Improving the looks of the FT500

[mthee]

Works for me 😁👏👍

https://www.bikebound.com/2022/02/10/honda-ft500-amp/#google_vignette

[themoudie]

Tim Schultz
February 10, 2022 at 4:41 pm  ·  Reply

Nice build. I recently owned a 1983 Honda FT500 Ascot, sold it last fall. I had to laugh when I read the line “Honda sought to address both criticisms with the FT500, which offered a reliable electric start….”. They did not succeed in their, search anyone that has owned a FT500 will tell you the electric start is the Achilles heal of the bike and the parts are no longer available from Honda and sourcing them has become quite difficult . I saw in one of the Facebook forums for the FT500 that their is a guy in Europe manufacturing them in small batches but I haven’t heard what the results have been for those that have tried his solution

That would worry me!

Looks OK though.

Bill

[SteveC#222]

Always liked the look of the FT. Pity they couldn't sort the problems ( starter motor, lack of power/speed and handling).
Wonder if an XBR engine would fit?

[BrendanO]

This looks v nice…but tbh, so does the stock bike, and what this custom gains in retro CB/brat looks, it loses by giving up the FT styling and Honda off-road red.

Inalso was gonna comment on the “reliable electric start”, as in the YK this bike was regarded as an absolute lemon whenI started out in the mid 80s.
A few yrs back, I bought one….

[CrazyFrog]

Looks great, but I had new one back in the 80's and it wasn't for me...

[Moto63]

Yes Pete, I think I had a lucky escape back then. Almost went for one having owned my 250rs for a few years at the time, loved it. Thought the FT would be “more” of the same. Thankfully I went for a spanking new XBR, certainly didn’t once regret my decision.