacuum sync ALL my SOHC4's. This is my first go at the V-Twin. It was suggested that I vacuum sync the VF500, but holy hell that's a complicated process to set the mixture and vacuum sync on the V4! It runs damn good with the bench sync, so I left it well enough alone. I'll see how the Ascot runs.

There is a special carb adjusting tool that is mandatory when syncing  V4 carbs, at least that has been my experience..  So, if you don't have it , I'd leave well enough alon e....Larry

[grcamna2]

nah, get the curved synch screwdriver and do it;smooth is always best.

[MoMo]

nah, get the curved synch screwdriver and do it;smooth is always best.

that's what I mean Bill.  I bought a Snap On one back in the 80's that worked on all V4s.  Most likely Motion Pro sells a similar tool

[Scott S]

nah, get the curved synch screwdriver and do it;smooth is always best.

that's what I mean Bill.  I bought a Snap On one back in the 80's that worked on all V4s.  Most likely Motion Pro sells a similar tool

 I have something similar. Used it on XS650's. The FSM also covers a fairly in depth procedure for the mixture screws on the VF500, too. Maybe I'll try it someday.

[grcamna2]

Scott,
I think the VF/Honda V-Fours are So smooth that they easily rival the smoothness of a Goldwing engine and fine-tuning just makes it that much better.I also hope you find a set of stock(84-85' VF500F mufflers flow Great as they're tuned for those years larger 32mm carbs.) exh. for yours,imo. 

[grcamna2]

nah, get the curved synch screwdriver and do it;smooth is always best.

that's what I mean Bill.  I bought a Snap On one back in the 80's that worked on all V4s.  Most likely Motion Pro sells a similar tool

Larry, Before I bought that tool from K&L I used a tiny little flat blade screwdriver and an 8mm wrench but it took twice as long..

[Scott S]

 Got the oil changed in both bikes (and the filter in the VT). It uses the same filter my VF500 uses and I just happened to have a couple on hand.
 I also got the 360 prepped for a valve and points adjustment this weekend. I already have the caliper apart and I'm just waiting on a box from 4into1.com so I can do the brakes, steering stem, forks, etc.
 Oh...and spent a few days soaking the tank with EvapoRust and finished up some particularly tough stuff with The Works. It's now bare metal inside and coated with Marvel Mystery Oil.

 I gathered up the stuff for the brakes on the VT but was stymied by some stuck pistons in the caliper I picked up. I just have a little 3 gallon compressor and it wouldn't pop them out (and BTW, I used the grease gun method the the CB360 caliper. Didn't want to do that on the dual piston VT caliper). I'll drop it off at my buddy's shop and have him pop them out.
 I had a new 16mm master cylinder on hand. Bought it for the VF500 and ended up not needing it. I picked up some EBC pads and had a stainless hose made at a local hydraulics shop. Only $24!

[Scott S]

 Found these bars at the local Mom 'n' Pop motorcycle shop. NOS Honda CRF230F bars for only $35. I had to finagle them a bit because of the non-detachable cross bar, but they work. It's amazing what a simple bar change can do!
 The controls aren't fully tightened down yet. I'll do that once I have the seat on.

[Scott S]

 Over the last few days I've gotten the triple tree repaired on the CB360, as well as rebuilding the forks and front brakes.
 Moved on to the Ascot and got the radiator flushed and coolant changed. Changed the gear oil in the final drive. Rebuilt the forks and installed a new (old) drilled rotor, braided S.S. hose, EBC pads and new master cylinder.





 Also ordered some new tires; Kenda K-761's.

[Fezzler]

Mr. Efficiency!  Can't wait to see Ascot done!

[NobleHops]

Mr. Efficiency!  Can't wait to see Ascot done!

What he said - excellent!

[Scott S]

 After struggling with the rear axle nut for over an hour.... heat, impact gun, PB Blaster, you name it....I was finally able to free it by having the GF hold the axle with a screwdriver on the opposite side while I used a 2 ft. piece of PVC pipe on a 2 ft. breaker bar. It was just stuck with corrosion and age. I cleaned it up and lubed everything properly on reassembly.
 New tires mounted and balanced and brakes properly adjusted.




 Nice and meaty all the way around and still clears the fender and swing arm with room to spare.

[Fezzler]

Those tires look great with those wheels.  Nice match.

[RAFster122s]

Are the Kenda tires known for good wet and dry traction?  With the wide siping they will be noisy.
They look like they would have good traction in a bit of dirt/gravel, light off road.
David

[Scott S]

 I don't know. Haven't ridden it yet. And I tend to not ride in the rain much. I had some Avon Distanzia tires on an XS650 once.... similar style tire....and they were fine on the street.

[Scott S]

 Also, most new updates on these projects will be here:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,167127.0.html

[BomberMann650]

I have a question.

Where can people find parts for the vt500ft?

My friends rat-scot blew up while she was touring oregon for the eclipse.

[Scott S]

 eBay is probably the best option.

[BomberMann650]

eBay is probably the best option.

How do I get ebay to stop confusing the vt500ft twin with the 500 thumper single?

[Scott S]

eBay is probably the best option.

How do I get ebay to stop confusing the vt500ft twin with the 500 thumper single?

 I type in "Honda VT500 Ascot". That generally separates the FT/single cylinder stuff from the V-Twin. If you know what particular parts she needs, cross reference them. Many of them were used on the VT500C, aka the Shadow cruiser bike.

[BomberMann650]

eBay is probably the best option.

How do I get ebay to stop confusing the vt500ft twin with the 500 thumper single?

 I type in "Honda VT500 Ascot". That generally separates the FT/single cylinder stuff from the V-Twin. If you know what particular parts she needs, cross reference them. Many of them were used on the VT500C, aka the Shadow cruiser bike.

Thanks, now I know what I've been doing wrong!

[Bankerdanny]

eBay is probably the best option.

How do I get ebay to stop confusing the vt500ft twin with the 500 thumper single?

Well, stop calling it the VT500FT for one. The FT500 is the single, the VT500 is the twin. If you include the FT at the end of your search you are confusing eBay.

You can also use the option to narrow down the search by a specific make/model/year

[BomberMann650]

eBay is probably the best option.

How do I get ebay to stop confusing the vt500ft twin with the 500 thumper single?

Well, stop calling it the VT500FT for one. The FT500 is the single, the VT500 is the twin. If you include the FT at the end of your search you are confusing eBay.

You can also use the option to narrow down the search by a specific make/model/year

If the demonic ascot could get any quirky-er.  Vt500ft is the full model number/type.

Anyone know of a good camshaft upgrade that can be done?

[RAFster122s]

Drop a cbr600rr motor in is a nice camshaft upgrade I hear... 
Yeah, I will probably burn for my cheeky response.

[Scott S]

 There's a little bit of hop up info here:. http://ascot500.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=feu6rn2ho2abp033jvqhpp5fn4;