1983 | Honda FT 500

The Honda FT 500 (a.k.a. Ascot) was an attempt to ride the wave Yamaha had launched with their successful 500cc single four-strokes. In 1976 the legendary Yamaha XT 500 initiated a trend for lightweight and simple off-road bikes – called “Enduros”. This basic concept also did the trick for an easy handling road bike following the style of classic British singles: The SR 500 was an absolute best seller from 1978 up to 1999.

Here Honda couldn’t be but a follower – albeit with their notorious strife for technical perfection. The Honda Enduro XL 500 appeared in 1978 – with a stronger engine and a better chassis for offroad use. This latter quality rendered the attempt rather difficult to deduce from this basis an agile road bike with a harmonic design. The FT 500 of 1982 with its comfortable and well handling chassis received best marks from motorcycle testers all over the world – but the visual appearance was simply out of range. One year later production was terminated.

FT actually means “Flat Track”. This served us as a guiding line for a new design: Doing away with all the extra kilos, achieving maximum maneuverability and maintaining the excellent technical genes of the original. Which – by the way - should remain recognizable to show: With such a flat tracker adapted for everyday use Honda could have been well ahead of their time!

Here's our work list:

Re-Design:

• Shortened rear frame
• Front fork lowered
• New YSS shocks
• Wheels powder coated
• Modified foot pegs
• Foot operated valve lifter for easy start and clean appearance
• Stainless steel exhaust, Supertrapp mufflers
• New wiring and electronic control unit
• Handmade switch gear
• Lithium ion battery under seat
• Modified gas tank
• Handmade body work
• Seat and tank belt in genuine leather and Alcantara

Re-built or replaced technical components:

• Engine, clutch and transmission
• Starter mechanism
• Chains and sprockets
• Carburator
• Hydraulic brakes
• All chassis and wheel bearings

Call +49 2151 – 360 4724 for a closer look and a test ride

51° Nord Custom Motorcycles GmbH & Co. KG

Dießemer Str. 92

47799 Krefeld

www.51nord-motorcycles.com