The Honda FT500 is a single cylinder, 497cc motorbike produced by Honda

Honda

is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...

during the early 1980s.

Honda FT500 Ascot. FT stands for Flat Track. Imported from Japan as a 1982 and 1983 model. Did not sell well in the USA. Originally at dealerships for $2,195, by 1984 the left-over models were a steal at $1,295. About 32-horse power and 50 miles per gallon made the FT500 a very practical motorcycle.

Common Fault.

The FT500C as sold in the UK was electric start only. The lack of a kick-start caused problems when the rear support bearing of the starter pinion wore out (due to a poorly designed oil feed). Regular replacement of this white-metal sleeve bearing is vital and should be considered at every major service interval.