Got this '85 Honda Elite 150 Scooter

[SacramentoMike]

Here's a tough one: diagnose this 27-year old scooter sight unseen. I found it in a garage sale 7 or 8 years ago for $600. Had fun with it around town for a while, and gave it to my sister-in-law three years ago. She rode it some, but lived too far from her job to commute with it, so she ended putting a tarp over it and it's been sitting almost a year. We just helped her move and the bike looked pretty bad. She didn't do anything about the gas, battery, anything.

I hooked it up with jumper cables and it's got lights, horn, etc.--even the tires hold air--but the starter button gives nothing. No clicking, nothing. Obviously it could be a real money pit without much value at the end, but if we could start it we'd have a better idea if it had any value at all. Otherwise she'll just to give it away. So here's the question: any suggestions on how to start it? I don't want to devote much time or cash to this, but it's worth asking, I suppose. Thanks.

Oh, and if we can't get it going ourselves, anybody around here want to come and haul it off as a project? Send a PM if you're interested. (Looked like this in '09)

 

[FJRay]

I would consider taking it on but my neighbor gave me a 1973 Superior motorhome yesterday so I am full up on stupid projects. I figure if nothing else because the whole thing is steel and it weighs 10k pounds I can scrap it and make money.

 

[WitlessEvil]

Does this have a brake lockout for the starter? If I remember some models of scooter have the lockout on the foot brake. Since you had lights my second guess would be that the lockout switch is stuck. Third would be starter relay fuse, and then the relay itself.

After that if you get it to turn over, the carb will probably have to be removed, disassembled, and cleaned well. Then get rid of the old gas in the tank, refill, and you should be good to go.

Just a guess mind you. Good luck.

Steve

 

[not2shabby]

What he said. Wish I lived closer...I need another bike in the garage!