starting a 1986 Spree

[nytelyte]

I recently purchased a 1985 Spree manual, problem is, I have a 1986 Spree. I couldn't find an '86 spree manual. Anyways, as I haven't started working on the Spree I bought yet, the manual says I must lock the REAR brake in order for the starter to engage, BUT from the videos I've seen, you have to engage the FRONT brake. which is it? If you have an '86 please let me know before I start working on it and can't figure out why it wont start.
Well, I put a new battery in it and after 3 kicks it started! Now it starts on the first kick. Everything seems to work except for the fuel gauge. How do I check it out or find out why it isn't working?
I would appreciate any ideas, thanks!

[Trafficjamz]

I recently purchased a 1985 Spree manual, problem is, I have a 1986 Spree. I couldn't find an '86 spree manual. Anyways, as I haven't started working on the Spree I bought yet, the manual says I must lock the REAR brake in order for the starter to engage, BUT from the videos I've seen, you have to engage the FRONT brake. which is it? If you have an '86 please let me know before I start working on it and can't figure out why it wont start.

As long as the brake light comes on you should be able to start it with either one.

[Bear45-70]

I recently purchased a 1985 Spree manual, problem is, I have a 1986 Spree. I couldn't find an '86 spree manual. Anyways, as I haven't started working on the Spree I bought yet, the manual says I must lock the REAR brake in order for the starter to engage, BUT from the videos I've seen, you have to engage the FRONT brake. which is it? If you have an '86 please let me know before I start working on it and can't figure out why it wont start.

As long as the brake light comes on you should be able to start it with either one.

On top of that the brake lever lock is on the left hand brake which is the rear brake. Also you do not even need the brake on if you kick start the scooter.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Safety-conscious Honda-san probably wants the novice scooterist to lock the parking brake, which of course is the rear, before attempting to fire it up.
That way if there's a carb malfunction and the engine races, the bike will stay put. Legal liability is diminished if you crash while failing to follow proper procedure.

There are Service Manuals here that should cover the many little model year differences. It's nice to have a paper Manual, but not if the info is incorrect for your year.

Welcome to the Forum.