1989 SB50P Elite 50E vexing problem??

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1989 SB50P Elite 50E vexing problem??

Post by 10% OFF »

A beginners question... On carburetors.

I read somewhere that the 1988-90 Honda SB50P Elite 50E engine's fuel delivery system (redesigned) carburetor is for lack of a better phrase, "FLAWED". That particular redesign apparently reduced the carbs internal passages inducing increased likelihood of clogging. Honda's complete moped redesign covering the 3 years from 88 thru 90 as affected by thn current Fed Law, restricted both size and the machines overall potential performance vs previous & later models. Some of the other manufacturers fudged on the porting with easily removable modified port plugs allowing aftermarket reconfiguration of OEM manufacturing to restore performance. In reality, I think Honda followed the intent of the law & got screwed as the SB50P Elite 50E series (as far as popularity), appears as a flop.

I am under the assumption (perhaps I'm wrong) that the article eluded to the fact some (not all) of the performance downgrade can be overcome by swapping an available salvaged carburetor from the Honda Spree in production years 1983-87. Forum readers are encouraged to add comment on this topic. I'm new to mopeds in general and would like opinions from differing vantage points.

"IF" this assumption is true, My Question Is: Would this be a direct swap OR does it require an adapter of sorts or a modified intake in addition? Also, would changing the reeds add or detract?

I appreciate any/all information on this subject from readers who have attempted or resolved this vexing problem.
Thank You for your time!!
Have a NICE Day... Cheers!!
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eclark5483
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Re: 1989 SB50P Elite 50E vexing problem??

Post by eclark5483 »

You'd need a way to oil the engine if you switch to a Spree carb. If it were me personally, on an SB50, I'd switch to a 17mm Polini and CP adapter, and use the port on the Polini for oil. Or, delete the pump and run premix. First choice would be the Polini.
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motormike
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Re: 1989 SB50P Elite 50E vexing problem??

Post by motormike »

MOPED
Murray 004.JPG
Murray 004.JPG (167.11 KiB) Viewed 5322 times

SCOOTER
Elite 80 Earl.jpg
Elite 80 Earl.jpg (106.81 KiB) Viewed 5322 times

Hope this helps in future posts... :urban:

Kudos for spelling carburetor... :thumbwink:
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ansneds
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Re: 1989 SB50P Elite 50E vexing problem??

Post by ansneds »

Honestly though, why did Honda even make the SB50? It's like they went back in time. I have an SE50P, SB50P, and SA50P. The SB50P was so hard to figure out problems with the carb to get it to run properly.
Currently own:
->1995 Honda Elite 50 (Derestricted)
Have previously owned:
->Multiple 94-01 Elite 50s
->1985 and 1986 Honda Sprees
->1985 Honda Aero 50
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eclark5483
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Re: 1989 SB50P Elite 50E vexing problem??

Post by eclark5483 »

I think what they were looking to do, is give people something with just a touch more oomph and usability than a Spree, and get as close to the same price as possible. I don't think the improvements between the NQ50 and SB50P really amount to squat, except that a few parts are swappable. Only really useful for a Spree owner needing a boost, not so much for the Elite rider needing a replacement part.
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