Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

Somebody asked me:

Manual says the Spree weighs a whopping 186 lbs. if memory serves...

How much weight can it handle safely?
Can it handle a 200-230 lb. rider?
At what speeds?

Honda Spree weight limit for rider and cargo is 180lbs.

I would not suggest a honda spree for someone of that size unless they enjoy rebuilding the top end often.

as well as a ruff ride you will be bottoming out the shock.. my x lady friend had a fa50 and when i road it i wood bottom the shock out on her fa50 when i wood hit a bump and it has a lite shock .. even my spree bottom out as well and i way 185..
swimmingfree

MopedMark wrote:Honda Spree weight limit for rider and cargo is 180lbs.

I would not suggest a honda spree for someone of that size unless they enjoy rebuilding the top end often.

Interesting statement but wrong. I have had my Spree since 1985 and I have weighed 200 to 280 pounds the whole time and at 3500 miles my Spree is as strong as it ever was. Those limits are there to satisfy the safety police.

I agree with Bear. I've had friends up to 350 on my Elite E (also rated at 180# max) and three people on it at once. Take off is a little slower but that is all. The frame will flex with bumps but not a big deal. The tires are the primary rating issue, see what their max load is and then subtract the weight of your Spree. Then knock that down to 82 Kilos for a margin of error. Upgrading the rear shock is a must unless you are still a young buck or just riding around the block.

I am not talking about a one time ride or the occasional rider. I am talking about the Spree consistently being used for something it was not designed to do. A rider that is over the weight limit by a almost a third (230lbs) of the original weight limit puts wear and tear on the scooter. I have seen countless Honda Sprees that have been ridden to death by a large person that thought it was a good idea. Would you use your spree to tow a trailer or haul a large load up a big hill? No. But most would not think twice about putting a hefty feller on the Spree and sending him up the same hill. It is not made for that and yes you will wear down your top end much faster than a person below the suggested weight limit.

As a 200+ pound rider (cargo and myself), I can say that I bought it with 4000miles on it in '00 and I have 2000 miles on it now. The same top end I bought it with. I agree that added mass is more stress. I also think Honda designed the Spree engine to be reliable at any weight that the belt drive transmission will handle.

MopedMark wrote:I am not talking about a one time ride or the occasional rider. I am talking about the Spree consistently being used for something it was not designed to do. A rider that is over the weight limit by a almost a third (230lbs) of the original weight limit puts wear and tear on the scooter. I have seen countless Honda Sprees that have been ridden to death by a large person that thought it was a good idea. Would you use your spree to tow a trailer or haul a large load up a big hill? No. But most would not think twice about putting a hefty feller on the Spree and sending him up the same hill. It is not made for that and yes you will wear down your top end much faster than a person below the suggested weight limit.

Learn to read, "I have had my Spree since 1985 and I have weighed 200 to 280 pounds the whole time and at 3500 miles my Spree is as strong as it ever was." Scooter is fine, nothing bent or wore out, so your contention is not correct it hurts nothing to ignore the weight limit.

I'm 230-250 and ride the Spree daily with no issues at all ( yes the shock does bottom but no problems )

it still tops out at 27 mph with my large butt on it

Greetings:

Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings are required by Uncle Sam and most countries to ensure compliance with safety standards like stopping distances, tire weight (and heat...) ratings, and such. As we've seen exceeding the Max rating does not automatically guarantee Instant Catastrophe. I exceed Flash's Max Wt. Capacity every time I climb aboard, and I'm not too worried about it. But I wouldn't ride too far with Wheel-Boy and Ms. Wheelperson behind... Anyway manufacturers must supply the DOT with a number, and they obviously err to the side of caution.