Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

Hi all,

First post here, but long-time motorcycle nut.

Looking at purchasing a 1997 Honda Elite 50 SR.

While test riding it, I noticed that the handlebars were not aligned with the front wheel.

Is it possible to align the handlebars on the stem like a bicycle?

I noticed that the service manual states, “Align the tabs on the handlebars with the grooves in the steering stem,” while installing the handlebars (12-3). So, is there really only one available position? If you crash the scooter, do the handlebars just have to be replaced?

After I left, the guy said he put the front wheel between his legs and straightened the handlebars like a bicycle. Is this even possible, or did he just bend another part to get it straight?

Thanks for any knowledge.

The steering stem has a slot machined into the top and the bars have a tab. There is “some” adjustment slop in there so you can try to loosen the head nut, get it straight and re-tighten. Id say theres about 1/2” of play in there to work with. If it STILL isnt straight, You can remove the bars and grind the tab away to get full adjustment. Be sure the nut securing the bars is uber tight afterwards and it should stay put. Ive done this without issue.

If your repair requires grinding the tab away, the big concern would be WHY are the bars misaligned with the slot/tab in place? Look for a bent fork, shock, stem, bars, etc...usually after a crash something is tweaked. The term “compromised integrity” comes to mind. Plenty of stress put on those parts during braking. Use your best judgement running post-crash parts.

Really informative post. Thanks, Meatball. The photos illustrate it beautifully.

I guess I assumed that due to the low-speed nature of these, there would be more forgiveness.

I’ll look it over closely. Thanks for the help!