Are you sure it's from the head/cylinder junction and not from the head/top cap junction? When I say top cap I mean the part that holds the tach drive and rockers. Mine leaked from there when i got it. I took the top cap off and found the PO had stripped a couple of the bolt threads in the head causing it to be loose and leak oil. I re-threaded the holes and used larger bolts, then cleaned everything up and sealed with hi-temp silicon. Been oil free ever since, however I do check those bolts periodically. I let my 19 yo son ride mine for a while until an unlicensed driver turned in front of him and he hit the rear fender of the car, folding the forks back against the engine (he was bruised but OK!). We decided to rebuild it in to something of a street tracker. New forks, round headlight, cleaned up the front a bit, shortened the rear bodywork, new LED tailight and lic bracket, and some flat track handlebars. It's not fast, but it is fun to ride and usually draws a lot of attention. Best of all I have very little money invested! ,
Good to see this thread start up. I bought a Ascot for the wife's first bike here in Bama and she loves the little Honda. I's a 84 model and clean for the most part. Im a little worried about the rust on the inside of the the tank and since I have just packed it up and sent it off to Germany there is no telling how the tank will hold up on the boat. I know these have had problems with rust in the tank so I'm guessing I may need to cut my losses and get a new tank fitted when we get set back up in Europe.
Think i sourced some and they hopefully are on their way. Might Helicoil the rocker cover bolts whilst its appear to avoid the weepy oil problems. I fixed the other big issue of the starter, managed to find a Brand new starter gear :)
Helicoil done. Kit was cheap, task was Easy. Happy Trail. Now to wait for the new Valves to get it registered and hit the road Then, I'll take some photos. Lots of Photos... Photos of one in bits in the Garage isn't cool
Good tanks are nearly impossible to find for the VT500FT, much less new ones. The best thing you can do is figure out somehow to save the tank you already have.
Just picked up a pair of Sprockets, seals and pistons for the rear caliper, new exhaust gaskets and bolts, new head gasket. Now all I need is valves and I should be back on the road.
a friend has one that i like to borrow once or twice a week. believe it's an '82. surprisingly quick little scoot. i'm actually looking to purchase one, if its within a reasonable distance (i live in MS). if you have a lead shoot me a PM. black or red doesnt matter, but the closer to stock the better
you can clean it out. if it is leaking i had success patching a tank with fiberglass, as long as they don't spike the gas with alcohol in germany.
I dont know much about getting rust out of a gas tank. Is there a kit of sorts you can buy to treat the tank? If not would a good bike shop be able to handle it?
instead of me giving you just one half-assed explanation google it and you'll find a number of different methods. just stay away from KREEM sealer. por-15, and many others work well if prepped properly.
i should add that the next time I have a rusty tank I'm going to try electrolysis. there are other's write ups in the garage section here.
Does anyone know what the Alternator/stator output is on the VT500 1984ish in Watts? the Ascot shared the same Alternator/stator with several of the years also If that helps.
Wish I could help you. I'm new to the Ascots and don't have much info on them. Also if any knows the fix to the starter engagement problem let me know. My bike turned 6000miles (no not a typo) and it is now acting up. Heard there was a method to pull it apart and clean it out and re-grease the bendix unit. Ray
POR 15 works wonders for rust and/or leaks. Great stuff! I almost bought one when they were new, something silly like $1500.00. Liked the look, simple and light. Do they vibrate?
Well I have ridden dirt bikes most of my life and I don't think so but here is my answer. More than a 4 cyl but much less than a Harley. Ray