To sell, or not to sell my 85 Aero 50, that is the question?

[MuscleForce57]

If you don't mind my asking, what are some other possible distinguishing features for identifying this engine?

[mmeadows]

you absolutely have the case from a 86-87 as we can see 3 of your 4 bolts. we are referring to the "or" part of your picture. have you gotten a new crank yet?

see if the intake on your aero80 motor will fit your aero 50 motor. it looks like an after market intake. i would use the aero80 reeds as well. this upgrade will be even more valuable if you port.

its time to crack your case

[MuscleForce57]

no new crank yet as i'm not exactly sure what i need. they look to be about the same size but the 80 mount is rectangular and the 50 mount has a slight inward curve in between bolts. Should be fun to check though tomorrow. I hope i can use something off that 80 engine.

[Kevinstonge]

You want a crankshaft from an 86-87 nb50 (aero 50), or an 87 se50( elite 50). Which I believe was in the link I posted. For $100 it's not a bad deal.
As far as getting it "trued by a pro" I meant you should take the crank to a small engine builder who deals with motorcycle/dirt bike/scooter engines. Truing means to balance your crank as close to perfect as you can by tapping it with a copper hammer. Don't quote me as I've never done this personally, just had my local engine builder do it a couple times for me.

I also agree with the others. Porting will help tremendously. I've just never attempted it myself before.

[mmeadows]

does anyone know if an 85 crank will fit an 86-87?

muscleforce> use the reeds from your aero80 motor in your aero50

[MuscleForce57]

You want a crankshaft from an 86-87 nb50 (aero 50), or an 87 se50( elite 50). Which I believe was in the link I posted. For $100 it's not a bad deal.
As far as getting it "trued by a pro" I meant you should take the crank to a small engine builder who deals with motorcycle/dirt bike/scooter engines. Truing means to balance your crank as close to perfect as you can by tapping it with a copper hammer. Don't quote me as I've never done this personally, just had my local engine builder do it a couple times for me.

I also agree with the others. Porting will help tremendously. I've just never attempted it myself before.

If I were to take it to a mechanic to have it trued then wouldn't it make sense just to have them put the crankshaft in or are we talking big buck$? I am going to need to buy additional tools to split the case, so maybe I should just have a professional/or the guy up the street that works on 2 strokes to swap her out once I get the part.

Also, my only reservation about porting is having to re-tune my scoot and how that will affect my power. I realize that porting out my intake and exhaust could give me more speed, but would I be sacrificing power? Especially, if I plan to live in Seattle where I would be zipping up and down hills all the time.

And another thing, by porting I would be altering the original condition of this scoot and not something I can undo as opposed to bolt-on mods.

Any thoughts on preserving the original integrity of these legendary creatures, or are they only cool because you can scootenstein them? (Sure it's all subjective to personal opinion, but food for thought)

[Kevinstonge]

Since I have minimal tools as well, I brought my engine to a certified Honda tech who's a friend of mine to split the case and remove my crank. He charged $40/hr. i think it was $100 total. To save money I personally brought my crank to a small engine builder, had it trued for $50, then had my friend reassemble everything. So basically it's all in how much you want to spend. I don't mind spending extra to know its done right. Someday ill learn to do it myself :/.

I have no thought on porting because I have no experience. Some one will have to chime in if it'll make tuning any harder/easier.

IMO, I believe you are on the right track to keep the "original integrity" of your scoot. With a refreshed oem crank, aero80 Reed cage, and probably a new main jet, it will be reliable and all oem Honda. Grab a used ruckus variator too! They pop up often and worth the $15-20. I have no results yet personally, but I've read the ruck variator on our engines will give it a touch more top end, even more so paired with a malossi special belt.
http://www.malossistore.com.au/Prodotto ... =61%207213

[MuscleForce57]

i think you should try and sell it. parting it out will take along time. i know you can sell that basket on ebay, ive seen ones where you bid, not buy, go upward of $100

if you price things to move they will sell, $15 for a seat, $5 petcock $7 coil not to mention the piston and cylinder are still good.

it shouldn't be hard to recoup your $150 just a little timely, then you can wait for a $300 honda aero with no problems thats just a little "ugly"

I think I'm just going to follow this original advice and sell the thing. Might be better as a one night stand than a ltr. I'm going on the road in less than two weeks and not returning to live here in Idaho. I might as well pass her off and get a new * rig in Seattle when I return. No sense in hauling a broke down bike everywhere. I put an ad up on CL for $350 and getting a lot of interest. Somebody even offered me an old gutted out Landrover. Worst case scenario I stand to make about $200 bucks for my trouble. I shouldn't feel guilty because It's been fun!

Now the question is... Do I put her back together for the sale?

[MuscleForce57]

Got her all put back together, only a few extra bolts. I have been getting a lot of interest from people on CL but I think I'm talking everybody out of it. I don't think I really want to sell it...