Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

My neighbor was going to throw his 86 spree away because he couldnt get it started. I told him I would take it. Put a new innertube, battery, and autobypass doodad and now it runs. I now have two problems. The first is that I cleaned the crap out of the carb and I couldnt get air into the jet next to the main, even with 150psi. Can someone explain how that idle jet works and what i can do? It doesnt go one mile an hour over 25 exept down a hill it goes 26. And the second this (or third I guess) is that it kind of chugs till about 5-9 mph, is that a clutch issue?

for the speed issue, check to see if its an IOWA model, they have a restrictor at the exhaust port. And a stock spree has little low-end power, its all mid-range power, so a slow start on a stock spree, at least I think, is normal.

I have a stock spree, slow starts are normal but barely noticeable. Exactly like starting a diesel in 2nd gear and not raising the rpms correctly. It still goes, but doesn't pop. alot of guys get 25 mph, mine isn't an iowa model and goes at least 33. of course I can't find a long enough street around here to get it beyond that. I don't know what to do about the jet, I tell EVERYONE to clean it with guitar strings. But I imagine that advice is getting old.

make sure that idle screw is 1 1/2 turns out fromn being bottomed out also. Should make a popping inconsistent noise.

Thank you all for the replies. I will check on the Iowa issue today. Is the the idle jet supposed to allow air through, because I tried piano wire and air and I got nothing. As far as the acceleration I know that it is supposed to be a little slow at the start but it feels like its not getting traction like in a car with an auto transmission that is slipping. Thanks again, this site is a huge resource.

as for the chugging u can always check too see if the clkutch is worn down by taking off the clutch bolt and pulling that plate around the clutch out and check the pads on the clutch

thanks, i will check that. is there a tool to hold the flywheel on the clutch in place while i loosen the nut? also, my spree is not Iowa, but it only goes 25-26 mph

yes there is a tool for the clutch. i dont know what its called thogh. i think theres a topic on the clutch and how to check it in technical docs

Top speed of 25 MPH is normal, actually.

If the bike will idle, then the idle jet's either working or you have a bystarter leak. Best to soak the carb in a little carb tank, or blast the idle jet with carb cleaner.

Check in tech docs for the clutch tool or use an impact wrench.

I had the 25MPh problem as well. Also had an issue with the throttle, too much throttle and the engine cut out. Turned out to be a problem with the mixture screw. I can now run full throttle and get 30 MPh. Also check the airfilter. I didn't have one at first, replacing it seemed to make a difference. I assume the carb is built to "expect" some air flow resistance created by the filter element.

Regarding the carb, invest in a can of carb dip and soak METAL PARTS ONLY! Carb Dip WILL EAT EVERYTHING that is not metal.

the clutch lining thickness minimum is 1/16 th of a inch according to honda manual. as for taking the nut off, just hold the rear brake.