Is this 1997 HONDA CH80 a good buy?

[Mr.T]

Grettings fellow Honda enthusiasts. I have been wanting to purchase a Honda Elite for some time now. I came across one on craigslist yesterday that seems like a pretty good deal.

Here are the specs: 1997 Honda CH80 Elite, 1920 miles on the odometer. All the info I have from the seller is that it was his 78 yr old mothers scooter and that the rear break squeaks when used. I plan on taking the 100 mile trip to go see it and give it a test drive.

Any advice on this particular year? Any quirky mechanical issues?

The original add has been taken down from criagslist. But he was selling it as a pair with a 1986 honda 150. By the time he got back to me he had already sold the 150. His orginal asking price was $950 for the pair. I offered $500 for the 80 sight unseen.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

If you want a CH80, that one looks like it's worth $500 easily, squeaky rear binders and all. Of course you must add a bottle of Febreze to the cost, to rid it of the Old Lady smell.

[Mr.T]

Greetings:

If you want a CH80, that one looks like it's worth $500 easily, squeaky rear binders and all. Of course you must add a bottle of Febreze to the cost, to rid it of the Old Lady smell.

Hahahaha Frebreze! I guess I should check for mothballs in the trunk as well!

I'm meeting the seller Saturday morning. I'll take her for a cruise and see how she runs all warmed up and check for any gasket leaks and what not. Any other advice? I have ridden a few scooters but I'm no means an expert mechanically wise.

If I end up grabbing it i'll make sure to post some pics.

[Dio89Elite]

wow. she's a beauty if she runs as well as she looks, I'd say that's money well spent.

[Kevinstonge]

Yup, I'd buy it for $500. I paid that much for mine 5 yrs ago. 93 with 3500mi. The rear brake cable likes to sieze up after sitting. Work it a little before you test drive, and of its real sticky just pull the actual brake lever on the engine backwards to disengage to brake, and use just front front brake for the test drive. If it's doing 35-40 I'd still buy it. It usually will only take a minor tune up to get you back to 42-45.

[Mr.T]

Awesome! Thanks for the vote of confidence fellas!

Yeah I have to assume thats its been sitting for a long time, and even when it did get used it was sporadic at best.

I will touch back with the hive once I get her in my possession. You guys haver a wonderful weekend, its going to be perfect scootin weather!

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Quoth Mr. T:

I'm meeting the seller Saturday morning. I'll take her for a cruise and see how she runs all warmed up and check for any gasket leaks and what not. Any other advice?

Yes, you should also test-ride the scooter after you return the moth balls to the seller.

Sinceriously, squealy brakes don't suggest stuck cable or cam to me. More likely dry pivot lugs. Grease on the cam and/or $10 new shoes should fix. Depends should address seller gasket leaks. Don't expect a powerhouse from either the 80cc scooter or the 78yo lady

[donut]

too bad you missed the 150....
In my state, this 80 does not make sense (requires both full license plate, motorcycle endorsement (which I have anyhoo) plus more to insure than a 50), and more importantly... my stock Aero 50 zips by every one of these with lil effort....
but d***, that's in beautiful shape and would be very hard to resist...
good luck on your decision!

[Kevinstonge]

In Maine we can register them at our local town office as a scooter. Bill of sale and proof of insurance. Done. you are also required to have a motorcycle endorsement for anything over 50, but police around could care less about our measly 80's. I guess we're lucky compared to other states.

[Kevinstonge]

My ch80 will do 47 on the flats. 50 tucked. And no coolant to deal with like the 150's. Although....I'd do the 150 swap in my 80 in a heartbeat. I guess all I'm saying is the ch80's can be perfect given the right circumstances. I stay away from any roads over 50, which us where the 150 would come in handy.

Also hopefully my nb50 will soon be dusting my ch80 as well;)

[deuce217]

500.00 is a steal for a clean honda anything, even a spree. IMO

[Mr.T]

Update: I ended up buying it on Saturday

Some pics....

[Mr.T]

I'm trying to post more pics but it keeps flipping everything upside down?

[Mr.T]

Dash

[Dust-it]

Nice Skull on the key !