1984 Honda Shadow

JH2PC1002EM102340

GORGEOUS ALL ORIGINAL WELL MAINTAINED - UNMOLLESTED CLASSIC 1984 VT 500 FT ASCOT When I bought this bike last year, I had never heard of the Ascot. It was a really nice looking bike that ran like a sewing maching and seemed to handle nicely. Within days of owning it, I was an enthusiast and have since found that there are a lot of people out there who share my very high opinion of this machine. Here are a few links to some of the enthusiast sites I have found: http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/motorcycle-reviews/1984-honda-ascot-vt500.aspx http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_vt_500_e_1984.php http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ascotvt500enthusiasts/ http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576855 http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0500/ascot-vt/ascot-vt.htm#literature http://webpages.charter.net/jrandall/vt500/vt500.htm http://ascotvt.tripod.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVJS6XDZRFA&NR=1 Honda made these bikes for just two production years, 1983 & 1984, however they also produced a 500CC single cylinder version in previous years. That bike was not well concieved and in my opinion tainted the ascot line, which caused production to end after two years of the VT series. This V twin bike is incredibly well balanced, has unbelievably smooth, strong performance, handles like the track bike it was designed to be and will run with much larger machines. Some riders in the Northwest know the old McKenzie highway, west of Bend, OR as being one of the most awesome rides you can experience. I have ridden a variety of bikes across this snake of a road and none have come close to comparing to the Ascot for it's nimble precision. (I took a moving van towing a mini van across that highway once too, but that's a story for another day!) As you will read in the critic pages, the one common flaw with this bike is that the side panels tend to fly off at high speed. Everyone recommends replacing the grommets and some suggest additional means of keeping the side panels on. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. Both side panels have hit the ground and both have some scuffing and minor damage. The grommets have been replaced and in fact the bike will come with a couple of new replacement grommets for on down the road. This is the only damage you will find on this bike. It is in very much pristine, tidy, original showroom condition...keeping in mind that it is 27 years old and has nearly 16000 miles on it. I'm sure that with the most critical eye you will find a nick here and there, but you do have to look closely. There is a very small paint rub on the trailing edge of the rear fender, just under the luggage rack. You have to look closely to find it and it is minor. As you would expect, there are no leaks of any kind. The battery is newer, the fuel tank is like new inside, everything is adjusted to factory specs and in great shape. This bike was built to be maintenance free, save for the usual oil/filter changes. Even cold (with choke), this bike fires up on the first flick of the starter switch. It is amazingly not cold blooded like most vintage Hondas and runs smoothly and smoke free from cold through complete warm up. There are two spark plugs per cylinder and I run NGK Iridiums for a smooth and positive throttle response. The Ascot utilizes a six speed , close range transmission which is flawless and clicks through all six just as designed (including neutral, which you can find on first try, even when right off the highway). The shaft drive is sewing machine smooth and maintenance free. There is NO slop from throttle on to throttle off and back. Tires are in excellent condition and are perfectly suited to the performanace of this bike, front and back. The rear shocks are progressive and are newer, installed I believe just before I purchased the bike. The Vetter wind screen is in very good condition and adds a measure of comfort and streamline that suits the bike well. Of couse, for the purist, it can easily be removed. The previous owner of this bike was maniacal about maintenance. There is a thick envelope full of professional maintenance records, including replacement of normal wear items like foot peg rubbers and grips (all original Honda parts, of course), There is also a full, official Honda shop manual included (not just a Chilton manual mind you, the official Honda item!), as well as the owners manual, periodic literature and service notices from Honda. Unlike a lot of classic bikes, this is a true rider, without the quirks and limitations that usually accompany the older motorcycle. It has been one of my favorites and I will be sad to see it go. Good luck in bidding and please be assured that this is truly a fine machine that you can bid on with confidence.