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New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 9:00 pm
by wikked_spree57
so I got it. I was displeased by the amount of body damage but all the needed parts were included.
To my surprise, the lights are rigged but work well, and it has a K and N air filter(smilar anyways) and it runs great with it, a little rich even. Does like 26-ish with me on it. Look at tht poor muffler! I had $20 in the laptop, so was it worth it?

Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 9:09 pm
by martynkim
yes!

Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 9:40 pm
by workdog
Nice!
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 11:39 pm
by wikked_spree57
This thing dont feel like the CVT works at all. It picks up speed just like a regular single speed express. Going to tear down tomorrow and have a look at the transmission.
I didn't realize till I went to put gas in it that the oil tank is missing and it was premixed... *.
it sure needs work, but it runs OK otherwise.
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 11:42 pm
by martynkim
A stock airbox will really liven it up! It will run but one day.......... It will be hard starting and bog. I assume the weaather is fair today where you are.

Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 11:50 pm
by wikked_spree57
I see this. I put 12 miles on it tonight without a problem, but it lacks power.
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 11:56 pm
by wikked_spree57
Looked on a few parts sites as well as ebay, no air boxes to be found! d***...
Will a box from any other express work?
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 1:45 am
by Woodencardboard
I like the bungee cord exaust mount! That thing looks awsome.
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 10:26 am
by wikked_spree57
It's done that way because the ear where it mounts to the block has a huge crack in it. It's ready to break off. At least the 15 year old kid was smart enough to do a bit of preventative maintenance.
since I got the body parts, I'd like to get the rest of the mechanical parts I need to fix it. According to martynkim who is right so far, parts for this thing are worth a lot of money and are harder to find then a needle in a haystack, especially the air box.
Good for me, this project will have a challenge to it
So anyone know if any other Express airboxes will work? I have one on the shelf in the garage at my parents from a 78 Express (spare for my dad's moped he almost never rides but won't sell me, i love it).
If anyone finds any tricks for parts on these things let me know, if you locate an airbox for a fair price (under $50 incl. shipping) there may be a finders fee in it for you.
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 11:31 pm
by mousewheels
I like the Express SR and was looking to get one a while back. It was pretty neat to me - Honda dropped spoked wheels for what would become the norm - 10" 3 spoke steel wheels. They put in the variator, and the legshield. The SR was not around long, but pioneered some parts which the successful 83/84 Aero utilized or expanded upon.
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 11:38 pm
by martynkim
Awesome looking bike when restored. Just sold one. Very hard to find parts and when you do $$$$$!!!!!
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 1:24 am
by wikked_spree57
Tore the carb down today, seems to be jetted for open air. it has a 78 main and the carb's throat is half that of a spree. makes me wonder if a dinky little Spree carb would make something come alive?? lol...
I got it running better, it's kinda hard to start when warm but cold it takes right off. It seems to like to backfire out the tailpipe instead of starting warm.
Plug chops turn out perfect also, running a BR10ES in it.
i put it up on CL to see if I gt any offers for it. i replaced most of the busted plastic today:

Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 10:23 am
by eliteguy50
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 10:49 am
by Saved
Yeah, I'd say you got your $20 out of it.
Re: New toy... 81 Express SR
Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 11:58 pm
by wikked_spree57
I could have not asked for a better day. Walked outside and one kick, took right off. all the problems from yesterday, gone.
Used my friend's tools to work on the trans. Turns out the rollers were solid and heavy as s***, so I took two out and left four in. Holy crap! Now instead of 24ish mph, im looking at something like 28-29. And it takes off pretty good for as much as I weigh, was actually able to hit the trails and climb a few hills!
If it stays this way, I'm keeping it for a while.