Revival Cycles Totally Revamps a 1982 Honda Ascot FT500
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Revival Cycles ranks high among today's custom motorcycle heavyweights. Builders Alan Stulberg and Stefan Hertel founded the Austin-based company. The duo's long list of notable contemporary customs includes "Birdcage - opens in new window or tab.," one of the first custom motorcycles using BMW's R18 engine, and "The Six - opens in new window or tab.," an equally intriguing custom featuring a suspended inline six-cylinder engine and hub-center steering.
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Stulberg and Hertel also host and curate the hugely popular Handbuilt Motorcycle Show, a weekend-long celebration of everything two-wheels. This racy one-off 1982 Honda Ascot FT500 for sale on eBay is one of their creations.
A Stock Ascot as Starting Point
The Honda Ascot was named after the legendary flat track in Southern California. Built for the street, it features a spunky 498cc single-cylinder engine known as a thumper. The four-stroke single had solid low-end torque and a snarly exhaust note. It was equipped with an electric start (a relatively new feature for the time), cast aluminum wheels, dual-piston brakes front and back, and adjustable suspension.
While the stock Ascot is a fine starting point for a custom project, you'll find very little of the original motorcycle left in this Revival custom.
The Honda Ascot's dramatic overhaul includes a revamped frame. The backbone had already been hacked on the donor bike. So instead of attempting to fix the stamped steel frame, they built a sturdier one, adjusting the angle of the frame neck to improve handling. Revival also ditched the stock fork for a GSX-R - opens in new window or tab. sportbike front end. They updated the rear with a Suzuki SV650 swingarm - opens in new window or tab., progressive shocks, and fresh springs.
The overhauled tail section rightfully puts the stellar 18-inch Yamaha RD400 - opens in new window or tab. mag wheels on full display. Braking duties are provided by a massive 320mm floating rotor with four-piston Tokico calipers - opens in new window or tab., while an SV650 caliper anchors the rear.
The custom Ascot FT500 weighs only 289 pounds compared to the 385-pound curb weight of the original. Its ultralight weight combines with a slew of new performance parts. This reborn Ascot can undoubtedly rip up some canyon roads.
Nearly Everything Is New, Except for the Engine
Electric start was the highlight of technology on the 1982 Honda. But the custom Ascot is outfitted with a state-of-the-art digital MotoGadget M-Unit - opens in new window or tab., and dual four-cell Antigravity batteries - opens in new window or tab.. In addition, Revival built a new wiring harness to accommodate the new electronics and updated the ignition and charging systems. With the small digital speedometer mounted between the risers, the LSL superbike low steel handlebars - opens in new window or tab., in true tracker fashion, are nice and tidy.
The original Honda Ascot engine was one of the few carryovers to the custom version. Revival swapped its old carb for a higher-performing Mikuni TM40 flatside carburetor - opens in new window or tab., and a fresh K&N air filter - opens in new window or tab. helps improve flow. The hand-formed stainless steel dual exhausts are a thing of beauty and will undoubtedly provide a heart-pumping thump. The Benelli gas tank retrofitted to the frame is exceptional as well, as is its custom Porsche Cayenne - opens in new window or tab. blue paint and gold pinstriping.
Often, custom motorcycles are more show than go. That's not the case with this custom 1982 Honda Ascot FT500. Revival prides itself on improving a motorcycle's performance from its progenitor. With this creation for sale on eBay, they went far beyond FT500 expectations.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.