Description
Classic 1980s Honda built to street tracker style by Spirit of the 70s, builders who were part of the original Bike Shed Motorcyle Club co-operative. Hand-painted tank, side panel and tail by D-Lucks of Brighton.
The Ascot was a USA-only varient of the VT500, named after the famous dirt track.
This bike was built in 1983 and first registered in the UK in 1996. I don’t know when it was first imported from the US though.
I bought it from Spirit in 2012 I think.
Sounds amazing through the trumpet pipe and shifts more than you’d expect too, thanks to light weight.
Host of changes including upside down forks, Brooks England leather hand grips, Renthal bars, wrapped trumpet exhaust, new gauge (there’s only one kids, that was it was like in the 80s!).
I gave up riding in 2018 after more than 20 years and sold my modern bikes immediately. Couldn’t bring myself to sell this but it’s just in the way of the old cars and needs to go. I only look at it these days.
It hadn’t been ridden in five years so last year I sent it down to the local classic bike shop and spent £600 having it completely sorted - carbs, brakes etc etc. Bill present for that of course.
Mechanically it’s in great condition, but could do with a proper valet to bring it back up to its best. More than anything though it just needs riding.
Lots of tread on both tyres, which I had changed shortly before putting it away.
It has a little B&W plate on but I have the original plate for MOT purposes.
Located in Oxfordshire and I make a good cup of tea. Any Qs please get in touch. 80s Jap bikes are the thing at the moment and one created by Spirit of the 70s is rare as hen’s teeth. This was early days for Spirit and within a couple of years they were making display bikes for Barbour International and one of their creations was many thousands, so a bit of UK scene history here as well.
No idea what the mileage is as the clock was changed for a cool little retro stainless one by Spirit, so have plucked a number out of the air.
