Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

I am having the same exact problem. You are not the only one. I would list my symptoms but your are the same.

Running backwards is no longer the problem. Its keeping the engine running forwards without holding the brake.

Both actually.

It is an 86 Spree. Yes, it will only run "well" with the rear brake held. If I hold the rear brake it will sit and idle and I can rev up the motor. If I let go of the brake if it is idling will quit and if I try to rev it up, it will surge a couple of times and die. I do not have an electric starter ...

I found a taillight bulb and it does work, both just running and brighter when the brake is on. I will check the chassis grounds when I have a chance and report back.

I did that. No need to be angry. Couldn't find anything disconnected. I was NOT jumping to any short conclusions. But I do have a wire from where the taillight is coming from that I am not sure what it is. It looks like a ground wire from the wiring diagram but I am not sure. It has a connection ...

Yes. That is exactly what it does. I am quite sure it is an electrical issue. If I let go of the brake handle and pull back it is like I am revving up the motor with the brake.

Any double filiment bulb (that fits)? Also, in connecting the wires to the taillight there is a brown wire and a green w/ yellow stripe that was easy enough to connect. But there are two plain green wires from the tail light going to a plain green and green w/ black stripe. Getting close but still ...

That helps alot. I do not have the lighting connected at the moment. I will work on that next. BTW....What kind of bulb do I need? I bought the Spree without a taillight bulb

Actually just rode it a little. It seems to run great if I hold the brake and if I let go it will run erratically till it stalls. Any ideas?

A change of subject was needed and the old topic buried. If I let go of the rear brake after my spree starts it will quit. I am quite sure this is an electrical issue. Does the kickstand need to be up? Is there a switch that needs to be adjusted? Can I just disable needing the brake to start?

Now that I know to hold the rear brake to start the Spree...@*&^%...It runs until I let go of the rear brake.........Could anyone help with what I hope is the final problem I need to deal with.

I have a stupid question but it might apply....do you have the left brake on when you try to start it?

You sound like you are having my problem. (my spree runs...backwards) I also have spark, compression and fuel but it won't run. Hopefully someone will figure it out for the both of us.

nope...woodruff key is there. I tried clearing some of the rust off the tab on the flywheel hoping it would make a difference........nope.