Many Hondas - But Just Bought First Spree

[SciFiGuy]

My name is Robert and (*like you haven't heard THIS before*) I was traded an 86 Spree by a nice older lady for some yard work. I'm not too bad with motos in general, had a few classic Hondas back in the day. (750, 550/4) but this is my first scooter.

It's pretty clean, but hasn't been started in years. I hooked a battery to it, but the starter motor doesn't turn. Lights all work except the headlight and dash light didn't come on using the battery. I was thinking maybe the Spree has to be running for those to work. (?)

Compression seems good. They left the gas and oil in it though, and that probably ISN'T good.

It has 1,400 miles on it total. Doesn't look like it's been thrashed, beaten, or put down.

I plan to start working on it in a couple of weeks. I started by giving it a good cleaning. After my mother in law goes back to California, then I can get serious on it. Downloaded the owner's and service manuals, which were a big help, by the way. I suppose I will start by removing the plastic cover case and draining out the old oil and fuel, checking for spark and compression, carb cleaning, check for carbon buildup here and there, maybe check the CDI unit.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Welcome to Spreedom. Nice find. Everything but the carb and maybe a spark plug should be fine at that mileage. Look to the Forum for cleaning instructions.

[SciFiGuy]

Thanks! I downloaded the article, How To Get a Dead Scooter Back on the Road, which was very helpful.

I noticed some of the articles and manuals here are in Microsoft Word. I can convert them to PDF's if anyone needs that done. I have Adobe Acrobat. I wish my mother-in-law wasn't coming to visit this week. I could get to work on this Spree right now. But I have clean up our place instead before she gets here. She's like Endora on Bewitched.

[vintagegarage]

Yes, the headlight won't come on until the engine is running, and also, you need to hold one of the brakes on for the starter to work, the left brake handle should have a holder gadget that you can set to use hold the brake on while you start it..

[motormike]

The key to the whole electric starter working is the "brake light".
Yes, hold a brake lever to engage brake and make sure the tail-light bulb is good.
The bulb must be illuminated to complete the circuit for the starter motor.
This is my best understanding of it's inclusion in this wiring scheme...mm

[SciFiGuy]

Thanks. I will try that one.

[MrJumps]

Do you know what year the spree is?

[noiseguy]

Thanks! I downloaded the article, How To Get a Dead Scooter Back on the Road, which was very helpful.

Glad you liked it. I've brought about a dozen scoots/peds back from dead and it's really the entire method at 1 shot. Have fun and keep us posted.

[SciFiGuy]

It's a 1986 Spree.

The starter motor DOES work. MotorMike showed me how it works. Gotta hold down the brake handle before you push the button. I already ordered a gel-cell battery, new ignition system, spark plug, etc from Amazon. Carb cleaner as well. Should be fun. I don't think it needs much beyond regular maintanance.

I have to wait to check out the bike until my mother in law goes back to California next week. I will post pictures then.

[motormike]

I already ordered a... new ignition system

WHY ??
I assume you have bought a NEW CDI.
The aftermarket CDI sold for Spree has never been reported to have any positive increase in performance on Spree.
Why would you replace the OEM unit if it is working ?
By your comments, it seems you don't have any idea if the Spree ignition is sparking.
This is likely an un-necessary expense you have made.
No criticism here, just doesn't make good sense to spend needlessly.
...(and that's just me being frugal)
Many people report going back to the Honda OEM CDI after trying the "Racing CDI".

[SciFiGuy]

I already ordered a... new ignition system

WHY ??
I assume you have bought a NEW CDI.
The aftermarket CDI sold for Spree has never been reported to have any positive increase in performance on Spree.
Why would you replace the OEM unit if it is working ?
By your comments, it seems you don't have any idea if the Spree ignition is sparking.
This is likely an un-necessary expense you have made.
No criticism here, just doesn't make good sense to spend needlessly.
...(and that's just me being frugal)
Many people report going back to the Honda OEM CDI after trying the "Racing CDI".

Well, okay. The good news is I actually put the items on my Wish List there. I was going to actually pay for the order today. I dropped those items from the list and I think I will hold off until I get a chance to look. The CDI anyway. Needs a battery for sure though. Old one wouldn't even take a charge. Spark plug I can get from the Honda dealer up the street.