It's rare...it's old...it's a Honda

[highwayjamin]

I like your bike,but I really like you car 

[page62]

Is twenty five years old the minimum to qualify for the antique plates? Where did you get plates from 83?

Yep, it's 25 years. The tax office will give you a generic "Antique Motorcycle" plate. Ugly but effective, especially considering the price (10 bucks a year). I'm not sure where I could find a motorcycle plate from '83...but who knows???

[jerjohn]

I once heard if you found a license plate from a salvage yard that had the year on it you could register your car to it. I always thought that seemed a bit far fetched being that a, you have to fine a pretty old plate that still had the years stamped on them and b, surely they recycle license plate numbers...25 years huh, well three years to go. I guess i can put off my inspection a wee bit longer

Seriously man, love I love your ascot!

[dbracing]

I wouldn't change the bike. They are increasing in value every year and will soon be worth more than they were when new. In fact, I wouldn't sell Barbie's for the new price now.

The Harley XR1200 looks like it, yes. That's because it is patterned after the Harley XR750 from back in the day.

[page62]

B

I once heard if you found a license plate from a salvage yard that had the year on it you could register your car to it. I always thought that seemed a bit far fetched being that a, you have to fine a pretty old plate that still had the years stamped on them and b, surely they recycle license plate numbers...25 years huh, well three years to go. I guess i can put off my inspection a wee bit longer

Seriously man, love I love your ascot!

Both of my classic cars have "year of manufacture" plates. The tax office gives you a little metal tag with a sticker on it that you bolt to one corner of the plate. The old black Texas plates look really excellent...especially the 1962 plate that says TEXAS TRUCK. Gotta love it!

I have to admit that I took off those HUGE original turn signals on the Ascot and put something similar but much smaller on there. But I have the originals in a box and this is a mod that can be easily reversed, plus those originals look like they are likely candidates for breakage. And I'm going to have a custom seat made that will let me sit a bit higher, but again I'm going to save the original seat. Nothing but a couple of reversible mods...that's it!

[Ghetto]

Nice looking bike. So this is basically one of the first Shadows.

[gammer]

Nice looking bike. So this is basically one of the first Shadows.

They made a Shadow VT500 and an Ascot VT500 (both at the same time). The Shadow was a cruiser and the Ascot was a bit sportier.

[page62]

They made a Shadow VT500 and an Ascot VT500 (both at the same time). The Shadow was a cruiser and the Ascot was a bit sportier.

Exactly. The Shadow took off in popularity and the Ascot...well...ummm...was produced for Europe well through the 80's. Which shows our taste in bikes on this side of the pond yet again. 

[JB1290]

I'm digging the new Ascot. I'm really dgging the CG. That color is beautiful.

[CraigF]

Like others said, the Ghia is awesome.   When I was in college I bought a 71 as a project car that went no where.  In fact, it's still in my parents' garage.   

But you are right, the Ascot looks amazing.   

[page62]

I picked up a used Ascot seat on ebay and am having it reupholstered with custom foam so the seat is basically flat from back to front. It should make it a lot more comfortable for my 6'2" frame. Pics when it's done!
 

[gammer]

Pics when it's done!
 

Can't wait 

[Plumcrazy]

There is one here in town for sale...rides a little funny, but then I am used to the V-Star

Wayne S

[don43]

A few years later the VT500 engine was upped to a 600 and used in the XL600V Transalp.  1989 and 1990 were the only years imported to the US.  Still as few out there and still command a decent price.  I have a very nice '89 with GIVI bags, Scottoiler, Corbin seat and a few other goodies.  A cross country touring machine or a decent dirt road bike.