1986 Honda Spree NQ50 Scooter
50cc - Project Bike 8 - 2,142 Miles
December 25, 2019
I was spending Christmas 2019 with my oldest son and his family, at the home of his parents-in-law. During some family conversations, I was sharing with them about my hobby of repairing, building and customizing motorcycles, and mentioned that I had also worked on a Honda Ruckus for a friend in Madison, WI.
At that, the mother-in-law said, I have an old scooter in my garage that I’d love to get rid of! It’s yours if you want it! So, this is what I discovered when we went out to the garage.
By Christmas Day evening, we had loaded up the scooter into my 1993 Chevy C1500 Indy Pace Truck hauler, and I had traveled back to my home near Madison, WI. Because the scooter is so small and light, I was able to unload it myself into my garage.
March 2020
The Honda Spree scooter sat untouched most of the winter as I had other things goping on. But, in early March 2020 I had some time and energy to tear into this smaller project.
Once I had it up on my motorcycle work lift, it was pretty easy to get the scooter torn down to the frame. I was bale to tear into the engine, removing the air cleaner/box, carb, gas tank, fuel lines, and battery box and 2-cycle oil reservoir.
I cleaned the frame and undercarriage portions, removed the seat, taillights and other body panels – front and rear.
It seems to be in pretty good condition and I am pretty hopeful that I’ll be ablr to get it running again.
A new battery was ordered as well as a new #65 main jet for the Keihin carb, which was clogged completely shut. I was able to clean out the carb, removeing a lot of varnish and other deposits from old gas. The gas tank was also emptied and inspected. Fuel lines and filetsr were cleaned and cleared of deposits.
The tires were inspected and filled with the specified pressure. They seem to be holding well.
By March 9th, I had pretty much assessed everythiung and ordered the parts I am likely to need. Once they arrive, I expect to be able to get the scooter running and put back together.
I have an acquaintance who is moving back to WI at the end of the month, who could use this scooter for getting back and forth to work. I’m hoping to have it ready for him by then.