Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

Have a 1987 spree that runs great and idles great when it is warm. But when it first starts up (cold) i have to give it gas to keep it running for about a few of minutes, because it runs so rough. I put a new plug in and no difference.
Thanks for any help.......

Have you tried adjusting the idle screw?

Bleroy wrote:Have you tried adjusting the idle screw?

Idle is fine when warm, it runs real rough at first start of the bike until i let it rev up for a few minutes and like clear it out..

KENNYWEBER wrote:

Bleroy wrote:Have you tried adjusting the idle screw?

Idle is fine when warm, it runs real rough at first start of the bike until i let it rev up for a few minutes and like clear it out..

Does not matter whether it idles fine warm or not. You have to adjust the idle mixture screw for the highest RPM possible, then adjust the idle speed screw until the rear wheel does NOT turn. That will more than likely fix your over rich cold issue.

Bear45-70 wrote:

KENNYWEBER wrote:

Bleroy wrote:Have you tried adjusting the idle screw?

Idle is fine when warm, it runs real rough at first start of the bike until i let it rev up for a few minutes and like clear it out..

Does not matter whether it idles fine warm or not. You have to adjust the idle mixture screw for the highest RPM possible, then adjust the idle speed screw until the rear wheel does NOT turn. That will more than likely fix your over rich cold issue.

Thanks ........ so much

KENNYWEBER wrote:Have a 1987 spree that runs great and idles great when it is warm. But when it first starts up (cold) i have to give it gas to keep it running for about a few of minutes, because it runs so rough.

Have you checked that the electric choke is working? It's a real struggle to a Spree or Elite going if the choke isn't working. With the side panels off it just takes a few minutes to check it out. When cold, remove the choke unit and measure how far the brass needle sticks out. Then turn the key on and wait 5 minutes. The brass needle should extend about 1/8" or 3mm after 3 minutes. If it's not moving, check the wiring for 12 volts. If there's 12 volts, then the choke is dead, and you need to replace the choke. Lots for sale on eBay, or from the dealer. For some unknown reason, this unit called a "bystarter". Who knows why. It makes sense to somebody out there.

If the bystarter _IS_ working when you test it, the tiny little choke jet (inside the main float bowl) may be plugged. If so, do a thorough carb clean with toluene (soak it overnight), and run a tiny wire through the choke jet and blow it out with WD-40. That should about do it. (Don't soak the neoprene gaskets in the carb-cleaner, though)

JJ Joseph wrote:Then turn the key on and wait 5 minutes. The brass needle should extend about 1/8" or 3mm after 3 minutes. If it's not moving, check the wiring for 12 volts. If there's 12 volts, then the choke is dead, and you need to replace the choke.

the by-starter is supplied with power only when the engine is running. to test with a battery you need to unplug by-starter from wiring harness. then connect a battery to the by-starter elect. plug. Wait app. 5min and see if it extends. There's a great write up on it in the wiki section. It's possible that the by-starter is stuck in the extended position, that would close off the extra fuel and air needed when cold and allow it to idle fine when warm. The other possibility if adjusting the carb. didn't help is the carb. still needs cleaned as happens so often

JJ Joseph wrote: Have you checked that the electric choke is working? It's a real struggle to a Spree or Elite going if the choke isn't working. With the side panels off it just takes a few minutes to check it out. When cold, remove the choke unit and measure how far the brass needle sticks out. Then turn the key on and wait 5 minutes. The brass needle should extend about 1/8" or 3mm after 3 minutes. If it's not moving, check the wiring for 12 volts. If there's 12 volts, then the choke is dead, and you need to replace the choke. Lots for sale on eBay, or from the dealer. For some unknown reason, this unit called a "bystarter". Who knows why. It makes sense to somebody out there.

If the bystarter _IS_ working when you test it, the tiny little choke jet (inside the main float bowl) may be plugged. If so, do a thorough carb clean with toluene (soak it overnight), and run a tiny wire through the choke jet and blow it out with WD-40. That should about do it. (Don't soak the neoprene gaskets in the carb-cleaner, though)

There will never be 12 volts DC (battery volts are DC or Direct Current) to the bystarter. The bystarter uses AC (Alternating Current) from the alternator to run the heater.

Thanks for the info Guys..