Looking at an 86 spree for first scooter - suggestions?

[japennell]

Three years ago, I purchased a 49cc bicycle kit and used it for my 25 mile round trip to work most days. As it was just a fast bike, I always wished for a scooter as I thought it would be safer. Having turn signals, powerful headlights, break lights and the sort.

Like most people, I am looking for a great price and quality. I have been to a local scooter shop and they had a Kymco and Keeway that I liked but where out of my price range.

I found a piaggio on craigslist but felt unsure of buying used from craigslist.

Since then, a friend of my mom (whom I trust) had moved to Florida after her husbands death. They each used to ride 86 Spree's. She took one to Florida and mentioned that I should name a price for the other.

1) I am about 190 lbs. What top speed could I expect? I have some hills as well to take into account.
2) I also feel real comfortable buying a Honda and we have a Honda small engine dealer in town.
3) Honestly, the look wasn't quite my style, but if the reliability was their, and it wasn't too poky, I would offer a price. I have not seen it yet. But she thinks it has under a 1k miles. Maybe even under 500. I tried to find on ebay / craigslist to see what a going price is so I don't offend her with any offer I make. What do you suggest I offer (assuming its in very good condition)?
4) When I do see it, what should I be looking for to inspect it? (I am not too mechanically inclined - yet)
5) Please post any general comments about the 86 spree that you can share that might help me.

Thanks!!

[odinxxix]

well the spree is a single speed transmission so assumeing its not the iowa model(25 mph) the you might see speeds of 30 mph. check to make sure the motor turns over and runs. there are a few hop up for the scooter found here from member tazland001. the spree is reliable i found mine in a barn the was sitting since 88 and it runs real good now. so make sure the plastics are in good shape and it runs. if you have a pic of this spree or the add from wherever let us see it. depending on your region the price may vary.

[japennell]

Here are two pics. I didn't realize that it was only a single speed. Around here, I would have to drive on the side of the road (where all the glass usually resides).

Well, I was going to offer $200. I am not sure if it runs or not. I was going to check with the owner to see how long it has been since it was used. Anything else I should check for??

[japennell]

As I am a little concerned over the 25-30 mph speed limit of this model, I found this Honda for just a little bit more money. ($300) It needs a battery and maybe a new rear tire.

It appears to be a 1981 NX50. How does it compare to an 86 Spree? Is it also reliable? Is it faster than a spree? I read it also has a top end of about 30mph.

By the way, when I reference faster, I am not looking for a speed demon. Rather, I am looking for something that MAY be able to do 35+ on flat. This way I will have better chances of riding with traffic.

Thanks!

[noiseguy]

That is a cool scooter... can't say I've ever seen one of those.

It comes down to variator or no variator on top speed. Spree and the SB50 don't have variators and are slower. Elites and other bikes do. For the same money, get a variated bike.

[Trafficjamz]

As I am a little concerned over the 25-30 mph speed limit of this model, I found this Honda for just a little bit more money. ($300) It needs a battery and maybe a new rear tire.

It appears to be a 1981 NX50. How does it compare to an 86 Spree? Is it also reliable? Is it faster than a spree? I read it also has a top end of about 30mph.



Thanks!

That is a Honda Express SR It has the same top speed as a spree, but it will get to that speed much quicker.

The spree is a more reliable model It has a fan to cool the head/jug, and the express SR does not.
It would be harder to find parts for the SR too.

If 30+mph is the goal.....maybe try to find a 1987 elite 50 or 1994 - 2001 Elite S

[japennell]

These replies have been very helpful. I really appreciate your taking the time.

Thanks!

[kumissss]

I have an 82 Honda express SR. I love it. It has been my most reliable scooter.

[KillinSpree]

d*** i want that spree

[japennell]

Well, I do hate it when people post items to sell and do not return a call, text or email. Oh well. I looked for an elite or an aero around the same year, but there was nothing remotely close by.

I did end up buying the Spree for $200. I should be picking it up today or Wednesday. Really excited!

I used about 2 hours of my life watching a 'How to paint your scooter parts with spray can and make it look great' on youtube last night. I would really love to put a nice paint job on this. However, I was losing patience even with just watching the video. That's not a good indicator of my ability to get the painting job done right, is it??

I understand now that I really can not expect to get much more than 30mph out of this scooter as it does not have a variator(?) -multiple gear capabilities- unit. Too bad. (Still learning about these things....)

I am searching to see of there are any other mods that can be done mechanically to this or not.

If not, I will have to get all my thrills in making it look nice and not worry about what's under the hood.

I did spend some time browsing through the many awesome pics on this site. Really got me enthused about getting this little guy!

Thanks again for your valuable help!

[catsailor]

Welcome to the forum. I grew up in your neck of the woods, and my folks are both retired teachers from the Berlin school system. If you get the tazland 44mm big bore kit, along with his gears, as well as 3.0 tires, you should see 35 - 40 mph. I have done this with my 1984 spree and used it as a daily driver for a 36 mile round trip commute last summer/fall. I had very few times that I had to ride in the shoulder as a result of my speed. The taz mods are very easy to do and will give the little beast the power you are looking for. You also may want to take your exhaust off and burn out the carbon by throwing it in a campfire for a bit. Taz is developing a performance exhaust for the spree, and that should also help. We all look forward to his release of that. If you are in RI in the near future, I would be happy to let you try mine out to see how it feels compared to stock.
Todd

[japennell]

Hey now that's cool. I don't feel so lonely now.

Thanks

[catsailor]

I spent a ton of time working on various cars of mine in the auto shop at berlin high. Dad tought printing and auto. I grew up in Southington right near wassell reservoir at the base of ragged mountain.