Honda Ascot or Honda Reflex (Not the Scooter)

[jake42]

So I've been in my yearly, want a new/old bike to to play with mode and I"ve been checking ebay every day.  Two bikes in the other category from Honda caught my eye today because I haven't seen them in ages.  Theres two honda Ascots in there today. You don't see those too oftern. I've always though they were kinda neat looking, but I've never actually rode one.  The other is the Honda Reflex Trials bike from the late 80's. I've always wanted one of these bikes. For some reason they really appeal to me.  Has anyone ever ridden either of these bikes or owned one?
Just Curious.

Jake

[Chris_B]

I've only ever heard bad things about the Ascot, there's no power and it will vibrate the hell out of your arms. And if I remember correctly they had wonky handling too. I actually owned one for a while, never rode it though. Definetly a downgrade from the GS.

[Mr.7]

If it's the old Ascots with the square headlight then don't get it. It looks like poop. I almost got one because it was cheaper than the Gs but then I found another gs for the same money and I am so glad I got it.
Now, this guy down the street from me has an older single cylinder Ascot with the round headlight and it looks and sounds 

thats all I have to say 

[GeeP]

The reports I've heard say that the thing will vibrate your arms off at 55.  Owners I've talked with aren't very complimentary.  I don't have firsthand knowledge though.

[Onlypastrana199]

  all the old Hondas will vibrate ur arms off...mine vibrates so bad my hands go numb and u can even feel it in the pegs and it messes with my feet a lil. It's not really good for long trips but if u stop every 50 miles or so its not too bad. Don't let vibration scare u off Jake, its never stopped a harley owner 

[Jake D]

There was a really nice article in a moto magazine this summer, I think Cycle World or something, about the Ascot  (from R & D to production).  You'd enjoy it.  It was written by the designer.  It was designed to be a sort of "street tracker".  He was inspired by the circle track bikes that were being raced at the time.  What he ended up with was something much different.

[jake42]

yeah i'm not really too hung up on the ascots. I jsut remember a gril in my apt. complex had the single cylinder version and I always thought it was kinda neat.  JakeD - I guess that's what always kinda appealed to me about the Ascot. It does look like it wants to be a street tracker ala the early 80's yamaha 650's that people convert over. Just so everyone knows, I'm not actually in the market for an Ascot, just saw a couple on ebay yesterday and made me think of them again.  Now the reflex on the other hand.  If i could get ahold of one of those I'd be so happy. Right now there's one over around Cleveland on ebay that I'd love to get. that's only a couple hours from here.

jake

[Jake D]

What is that old Yamaha?  Srinath has one and I think maybe Cal Price too?  The XS 600?  There are sweet street tracker conversion kits for that thing. 
They have really good resale though, so if you want an XS, you have to give top dollar.  I'd say $1500-$1800 for a good runner.  Then fit on some street tracker clothes and viola.

[Mr.7]

I'd ride that 

[Jake D]

XS 650.

Buy this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-XS-XS-650_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80650QQitemZ4616172969QQrdZ1


And buy this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/xs650-cafe-racer-package-xs-650-seat-clubman-handlebar_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34239QQitemZ8041976712QQrdZ1

And your golden.

[jake42]

jake,
i picked up an xs650 couple years back for my brother from a chinese grad student who was leaving the country.  50 bucks and all it needed was a new rectifier.

I shoulda kept that one for myself.

Jake

[Jake D]

(insert sarcasitc comment)

Oh, well!  Get another one and get that cafe kit.  That kit is sweet! 

[ajgs500]

all the old Hondas will vibrate ur arms off...mine vibrates so bad my hands go numb and u can even feel it in the pegs and it messes with my feet a lil. It's not really good for long trips but if u stop every 50 miles or so its not too bad. Don't let vibration scare u off Jake, its never stopped a harley owner 

Baby you know you like it!!!!  LOL 

[ninja_steve]

i bought an ascot for $300 a year ago (jumped through hoops of fire to get a new title for it) and got it on teh road for less than $400 when it was said and done.  the bike was a total Buddha Loves You to work on since it has 4 plugs (on the twin model) and the back two are really deep in the head and you ahve to have some sort of miracle to get to them.  the valves ticked bad, and the guages bounced a lot, but it was a fun bike to ride to work and back.  i got it to wheelie in first gear one time (its a shaft drive mind you) and almost looped it out screwing around in the aprking lot at work. 

i ended up selling the pos for $1200 and buying another gs, but i sometimes like all my previous bikes, i wish i had kept it.  i have a pic of the old pos but its on my laptop so i dont feel like firing it up right now.  i'll post it tommorow if i remember. 

in short?  dont buy an ascot- too hard to maintain due to difficult mechanical issues and lack of parts available.