Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

my spree only has 360 miles on it (1986 NQ50), but seems to be running not smooth enough. i can't figure out what's wrong! here are the symptoms:

- very slow takeoff, even for a spree
- pretty visible smoke (but not dark) out of exhaust when run on kickstand (and maybe other times) - is this normal?
- whenever i hit a decent bump in the road, it slows 3-5 mph for a few seconds then gets back up to speed
- it seems pretty shaky when idling - my mirrors being a good gauge

any ideas? im wondering if i was duped and this thing has more miles than it says or if i already messed it up!

Hows the plug,airfilter,battery.Carb cleaned?Start with the basics.

i replaced the air filter with a new one. what would the battery have to do with it? i think it's fine, cause it's brand new.

the carb was really clean but i cleaned it anyway. spark plug is the only thing i haven't looked at. does anyone have link on how to change it? i know it's probably pretty simple, but i don't want to mess it up.

LOL cant change a spark plug! Well anyways you need a spark plug socket and a adjustable wrench you just pop off the wire and unscrew the plug. Gap the new one grease the threads and screw in the new one put it in snug but not tight.

Believe it or not a dieing or nearly dead battery can cause problems on any vehicle.Many a new battery have been drained by a poor charging system!It may have nothing to do with your problem, I was just telling where to start if you had not covered that stuff already.You can't assume anything tlil you check it out.

nope, i've never changed a plug before. i've taken this thing apart and put it back together but never touched the engine block. so, it's not that i can't, like you say, just that i haven't. big difference. so, i was humbly asking for some advice. thanks for it.

Is sputtery a word? :D