1987 Elite S, good for mods?

[nighttrainpete]

I'm considering a Honda Elite 87 S, but I've heard about how some 1987's Elites were just the Spree with new plastic. I thought that was the Elite E. How is the Elite S different?

btw, first post. Had an elite a few years back in Minnesota, missed it ever since. Picked up a Spree recently and getting the old scooter bug back.

Thanks!

[bradthreee]

87 Elite S is a totally different powertrain than the Spree. There still are go fast parts available for it including variator,Big bore kits, exhaust, trans gears, kevlar belt, etc. Its not a "Dio" but the next best thing IMO.

You are right about the Elite E (SB50) being a cousin to the Spree. Very similar powertrain just tweaked for slightly better performance.

The downfall to the SE50 is that it's a 1 year scooter and plastics and such may be harder to find since its a bit more rare. Its not impossible to find these parts but the better off you are with a good clean foundation. Keep that in mind with your purchase.

[bradthreee]

Forgot to mention "Welcome" and hope you enjoy your stay! Lots of very useful information in here so make sure you searc the different sup forums

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Brad the Cubed and I are agreed. I would add that the '87 is arguably the cleanest and sleekest of all Honda's 2-stroke offerings. The lack of storage space is another minus, but I'd wear a backpack to get that swoopy look. If plastics are in rough shape, you can look to the Great White North for replacements. Canada got the SE50 for 3-5 years before the Dio model bowed there, some of them in racy "RR" livery.

Brad and I have experience with variated SE/05 engines built to a fairly high state of tune. It takes a little more cunning (for now...) than building a later SA/16 engine, but performance approaching 60 MPH is still possible on a kitted 65cc 05.

[nighttrainpete]

Awesome thanks for the info, and thanks for the welcome!

I had like a 93 elite before and just loved the pep compared to the Spree. But my girlfriend loves the Spree, so it works out dandy. Thinking about picking up another to cruise around as a pair

What is the stock speed of the 87 Elite S, 35ish?

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

That '87 "S" model Elite you're considering may have the ultra-rare and hard-to-find 10:1 gears. In that case, with all systems healthy, it should be good for close to or beyond 40 MPH and get up there considerably quicker than any Spree. Add a decent variator and a 90/90 rear tire and you're almost sure to crack 45.

My bone-stock Aero did 37 on its 11:1 gears when it was stock.

[eliteguy50]

I had like a 93 elite before ...What is the stock speed of the 87 Elite S, 35ish?

they basically use the same engine

but I've heard about how some 1987's Elites were just the Spree with new plastic. I thought that was the Elite E.

Not true, there was only one elite in 1987. Yes, the Elite E is the spree cuz, but it was only made 1988-1990.

[Dakine]

[quote="Wheelman-111"]Greetings:

That '87 "S" model Elite you're considering may have the ultra-rare and hard-to-find 10:1 gears. quote]

Why dont you just swap different gears to get the 10.1 ratio?

[eliteguy50]

Why dont you just swap different gears to get the 10.1 ratio?

You would have to find someone willing to part with them or pony up to pay the dealers price.

[nighttrainpete]

Cool, thanks again everyone for all of the tips and good info.

For a clean, good condition (body), around 2k miles, 87 Elite S... is $625 too high?

I know it would be nice to have one for $300 that just needed the carb cleaned, but, not sure how long I want to wait for it.

[Dakine]

It may be pricey to you but down here in hawaii that would prob be going for over 1000 grand locally

[bradthreee]

Cool, thanks again everyone for all of the tips and good info.

For a clean, good condition (body), around 2k miles, 87 Elite S... is $625 too high?

I know it would be nice to have one for $300 that just needed the carb cleaned, but, not sure how long I want to wait for it.

I would try to talk the down to the $500 range if possible. Also check to see that registration is current...

[novs86]

Cool, thanks again everyone for all of the tips and good info.

For a clean, good condition (body), around 2k miles, 87 Elite S... is $625 too high?

I know it would be nice to have one for $300 that just needed the carb cleaned, but, not sure how long I want to wait for it.

I think $625 is a fair price .

It's really up to you and what your willing to pay.


If I could find a clean unaltered 87 with 2K miles I would jump at the chance at that price.

[nighttrainpete]

Also check to see that registration is current...

If they have the title, but it hasn't been registered in a while, is there a possible problem with that? I figured as long as you have the title and a bill of sale, you're good to go to register and transfer the title. Right?

[eliteguy50]

If they have the title, but it hasn't been registered in a while, is there a possible problem with that?

Usually, that just means extra fees at the time of registration. I would get the vin and call the register's office to get a quote. It might not make a difference or it might make a $200 difference, just depends on the state.