Should I buy it? Honda elite 50

[stl450rider]

Im thinking about buying my first Elite 50 tomorrow. I owned a big bore 70cc zuma in the past and loved it, so im thinking about getting back into the game.. The scooter is a 2001, 350$, with title. The guy says it needs a battery, carb cleaned, and oil sensor. The battery and carb cleaning im not worried about, Ive searched online for this "oil sensor" and cant find one anywhere. Can someone clear this up for me? Or even give me a link to where I can find the part. Is it neccesary, or will it just cause a light to come on? And last but not least, is 350 a good deal?

Thanks

[breaze]

Every non-running scooter I've ever seen on CL is not running because it "just needs a carb cleaning". It's always a gamble with a non-runner - if you go for it, hopefully you won't get it home and find it has more serious concerns. Oil sensors in the older models are just electronic sensors down in the oil tank that cause the warning light to go on when low - not needed to run. However, I am not familiar with a 2001 - if no one chimes in, grab the manual off of this site and it should tell you what you need to know.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[breaze]

Couple of things while you're waiting for someone knowledgeable to respond. Here's a site where you can read up on the SA50 - I believe there was an SA50P in 2001 (restricted) you may want to be aware of.

http://www.motorscooterguide.net/Honda/ ... eSA50.html

The oil sensor is available from Honda at around $30.00 - if you don't have a dealer nearby you can order from servicehonda.com - you can also check out the parts fiche there. Obviously you can also try ebay or the "wanted/for sale" section of this site for a cheaper used option if you go for it.

[stl450rider]

Ok so I talked to the guy, it is in fact the SA50P model.. Whats restricted about them? and can it be modified? I read something about the oil pumps being less efficient, pre-mix would not be a problem for me, Im used to mixing for dirtbikes. Sorry for all of the questions, just want to make sure before I buy it.

[eliteguy50]

Every non-running scooter I've ever seen on CL is not running because it "just needs a carb cleaning". It's always a gamble with a non-runner - if you go for it, hopefully you won't get it home and find it has more serious concerns. Oil sensors in the older models are just electronic sensors down in the oil tank that cause the warning light to go on when low - not needed to run. However, I am not familiar with a 2001 - if no one chimes in, grab the manual off of this site and it should tell you what you need to know.

Good luck whatever you decide.

It is the same concept.

[breaze]

You'll find plenty of.posts about de-restricting if you search this site.

[eliteguy50]

Ok so I talked to the guy, it is in fact the SA50P model.. Whats restricted about them? and can it be modified? I read something about the oil pumps being less efficient, pre-mix would not be a problem for me, Im used to mixing for dirtbikes. Sorry for all of the questions, just want to make sure before I buy it.

Yes, it is the best Honda scooter in the USA for performance modding. Almost all of the performance parts are cheaper than Zuma performance parts. The Elite will not rev as high as the Zuma but the bottom end is stronger. The Elite relies more on installing gears ($50ish) than RPM, like the Zuma, for increased speed.

The P is restricted to 30mph. An hour of work will get you up to 40 after you upjet the carb.

[stl450rider]

Ok cool thanks guys. I'll start up a thread with the new project tomorrow after I pick it up.

[Dio89Elite]

buy it! =)
okay. what was the question again? j/k
$350 is a fair deal, a little bit on the high side if it's not running
but may be offset by the overall condition.
uhm... if you had a big bore zuma before...
you might end up installing a big bore kit (bbk) into your Elite too.
oh... and you'll end up spending more too.
but... the smile on your face when you're riding something fun = priceless

[bakaracer]

buy it! =)
okay. what was the question again? j/k
$350 is a fair deal, a little bit on the high side if it's not running
but may be offset by the overall condition.
uhm... if you had a big bore zuma before...
you might end up installing a big bore kit (bbk) into your Elite too.
oh... and you'll end up spending more too.
but... the smile on your face when you're riding something fun = priceless

Building a minarelli is way more money. Parts for the minarelli on the other hand is way more available than a dio. But more expensive parts.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings

About the only likely way to discover a faulty oil sensor is to run it out of oil.
If the PO let that happen, a carb cleaning won't start it.
That said, I'd buy it Knowing the engine's cooked for 350.

[stl450rider]

Greetings

About the only likely way to discover a faulty oil sensor is to run it out of oil.
If the PO let that happen, a carb cleaning won't start it.
That said, I'd buy it Knowing the engine's cooked for 350.

Well i already bought it, and started another thread " My new Elite SA50p" under general discussion. Luckily a carb/ gas tank cleaning did the job! and the oil sensor is fine, I dont think the gas level sensor works however, oh well.

[Dio89Elite]

buy it! =)
okay. what was the question again? j/k
$350 is a fair deal, a little bit on the high side if it's not running
but may be offset by the overall condition.
uhm... if you had a big bore zuma before...
you might end up installing a big bore kit (bbk) into your Elite too.
oh... and you'll end up spending more too.
but... the smile on your face when you're riding something fun = priceless

Building a minarelli is way more money. Parts for the minarelli on the other hand is way more available than a dio. But more expensive parts.

I actually meant that he'll be spending more than his initial investment of $350.
You're right about that, a Minarelli build comes out a bit more expensive because of the price of the parts. Unfortunate but true, you'd think with the better availability it'd be less.

[Dio89Elite]

Greetings

About the only likely way to discover a faulty oil sensor is to run it out of oil.
If the PO let that happen, a carb cleaning won't start it.
That said, I'd buy it Knowing the engine's cooked for 350.

Well i already bought it, and started another thread " My new Elite SA50p" under general discussion. Luckily a carb/ gas tank cleaning did the job! and the oil sensor is fine, I dont think the gas level sensor works however, oh well.

awesome! congrats to the new owner.
perhaps the seller meant gas level sensor instead of the oil sensor?

[stl450rider]

Well I found out today that the gas sensor works fine too.. Im not sure what he was talking about.