Just got a Honda Elite 80

[EastCoastCB]

I've wanted one of these for quite a while and finally pulled the trigger on one.
My last scooter was a POS from China.
I've lurked here a bit and figured I'd go ahead and join.



I love this scooter already. Being able to go faster than 30mph is great.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Welcome. That looks like a good clean example. What year?

[motormike]

...Like...

[EastCoastCB]

Greetings:

Welcome. That looks like a good clean example. What year?

2001.
The previous owner used it sparingly in a retirement park.
It looks more or less new except that in all that garage time, it looks like something fell into it. Typical.

I normally don't like loud colors, but I'm really digging the yellow.
I changed the oil in the crankcase and rear. Picked up an OEM air filter and NGK CR7HS to have on hand.

The thing is really comfy and cruises at 40-45mph depending on terrain. It drops down to the 30's on big hills but luckily we don't have too many of those.

This certainly won't be my last scooter, but I think I'll be holding onto this one for the long haul. I tend to always have something with two wheels. My last ride was an 02 ZRX1200. I put a lot of miles on it over the years and I enjoyed it. But I honestly think scooters are a lot more fun and they certainly are more practical for most uses.

[EastCoastCB]

My last scoot was one of these turds-



was a Chinese Vino-knockoff called the Geely Fashion or something like that. Was good for 24mph stock... I eventually got about 32mph out of it. It lasted less than 2k miles. I knew it was crap when I bought it, but wow...

This Elite feels like a sportbike compared to the Geely.
Funny that Geely own Volvo!

[Kevinstonge]

Nice 80! Get some continental zippys and go tubeless when your rear tire gets worn. Much much better road feel and gives the front end a little less vibration

[EastCoastCB]

It has a brand new Michelin S1 on the rear. The front is a dry rotted original. I'm probably going to go with a new S1 on the front so they match.
Will definitely go Conti on the next set though.
The only vibration I get from the front that I'm noticing is in the front fairing/bodywork areas... sounds like a low, rumbly sound when I'm slowing down and have let off the throttle.

[EastCoastCB]

I have some 9g rollers I may try to put in this weekend, too.
The clutch has been making some noises, so I'm going to pop the cover off and check it all out.
When taking off from a stop, I get a screech from the clutch area for a couple seconds. I'm thinking its glazed. I didn't notice when I bought it. It only does it once everythings warmed up and its run a mile or two.
Fun...
Oh well, I'm used to fixing things.

[Johnniespeed]

If you scuff up the clutch shoes and clutch bell with some coarse sand paper, it will probably be acceptable.

[EastCoastCB]

10-4 will try that.

[EastCoastCB]

I pulled off the side cover, and the clutch bell has lots of lines from galling. One clutch shoe has two bits of steel debris embedded into it and a good size gouge. From the looks of it, I'd say its assembly burrs that got into the clutch area early on. Who knows though. I have a nearly new clutch assembly and a brand new bell for it.

Pulling the variator off tomorrow and installing some 9 gram rollers I have.
All I'm waiting for now is a new gasket for that side cover. The factory one was put on fairly sloppily and came apart pretty badly.

[EastCoastCB]

No more clutch noises!
With all the new parts and love bestowed upon it, I'm doing nearly 50 on flat ground with much improved acceleration.
EBC grooved brakes and a new Michelin for the front are next. Waiting on the UPS truck.

Sunday I'll be picking up a new project. Its a black 99 Elite 80. No keys, supposed to run but who knows. Comes with a new starter which makes me wonder... The price is right though.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Nice job. Glad it's going!

[motormike]

No more clutch noises!
With all the new parts and love bestowed upon it, I'm doing nearly 50 on flat ground with much improved acceleration.

Nice work...I knew you should be hitting 50mph with the Elite 80 when it is in good tune.

[EastCoastCB]

If I tuck and draft a big truck I can flirt with 55...