My latest rescue project

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:45 am

Picked up this V twin Ascot yesterday. I think it's been sitting for a while so it's a little rough around the edges but with a little rouge and some polish and she'll be ready for the prom:

It's got a ding on the tank - should buff right out Very Happy

. The paint looks good in the photos but in person looks like I painted it - but passable. There's a goofy ignition switch in it so I'm already looking for a replacement (in addition to some other parts that don't belong). The rubber is not bad but some new skins will work nicely - next year. The front forks are a bit too mushy - I pumped up the air (probably way over spec) which helps but I think it likely needs new springs - something else for next year- maybe. The exhaust seems to work well enough but it appears that a PO used it for high speed parking. Nothing a lot of Bar-B-Q paint won't fix

It has relatively low mileage (~10k miles) but I did a compression test and found 150 PSI for both front and rear cylinders. Seems a bit low but evidently just barely within spec (I don't have manual yet but 150~200 [seems like a wide range??] is what I've found with some Googling). It might just need the crap run out of it Twisted Evil

. The PO claimed that the valves were just adjusted but I'll check them again when I get a chance. Crankcase oil looks like it was recently changed (the PO claimed it was) but the rear end oil looked pretty rough so I flushed it out and added some new fluid.

The thing is so 'nimble' I can barely keep it upright - not at all like the old 9 Smile

Pretty fun to drive and I love the looks (always wanted one) but here's a tip for those that are interested in these kinds of bikes - don't drive your 1100 over to pick one up - you might be a bit disappointed with the power beerchug

.

If anyone has any experience with the VT500 family and has any tips to offer - fire away. Thanks.

PS: The Warden says that I have to mention that I bought it for her Embarassed

(we'll see if that pans out ) Twisted Evil

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:23 pm

Nice pick up. I guess I never noticed those have a shaft drive. Be sure to post pictures after the make-over.

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 1:33 am

Not a bad looking bike at all. Looks like a great project to me.

Good luck and have fun,
David

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 2:05 am

Nice find! There is another member on this site looking for A VT Ascot for his son.

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 2:10 am

Nice! I like the Ascot VT (looks like a street tracker to me) and i keep an eye on the adverts for a low cost one. I here they are virtually maintenance-free other than oil changes.

Enjoy!

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 5:39 am

is that a 500 Shadow engine in there? If so, they ARE indestructible. And quite long legged. I have been beside a 500 shadow on my 900F at 120 MPH, many moons ago. Great engine.

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 3:52 pm

Hi CC:

I think it's the same engine. I good buddy of mine back east has two Ascots, one since new and just raves about them. Back in the day when I and most of my buddies were riding 900's, 1000's or 1100's he never seemed to have any trouble keeping up. Although, the one that I have now seems a bit gutless, not sure if there's a problem or I've just been riding the 1100 too much lately.