Debating: Fix it or trade it?

[thebook92]

I have an '85 Spree that I bought for cheap last summer. I knew it had some problems, but it turned out to be a rather large headache. I'm currently debating over whether to sink the money into fixing it or offering it up on the board to trade (with some cash, of course ) for something I can hop on and ride. So, I ask ye who know more than I: What should I do?

EDIT: Incidentally, if someone can hook me up with parts, someone to take it to that can get it running, or a scoot to trade, let me know.

[Bear45-70]

Not enough information to make any kind of decision.

[motormike]

a rather large headache.

A high school senior tried to sell me one today, telling me how cherry it is....'82 Urban Express missing the airbox, rotten tires, key switch broken, wont idle, and he just cleaned the carb perfect. Do I look like a chump ? (Rhetorical question)

[Dio89Elite]

agree with bear. you'll have to expound on the problems before we could begin to express our opinions.
you'll have to estimate the repairs to get it back on the road (parts & labor)
vs the cost (& trouble) selling or trading it for something that is turn key (ready to ride).
there are several members here that are do have spree parts to help you get your spree running.
we don't have any info on your mechanical aptitude.
will you be doing the work yourself? or perhaps you have a friend that is knowledgeable?
there are some basic things that I do myself, but sometimes I'm too busy to do it
so I'll give it to a reputable shop in my area but this method can be pricey (depending on how much the shop charges).
I hope I've given you a few things to think about and hopefully help in some way. =)

re: motormike,
maybe the college student was talking about the clean carb when he was referring to 'cherry'. j/k

[thebook92]

I bought it for $50, knowing full well it needed a starter and battery. It didn't have an air filter, cooling shroud, or mirrors. I didn't know until I got on here that the air filter was really needed to make it run along with the cooling shrouds. I still have to get the cooling shrouds, and I've made an air filter (more on that later).

I replaced the starter and relay (both were bad) fixed a problem with a weak spark, but I still need an electric drill to start it. It cranks now, but won't actually start. Compression seems okay, as it shoots my thumb right off the plug hole. Not only that, it and dies when at idle and warm, along with anything past 3/4 throttle. I have a feeling I need a new carburetor, as I cleaned said carb, along with restricting a breather filter from AutoZone and putting it on. Neither thing made it run any better. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the exhaust has bolts threaded into places where it's rusted out.

So in summary, in a perfect world, I would need: a carb, engine shrouds, an exhaust, mirrors, and a complete airbox to get it running right again.

As for experience, my knowledge of 2-stroke engines is pretty limited, but I've learned quite a bit from this site already. I do have some mechanical skills, but they have been learned from working on cars. At this point, I'm just getting fed up with the work I've put into it and not seeing much in the way of results. Hope this helps clear things up.

[motormike]

Hey book...you must be living right because I have everything you mentioned
to put this Spree back together.........

[thebook92]

And if I asked you to decarbonize the exhaust, clean the carb, and put it all in a big box to ship to me, how much would it all run me?

[swimmingfree]

And if I asked you to decarbonize the exhaust, build a fire out side and thou it in the fire and walk a way come back the next day its done....
swimmingfree

[motormike]

I will need to inspect these parts because I just brought 2 Sprees home a week ago and have not looked at anything since. Give me some time and I will be better prepared to give you some numbers. Both bikes are complete, so no problem meeting your needs. Just don't know how good the exhausts are. They could be so bad that decarbonizing would destroy them. The other parts, like shrouds, carb, and airbox should be fine. Watch for a pm next week....
...... gerg

[Bear45-70]

...............................................I didn't know until I got on here that the air filter was really needed to make it run along with the cooling shrouds. I still have to get the cooling shrouds, and I've made an air filter (more on that later).........................................

Unless your two stroke tuning knowledge is above average, don't bother with making you own air filter. because it is a great way to destroy your motor.

[thebook92]

...............................................I didn't know until I got on here that the air filter was really needed to make it run along with the cooling shrouds. I still have to get the cooling shrouds, and I've made an air filter (more on that later).........................................

Unless your two stroke tuning knowledge is above average, don't bother with making you own air filter. because it is a great way to destroy your motor.

The only reason I did so was to confirm a lean condition. By taping over most of the surface of the air filter (following a post on here that I can't for the life of me find now ), the engine had better pickup when it did run. I don't plan on keeping it around after I get a stock airbox.

EDIT: Found it! http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewto ... 73&p=85412

[Dio89Elite]

looks like you're doing good so far.
the experience that you've gained so far outweighs the monetary payout in getting it.

keep a lookout on working motors that you could swap out for your current one that's in your working budget
this could give you a faster way to get your ride on the road.
either that or trading for another budget priced project.
(just offering options for you to consider).

oh btw, you don't need mirrors in order to get it running right. j/k
(it's just to conform to the legality of riding on public thoroughfare in some municipalities/ regions.)
(i think in my locality we need to run at least one driver side mirror).

[thebook92]

looks like you're doing good so far.
the experience that you've gained so far outweighs the monetary payout in getting it.

keep a lookout on working motors that you could swap out for your current one that's in your working budget
this could give you a faster way to get your ride on the road.
either that or trading for another budget priced project.
(just offering options for you to consider).

oh btw, you don't need mirrors in order to get it running right. j/k
(it's just to conform to the legality of riding on public thoroughfare in some municipalities/ regions.)
(i think in my locality we need to run at least one driver side mirror).

Well, if anyone's got a Dio motor (or running Elite, for that matter) they wouldn't mind shipping me for cheap, I'd be open to suggestions. In Michigan, both mirrors need to be on the scooter to be considered legal, and I'd put them both on anyway; I don't trust the other people on the road.

[wikked_spree57]

I'm in Michigan and have tools if you need some help. I'm in Tawas City.

[thebook92]

That'd be great if I could transport it the four and a half hours it takes to get from here to there.