Second Generation Ascots > The V-Twin Years: Stock To Lightly Modified

84 honda ascot

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joyride20:
i blew the head gasket last summer and bike has been sitting since. i guess they are notorious for this.

my question is where would be a good place to get a replacement motor?
any upgrades to avoid a blown gasket in the future? (i already fixed the faulty thermostat that caused this) and also put in a switch to manually kick the fan on/off

what years of the honda shadows engines would be a direct fit?

any help with this would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance,

J6G1Z:
Have you considered just repairing the original engine?

Is the Cylinder or Head warped?

I don't know where you would find another engine other than eBay and/or a motorcycle recycler/salvage yard.
You might also try a "WANTED" ad on your local Craigslist.

I have a service manual that combines the 1983-84 Ascot engine with the 1983 through 1986 Shadow, so I'm thinking those are the years that you are looking for.

You might also try the Yahoo VT500FT Ascot Owners Group located at: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ascotvt500enthusiasts/info

Good luck
J.

J6G1Z:
If you do find a Shadow engine donor, you might want to consider picking up the drive assembly also. The Shadow has a 16" rear wheel & is geared slightly higher than the Ascot with the 18" rear wheel. Several Ascot owners consider this swap to be an upgrade, especially on the open road.

Good luck
J.

joyride20:
thanks for the replies. i took it to a local shop a few months back and they wanted $900-$1000 to fix.
i would have to look at the paperwork to remember exactly what they said, what was warped and whatnot but the front cylinderr had a blown head gasket and the rear cylinder was messed up as well. dont remember what was wrong with it however.

i figure it would be cheaper just to replace myself. I have heard of the driveline upgrade and would definitely consider doing that. thanks for posting the years of the shadow too, thats a tremendous help. 

this bike is super fun to ride and cant wait to get it up and running. i guess ill put the word out and see what pops up

is there a company that makes aftermarket cylinder heads/ gaskets?? i haven't been able to find one

J6G1Z:
There is very little after-market support for either of the Ascot models. The FT500 has some support due to its relation to the Honda XR/XL models. I can't think of anything for the VT500FT other than there is an after-market exhaust system from MAC & there are some higher performance camshafts available from one of the cam grinders (can't recall which one right now).

Unfortunately eBay is probably going to be your best source of parts. If I was you, I think I would keep my eye open for a slightly beat 500cc Shadow. I've seen a few sell in the $500 range. A WANTED ad on Craigslist will probably be your best bet. Strip the Shadow of the parts that you need & then sell the rest on eBay.

Good luck
J.

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