super noob!

[jzambon]

Hey all,

I'm considering buying this Honda Elite 50cc scooter I found on craigslist.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/for/1117747705.html

I have been biking to school fairly consistently, the hills are pretty tough, and as the hot summer is approaching, I'm considering alternatives to my 8km (x2) commute.

I'm looking for advice in so far when I see this scooter:
What to look for?
What types of questions to ask?
What maintenance should have been done?
What price I should barter for based on condition?
Where can I find more maintenance-related info on this scooter?

I'm brand new to the forum, and perhaps this week will own my first scooter, so any advice would be *greatly* appreciated! Thanks!

-Joe

[burnt_toast]

Hey all,

I'm considering buying this Honda Elite 50cc scooter I found on craigslist.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/for/1117747705.html

I have been biking to school fairly consistently, the hills are pretty tough, and as the hot summer is approaching, I'm considering alternatives to my 8km (x2) commute.

I'm looking for advice in so far when I see this scooter:
What to look for?
What types of questions to ask?
What maintenance should have been done?
What price I should barter for based on condition?
Where can I find more maintenance-related info on this scooter?

I'm brand new to the forum, and perhaps this week will own my first scooter, so any advice would be *greatly* appreciated! Thanks!

-Joe

That scooter looks in great shape and easily worth the $800 asking price.

Things to check:
does it ride straight?
do brakes work well?
condition of tires
any body damage present
does battery hold charge
what type of oil was used
DOES it have CLEAR title!

IF any of the above don't check out then you have something to try to lower price with, and I would shoot for a $600 cash offer on the spot

Lastly you can find ANY and ALL info for the sought after 94 and up Elite's right here on hondaspree.net

We got ya covered, now go buy it!

[jzambon]

Thank you very much for the help!

DOES it have CLEAR title!

How do I check this? Just by looking at the title (assuming he/she has one?)

what type of oil was used

What is the preferred type for these? Honda GN2? Any oil that would raise a red flag?

does battery hold charge

Where is the battery, how do I access it? (please pardon my stupidity)
To check the battery, can i just hook a voltmeter up to it before starting, looking for 12-14V?
Then after I start it, can I check the generator by unplugging the positive terminal and seeing if it get 12-14V across that and the batt neg?
Sorry if I'm way off, I've worked on Saturns, not scooters.

Assuming that there is something wrong (bad battery, bad brakes, etc) what is the preferred online retailer for replacement parts on Honda scooters? There are a few motorsports stores around, but I love to price compare.

Thanks again!

[jzambon]

Now I'm drooling in the Performance/Technical forum.

I'm easily going to drop $600-800 imminently in the midst of a recession, thanks guys .

[CaptDan]

Does it have CLEAR title![/quote]How do I check this? Just by looking at the title (assuming he/she has one?)

[hat type of oil was used[/quote]

What is the preferred type for these? Honda GN2? Any oil that would raise a red flag?

Where is the battery, how do I access it? (please pardon my stupidity)To check the battery, can i just hook a voltmeter up to it before starting, looking for 12-14V?
quote]

Hey welcome to possible imminent HondaSan-ness. I'll try to answer a few of the above:

Title: if ya don't see it - it ain't there. Not necessarily a problem, but usually involves extra $$ at the DMV to make ya a new one. Get bill of SALE from seller - no matter what, and deduct some $$ from the asking price if seller no can show ya title.

Battery: located under seat. A battery can show <>12volts on a multimeter, and still be shot to *. Why? Because an old/tired battery might not be able to provide the cold cranking amps needed to twist that ol' starter motor. When in doubt, try starting. No start? Use battery tender set to START. If no start after running awhile, battery no can hold charge. Replace. Deduct more $$ accordingly.

Erl (aka: 'Oil). GN2 - or a close equivilent (Castrated INJECTOR oil) is a virtual REQUIREMENT for these 2-smoke motors. Unfortunately, a great many POs (previous owners) think $1.99 AceHardOn Chainsaw Erl is just as good. They are WRONG; using it will shorten the life of that motor, while stankin' the place up in the process. BAD JUJU!

Hope some of that helps.

CaptDan>

[noiseguy]

OK, here's my checklist:

000) Does the seller have a title, if the state requires it?

00) How does the body and chrome look? Rust, body cracks, missing panels? Has it been obviously dropped? Bent brake handles, bar end damage, damage to signals.

0) Do the brakes work? Is there any binding in the steering? Are the wheels straight and perpendicular to the ground (i.e. straight, not bent forks.) Does the front and rear suspension travel? Are the tires sound and inflated?

1) Does it run / start from a cold engine with the electric starter? If so, can it hold idle? Can it then accellerate to rated speed (about 40 MPH for that bike) and hold it for any length of time (a few minutes)?

2) While running, check lights, signals, gauges for function.

3) While running, is the bike dripping fluid anywhere?

That's it, pretty much in order. Most of the above will uncover the main issues, like no battery / bad starter, low compression (hard to start), dirty carb (won't idle), etc.

[CharlotteSpreeRider]

I can answer the title question -- no title required or available in NC. No tag required or available, no insurance required, no property taxes. It's basically the same as a bicycle. You have to be at least 16 years old to ride it on public roads and must wear a helmet.

-aseigler

[jzambon]

I live in NC, I'm a noob, but I believe that 50cc engines are not plated/titled.
If he doesn't have a title in this state, should I deduct $$? Just include the basics on a Bill of Sale:

Old owner/info/signature
New owner/info/signature
Mileage, Price, Date, VIN.

Thanks!

[jzambon]

Thanks CharlotteSpreeRider,

Beat me by a minute!

[jzambon]

GN2 - or a close equivilent (Castrated INJECTOR oil)

GN2 = Castrated Injector Oil?

Thanks!

[Lunytune]

Title is no big deal in states not requiring registration. I have two Elites, buyer on one gave me title from another state that had been signed off on, but never registered in my state, and buyer on the other just gave me bill of sale. It's no big deal unless you move to a state that requires registration. But then it's not a problem to get a title, just need bill of sale.

[bradthreee]

I say give him an offer of $500 regardless. Make the most out of these hard economic times
Then go from there. The worse he can say is no right?

[Lunytune]

I say give him an offer of $500 regardless. Make the most out of these hard economic times
Then go from there. The worse he can say is no right?

If he takes it, you should be arrested for theft. That's about the price range I paid for an '88 and '89.

Just teasing, but that would be a good deal. Thie $800 is fair price for a 2001. Don't be surprised if he turns you down... but rejoice if he takes it.

[jzambon]

Sounds good, I'll start from $500 and hopefully we meet somewhere in the middle.

If I do get ahold of it, what fun should I do first?

Variator derestrict seems easy...any advice? http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8523

[jzambon]

Would it be wrong of me to compression-check the engine for bad rings?

If not, how much compression should I get? Would that be off of a kick start?

Thanks again!