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Project My Honda FT-500

Discussion in 'Other Projects - Other Bikes (non 250's)' started by Murdo, Sep 10, 2021.

  1. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    I liked the look of the FT when they were released in 1982 and even test rode one from the local Honda dealer, but ended up buying a Ducati Pantah (as you do when young) and never forgot the FT. When this one came up at the right price I grabbed it. I have since grabbed a spares bike too.
    I bought this bike about 12 years ago as a non runner. I spent 12 months getting the necessary bits to get back on the road and have been enjoying it occasionally between other bikes ever since. Since my accident last October I have been unable to handle any heavy bikes and find that the FT is about the most suitable for me at the moment. It is realiable, starts easy, economical (have got 90 mpg on a steady run), a smooth engine and easy to maintain. Because Honda spread parts over so many different models they are not hard to find bits for (eg caliper seals are same as CB1100r) and most are reasonable priced. They are getting a bit rare these days and I can bet I will be the only one there at most rallies.
    They got a bad reputation for burning out the bronze bushes on the starter motor intermediate shaft, allowing the gear teeth to lose mesh and jump teeth. The fix is simply to remove the bushes and fit caged needle roller bearings to both sides and never be a problem again. The cam chain tensioner also gets loose and can be a problem if not checked regularly (this applies to most Honda's). Other wise the normal 1980's Honda maintenance will keep them running happily.
    I have modified mine with up rated fork springs, Ikon shocks, Goldfren brake pads and braided lines, oiled foam aircleaner, more free flowing muffler, some LED bulbs, reshaped seat and lambswool cover, carry rack for touring, tank bag, larger round headlight, bikini fairing and clear windshield, heated grips, voltmeter, ciggy socket and an Anderson plug for jumper leads.
    Over the years I have replaced both sidecovers with NOS, rechromed the fork legs and fitted gaitors, recovered the custom seat and just kept riding and servicing.
    During the recent lock down I decided to repaint the second hand ducktail I had bought a couple of years ago, which led to the fairing and front mudguard also getting a coat of red, giving the tank a coat of 2 pak clear and refitting the shiney bits. I have refrained from a complete bare frame rebuild as it is still original and like me it is showing some scars but still working ok.
    At a local show when first on the road 2011.
    079.jpg
    Rest stop beside Richmond river 2018.
    Ballina jan18 009.jpg
    On the road with my son on his SWM.
    Bingara Inverell weekend 010.jpg
    After this weeks repaint.
    FT-500 repaint 004.jpg FT-500 repaint 006.jpg
    On way to Inverell rally 2023
    Inverell rally 23 027.jpg
     
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    Last edited: Apr 24, 2023
  2. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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    The FT500 is Aptly named the Ascot after Ascot Park flat track circuit.

    It is such a nice example @Murdo , it is a real credit to you
     
  3. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    Thank you.
    Only the US ones were called Ascot, the rest of the world they are just FT500.
     
  4. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

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    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    Someones left a dead sheep on your seat :oops: :D
     
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  5. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    That was one I tanned myself. The rest tasted good too. :D
     
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  6. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    Been out on the local bike rally again this year and look what parked next to mine.
    Two FT's 007.jpg
    A very rare white one from over the coast.
     
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  7. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    Washed and polished my old dear and went along to the local show as part of the VJMC display.
    Bikes at show 2022 011.jpg
     
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  8. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Out for an afternoon ride with son and grandson in the quiet countryside, then three big singles start up.:D
    Ride with Matt and Mason 042.jpg
     

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  9. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    After riding to the Inverell rally last weekend, on the way home the FT started to have a bit of a play up with symtoms of carb problems. Today I pulled the air filter and found this.
    Inverell rally 23 070.jpg
    The filter had fallen apart and was blocking the screen on the intake to carb so no bits went into engine. New filter on way.
     
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  10. gregt

    gregt Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    A shop local to me and for whom I did a little outwork imported a lot of the grey imports here in the 80's.
    One of their tricks to push up value was to do a quick respray on the less tidy imports. A favorite was to spray them white,
    Dirt Hondas of all sizes - and I recall a couple of FT500's as well.
    They became known here as the "Canadian" models. Started as a joke but once more people got on the net like all good stories more accepted it as fact.

    Mate put a FT500 engine into a VT250 frame and built a very nice little cafe racer. Had to use an electric tacho as the drive for the OE mechanical one fouled the frame rail.
     
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  11. ruckusman

    ruckusman White Mans Magic Master Premium Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    At least it didn't go to sticky, gooey mush like some foams when they disintegrate, or did it?
     
  12. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    No just crumbled. Have a NOS original paper on way, don't think I will go back to the foam again after seeing this.
     
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  13. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Had the best fathers day ever with a ride to a lunch with my son and two grandsons. Fathers day ride 024.jpg
     
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