Proud New Owner of a Honda Pal...Pictures and Questions

keithw · Post by **keithw** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 12:09 pm

Here are pictures of the collection.

First the Spree, test bed for mods. It's an 85.

http://datsunroadsterranch.com/scooter/1spree.jpg

http://datsunroadsterranch.com/scooter/2spree.jpg

My first Pal. This one is gray. It has no on/off switch for the headlight and the serial number suggests it is newer that the other one. The best I have been able to find they were made about 1989.

http://datsunroadsterranch.com/scooter/1grpal.jpg

http://datsunroadsterranch.com/scooter/2grpal.jpg

My second Pal, the black one. Has an on/off switch for the headlight. More complete and in better condition but still a bit rough. The front forks are tweeked so the handle bars are a little off from the front tire.

http://datsunroadsterranch.com/scooter/1blpal.jpg

http://datsunroadsterranch.com/scooter/2blpal.jpg

keithw

NESticle · Post by **NESticle** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 3:49 pm

I am going to ride with my brother this afternoon and do some speed comparisons between his '84 spree and my Pal. I'll test acceleration (my variator should make the difference) and top end speed. I'll post the results hopefully sometime tonight.

Also, I have noticed one difference already. After riding, my clothes stink of exhaust. It's a different smell than I'm used to and is definitely not there with my brother's 84 spree or my friend's 87 spree. I was thinking maybe it had to do with the difference in fuel emission regulations between here and Japan. Any thoughts?

keithw · Post by **keithw** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 6:52 pm

Could also have to do with what oil is in it and how old the gas is. Use only real Honda GN2 oil. Pull off the gas cap and take a smell. If it's bad put in some fresh.

keithw

NESticle · Post by **NESticle** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 12:53 am

My first Pal. This one is gray. It has no on/off switch for the headlight and the serial number suggests it is newer that the other one. The best I have been able to find they were made about 1989.

We should compare serial numbers. I can't check mine right now, but if you could give me your serial number I'll check it against mine. My pal doesn't have an on/off switch for the headlight either. I was told by the previous owner that mine is a '94.

Thanks for the help.

I rode with my brother today ('84 Spree). There is no other way to say it but the Pal just blew his out of the water. Not only does the variator make mine extremely quicker off the block, but my top end is at least 5mph better if not more. His spree struggled a LOT from 0-15. I was going 30 before his would even kick in. I got on the spree for a comparison and I must say...I couldn't even stand riding it after being on mine. While I would like a tiny bit more speed, I am one happy Pal owner

On my to-do list:

1. Clean the Carburetor
2. Change the oil
3. Follow Keithw's advice and shave .020" off the head
4. Order and install dome piston (If I don't have one already)

Kenny_McCormic · Post by **Kenny_McCormic** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 12:58 am

Somebody really needs to get 2 stage reeds into a spree.

Chisholm · Post by **Chisholm** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 3:31 am

That thing is CHERRY!

keithw · Post by **keithw** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:39 am

My engine serial numbers are:

Black one, AFO5E-76687XX

Gray one, AFO5E-77253XX

I have found the frame number but I don't remember where it is and the engine number is out where I can see it.

The same cylinder and head stuff will work on both the Pal and Spree as the basic engine is the same.

Another thing to do is go with a 2.75 or 3.00 back tire rather than the stock 2.50 .

Any more Pals here on the forum?

keithw

NESticle · Post by **NESticle** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:55 pm

My engine number is AF05E-76405XX

Since mine is lower, does that mean it's older? I don't really know what to make of the numbers

What are the advantages of switching out the tires? Just curious to know if it would be worth spending the $.

keithw · Post by **keithw** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:11 pm

The lower number means your's is older, made earlier in the year most likely.

The bigger tire will have the effect of raising your drive ratio and increasing your top speed a little. I wouldn't throw out a good tire but when it's time to change I'd go with the bigger one. Also, a bigger tire will put a little more rubber on the road giving you a bit more traction. Handy when you need to grab a couple hands full of brakes.

keithw