| MODEL | HONDA VT 500FT ASCOT 1983 - 1984 |
| Year | 1983 - 1984 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, 52° V-twin, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 491 cc / 29.9 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 71 x 62 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 37.2 kW / 50 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 42 Nm / 31 ft-lb @ 7000 rpm |
| Ignition | Electronic |
| Induction | 2 x 32 mm Keihin carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 6 Speed with overdrive top gear |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | — |
| Front Suspension | Air assisted telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Pivoted fork, dual adjustable shocks |
| Front Brakes | Single disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 180 kg / 396.8 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 204 kg / 449.7 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 11 Litres / 2.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 41.3 mpg |
| Top Speed | 196.3 km/h / 122 mph |
The Ascot was the North American, sport-styled sibling of the European VT500E, named after the Ascot Park flat-track and dressed with a small square tank, number-board side panels and five-spoke wheels. Underneath it shared the 491 cc, 52-degree, three-valve V-twin, six-speed overdrive gearbox and shaft drive. Testers liked its crisp steering and willing high-revving engine but found the riding position cramped and the passenger accommodation minimal. The 1984 version differed mainly in colours, rim and pedal finishes and wiring.
