1983 | Honda FT 500

Flat Tracker: A Custom-Built Honda FT 500 with Authentic Style

The Honda FT 500 was Honda’s attempt to ride the wave of success sparked by Yamaha’s legendary half-liter single-cylinder bikes. Yamaha’s XT 500 created a trend in 1976 that captivated the motorcycle world: lightweight, simple, off-road-capable machines – the “Enduros.” Its sibling, the SR 500, proved that the same formula worked brilliantly on the street. From 1978 to 1999, the SR 500 became a best-seller, thanks to its classic British single-cylinder charm.

Honda responded in 1978 with the technically more refined XL 500 Enduro – a stronger engine, superior off-road suspension. However, that made it more difficult to build a well-proportioned, street-friendly bike from the same platform. The FT 500, introduced in 1982, had long suspension travel and good handling, and it received positive reviews – but its styling missed the mark. Just one year later, production was discontinued.

FT stands for “Flat Track” – and that became our design principle: stripped of all unnecessary weight, ultra-agile, and retaining the technical DNA of the original. The result shows what Honda could have built back then: a street-legal Flat Tracker – far ahead of its time.

What we did: Full Rebuild & Custom Modifications

Chassis & Styling

• Rear frame shortened and modified
• Front fork shortened and rebuilt
• New YSS rear shocks
• Powder-coated rims
• Braided steel brake lines
• Modified footpegs
• Kick-decompression conversion
• Custom stainless exhaust system with Supertrapp mufflers
• Open intake funnel with air filter
• Fully redesigned wiring harness with central electronics
• Handbuilt switchgear
• Lithium-ion battery relocated beneath seat pan
• H4 headlight conversion
• Mini LED turn signals (bar-end style)
• Digital speedo and rev counter
• Modified fuel tank
• Handmade seat pan and rear section
• Custom seat and tank strap in genuine leather and Alcantara
• Headlight fairing in classic number plate style
• Custom-made front and rear fenders
• Handbuilt chain guard and license plate bracket
• Custom paintwork in Flat Tracker design

Mechanical Overhaul

• Engine and transmission measured and rebuilt
• Valve train reworked, new valve stem seals, valves lapped
• All engine gaskets replaced
• Starter motor and starter gear rebuilt
• Clutch and clutch actuation overhauled
• New chain and sprockets
• Carburetor cleaned, rebuilt, and re-jetted
• Brake master cylinders and calipers restored
• New front and rear brake pads
• New tires
• New tapered steering head bearings
• New swingarm bearings

All modifications are TÜV-approved and officially registered following full inspection.