2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
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2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
Hey everyone,
I've been browsing the forums for awhile and finally decided to post some questions.
A little history: My aunt and uncle gave me their 2001 Honda Elite S awhile back. I have only recently had a chance to mess with it. Really I only had to drain the fluids and replace the air filter to get it running like new...and since it only has 204 miles on the clock...its not like there was much wear and tear in the first place.
So, with that said, I am looking to do some performance upgrades to get a little more pep and top speed out of it. It seems there are quite a few options out there so I'm looking for some information on Stage 1 and Stage 2 on this particular model scooter and some good performance sites to deal with.
I have a budget of about $500 right now. Eventually I will continue to build it up but for now, I would like to do some stage 1 and 2 upgrades.
If anyone can give me some advice on what to upgrade and the best place to obtain the parts, I would appreciate it.
thanks!
I've been browsing the forums for awhile and finally decided to post some questions.
A little history: My aunt and uncle gave me their 2001 Honda Elite S awhile back. I have only recently had a chance to mess with it. Really I only had to drain the fluids and replace the air filter to get it running like new...and since it only has 204 miles on the clock...its not like there was much wear and tear in the first place.
So, with that said, I am looking to do some performance upgrades to get a little more pep and top speed out of it. It seems there are quite a few options out there so I'm looking for some information on Stage 1 and Stage 2 on this particular model scooter and some good performance sites to deal with.
I have a budget of about $500 right now. Eventually I will continue to build it up but for now, I would like to do some stage 1 and 2 upgrades.
If anyone can give me some advice on what to upgrade and the best place to obtain the parts, I would appreciate it.
thanks!
2001 Honda Elite S (De-restricted)
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
- bradthreee
- Board Supporter
- Posts: 2142
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:20 pm
- Location: MARS...
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
The best bang for the buck would be a variator upgrade. These are usually less than $100 and gives you a few extra MPH.
Invest in a set of roller weights, preferably one that comes with many different weights for tuning as well.
I'll let the other guys chime in now
Invest in a set of roller weights, preferably one that comes with many different weights for tuning as well.
I'll let the other guys chime in now
Last edited by bradthreee on Thu Mar 04, 2010 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
http://scootspecs.wordpress.com/
go here for the variator and maybe a set of 9:1 gears. 92.00 shipped. maybe a set of grabber springs
http://www.scootershop.com/catalog/prod ... ts_id=1086
here for some 7.5g rollers, 27.80 shipped, but they are on a waiting list that i currently reside on but i have a set of 7.7 ready to go.
that should get you a good upper 40's lower 50's.
112.80 for all of that and thats bang for your buck, if you want more then source the bbk that scootspecs has. the owner of that site resides here BURNT_TOAST. he a good guy knows his stuff.
go here for the variator and maybe a set of 9:1 gears. 92.00 shipped. maybe a set of grabber springs
http://www.scootershop.com/catalog/prod ... ts_id=1086
here for some 7.5g rollers, 27.80 shipped, but they are on a waiting list that i currently reside on but i have a set of 7.7 ready to go.
that should get you a good upper 40's lower 50's.
112.80 for all of that and thats bang for your buck, if you want more then source the bbk that scootspecs has. the owner of that site resides here BURNT_TOAST. he a good guy knows his stuff.
1986 honda spree(silver fox)
BBK
85 head
SB50 intake
SB50 reeds
taz gears
2.75X10 tires
2000 honda elite S
prodigy vari
2k grabber clutch springs
9:1 gears
jdm tail lite
1982 suzuki FA50
BBK
85 head
SB50 intake
SB50 reeds
taz gears
2.75X10 tires
2000 honda elite S
prodigy vari
2k grabber clutch springs
9:1 gears
jdm tail lite
1982 suzuki FA50
- Wheelman-111
- Moderator
- Posts: 11325
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:09 pm
- Location: Deepinnaharta, Texas
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
Greetings:
Sir Brad of the Cube is spot-on in his advice. Variator upgrades are good.
Instead of sitting by the mailbox waiting for said new variator, start diggin' into the scooter. Take your time removing plastics - FOLLOW the instructions in the Service Manual the first time. It will get MUCH faster with practice, and if you plan modifications, practice you will get. You'll also find lots of shortcuts, such as removing the belt cover withOUT pulliing plastics off - at all.
The variator lives behind the belt cover on the left side of your S engine. Five bolts each for the rear and front sections. Wiggle the front cover off and look up the Tech Docs for safe removal of the 17mm nut holding the front Drive Face pulley on the crankshaft. Rattle guns are probably OK for removal, but I encourage you to procure a method to lock the outer sheave and apply the recommended torque to the nut when you reinstall.
The S variator is restricted by a plate held on by 3 7mm machine screws. You will need a thin-walled 7mm 12-point socket to be able to grip those hex heads, there's not a lot of room. Your rollers should be fine at that mileage, but have a look. If you dare to remove the exhaust, you may find a washer welded in at the headpipe. This is the engine RPM restrictor, and can be ground - or perhaps chiseled - out of there.
If you do these two things, you MUST replace the #68 stock jet with a 78, or better still an 82. Honda can get them in a couple of days if you call the PartsDude and read him the number 99101-187-0820. (or -0780 for the #78) Running the unrestricted SR you've created with a #68 will quickly fry the top end of your engine.
Welcome, and good luck with your mods. If you get through this Initiation, others will chime in with Mods suggestions, but you can't go wrong with Burnt_Toast's "How to Build a Fast Elite".
Sir Brad of the Cube is spot-on in his advice. Variator upgrades are good.
Instead of sitting by the mailbox waiting for said new variator, start diggin' into the scooter. Take your time removing plastics - FOLLOW the instructions in the Service Manual the first time. It will get MUCH faster with practice, and if you plan modifications, practice you will get. You'll also find lots of shortcuts, such as removing the belt cover withOUT pulliing plastics off - at all.
The variator lives behind the belt cover on the left side of your S engine. Five bolts each for the rear and front sections. Wiggle the front cover off and look up the Tech Docs for safe removal of the 17mm nut holding the front Drive Face pulley on the crankshaft. Rattle guns are probably OK for removal, but I encourage you to procure a method to lock the outer sheave and apply the recommended torque to the nut when you reinstall.
The S variator is restricted by a plate held on by 3 7mm machine screws. You will need a thin-walled 7mm 12-point socket to be able to grip those hex heads, there's not a lot of room. Your rollers should be fine at that mileage, but have a look. If you dare to remove the exhaust, you may find a washer welded in at the headpipe. This is the engine RPM restrictor, and can be ground - or perhaps chiseled - out of there.
If you do these two things, you MUST replace the #68 stock jet with a 78, or better still an 82. Honda can get them in a couple of days if you call the PartsDude and read him the number 99101-187-0820. (or -0780 for the #78) Running the unrestricted SR you've created with a #68 will quickly fry the top end of your engine.
Welcome, and good luck with your mods. If you get through this Initiation, others will chime in with Mods suggestions, but you can't go wrong with Burnt_Toast's "How to Build a Fast Elite".
Wheelman-111
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
i did these said mods that wheelman the knight speaks of, i also have the elite s mine is 2000, i ground out the exhaust. drilled out the other hole in the air box,upjetted to 85, bought the prodigy variator with 7.7g rollers, plus installed 2k clucth grab springs, and 9:1 gears. i have yet to test and tune hope fully this weekend, ill let you know how it comes out.
1986 honda spree(silver fox)
BBK
85 head
SB50 intake
SB50 reeds
taz gears
2.75X10 tires
2000 honda elite S
prodigy vari
2k grabber clutch springs
9:1 gears
jdm tail lite
1982 suzuki FA50
BBK
85 head
SB50 intake
SB50 reeds
taz gears
2.75X10 tires
2000 honda elite S
prodigy vari
2k grabber clutch springs
9:1 gears
jdm tail lite
1982 suzuki FA50
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
my elite setup is....
2k clutch grabbers
9:1 gears
Performance vari with 9g weights
88 main jet
Mild pipe (28mm v8 pipe)
Everything else is stock
And I can hit 50 easy on flats
Max is 53.
Big bore kit and jets of good quality are 150 max and then you can gear even taller and easily hit 60.
So all in all your lookin at maybe 300
Good luck and document your build with lots of pictures in the build section.
2k clutch grabbers
9:1 gears
Performance vari with 9g weights
88 main jet
Mild pipe (28mm v8 pipe)
Everything else is stock
And I can hit 50 easy on flats
Max is 53.
Big bore kit and jets of good quality are 150 max and then you can gear even taller and easily hit 60.
So all in all your lookin at maybe 300
Good luck and document your build with lots of pictures in the build section.
2001 Elite SR48mm big bore, 90/90, keli vari, yws V8 30mm pipe, 8.4:1 gears 62 mph gps
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
Everyone: thanks for all this great information. This is exactly what I was looking for...precise and direct upgrades with links. Very helpful. I'm pretty familiar with getting the Elite apart. I used to have an old Yamaha Razz in college and had to take that thing apart 100 times over to keep it running.
I did the following so far:
-replaced battery
-replaced spark plug
-thoroughly cleaned out carb
-replaced air filter
-drained gas tank and replaced new fuel
After doing these, I wanted to see how the Elite would run. The only thing that concerns me is the top speed. After cleaning it all out, it starts up right away, idles smoothly, and accelerates smoothly....no sputtering. Only thing is that it barely reaches 21 to 22 mph. Is this normal on a completly stock Elite S? I find that hard to believe as my old yamaha razz would do about 25mph easy. And especially with a speedo gauge that goes up to 35mph, I'm not sure how the Elite is not moving along at a higher mph pace. Tires are full...everything seems to run fine....its just rather slow. I'm 6'4 / 197lbs. So maybe I'm weighing it down? Either way the top speed will not break 22mph on flat smooth ground. Runs great...just lacking on the top end.
With everything you guys mentioned, I will be ordering the parts shortly and doing the mods. I'll try to do a write-up with detailed pictures for anyone that is new to the game like myself. I've worked on a '93 VW Corrado for the past 8 years as my hobie project. If I can pull and rebuild that engine, I'm sure I won't have too many problems with the scooter. I just like trying to read what problems people have run into and what they recommend doing to get around them.
Thanks again for all of the respones. Excellent stuff. I look forward to talking with you guys in the future.
-Nick
I did the following so far:
-replaced battery
-replaced spark plug
-thoroughly cleaned out carb
-replaced air filter
-drained gas tank and replaced new fuel
After doing these, I wanted to see how the Elite would run. The only thing that concerns me is the top speed. After cleaning it all out, it starts up right away, idles smoothly, and accelerates smoothly....no sputtering. Only thing is that it barely reaches 21 to 22 mph. Is this normal on a completly stock Elite S? I find that hard to believe as my old yamaha razz would do about 25mph easy. And especially with a speedo gauge that goes up to 35mph, I'm not sure how the Elite is not moving along at a higher mph pace. Tires are full...everything seems to run fine....its just rather slow. I'm 6'4 / 197lbs. So maybe I'm weighing it down? Either way the top speed will not break 22mph on flat smooth ground. Runs great...just lacking on the top end.
With everything you guys mentioned, I will be ordering the parts shortly and doing the mods. I'll try to do a write-up with detailed pictures for anyone that is new to the game like myself. I've worked on a '93 VW Corrado for the past 8 years as my hobie project. If I can pull and rebuild that engine, I'm sure I won't have too many problems with the scooter. I just like trying to read what problems people have run into and what they recommend doing to get around them.
Thanks again for all of the respones. Excellent stuff. I look forward to talking with you guys in the future.
-Nick
2001 Honda Elite S (De-restricted)
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
aerorob wrote:my elite setup is....
2k clutch grabbers
9:1 gears
Performance vari with 9g weights
88 main jet
Mild pipe (28mm v8 pipe)
Everything else is stock
And I can hit 50 easy on flats
Max is 53.
Big bore kit and jets of good quality are 150 max and then you can gear even taller and easily hit 60.
So all in all your lookin at maybe 300
Good luck and document your build with lots of pictures in the build section.
I will definitly document any builds I do. In the meantime, can anyone point me towards any good DIY threads with pictures showing the dismantling of the drivetrain/etc.? I have a good mental picture of what it would take to replace the variator, clutch grabbers, etc....but would love to see some pictures.
2001 Honda Elite S (De-restricted)
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
- bradthreee
- Board Supporter
- Posts: 2142
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:20 pm
- Location: MARS...
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
Aerorob...please forgive me for using your picture, but I have a question in regards to a particular part to the 2001 Elite engine. Can someone explain what the part circled in red is for? Do certain models use this and some don't?
2001 Honda Elite S (De-restricted)
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
It Is the Oil Pump. Some people premix so you can just plug it or replace it with an oil plug.
Looks alot cleaner with an oil plug..specially if its anodized a certain color
Looks alot cleaner with an oil plug..specially if its anodized a certain color
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
Next stupid question....since I'm new to hondas and I inherited this moped from my aunt and uncle, I noticed it does not have a cable hooked to that spring controlled valve that I circled in red. Being that its the oil pump...thats a huge deal. I can't even find a broken cable that went to it...if there ever was a cable.Dakine wrote:It Is the Oil Pump. Some people premix so you can just plug it or replace it with an oil plug.
Looks alot cleaner with an oil plug..specially if its anodized a certain color
So, with that said, before I crank this thing up and drive around, do I need to figure out whats going on with the missing cable attaching to this spring loaded valve (circled in red in the picture)? I need to make sure its getting oil.
2001 Honda Elite S (De-restricted)
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
|Prodigy Variator w/ 9g weights|De-restricted Exhaust|Oil Pump Delete|1.5k Center Clutch Spring|2k Clutch Grabbers|.88 Main Jet|2nd Airbox Tab Removed|9:1 gears|49mph GPS confirmed|
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
As you increase the throttle, the oil pump increases output to compensate. There may be a chance that your Scoot was running with little or no lubrication. You can get a used cable for about $15 shipped (or less). Iggy has one still I think.Next stupid question....since I'm new to hondas and I inherited this moped from my aunt and uncle, I noticed it does not have a cable hooked to that spring controlled valve that I circled in red. Being that its the oil pump...thats a huge deal. I can't even find a broken cable that went to it...if there ever was a cable.
So, with that said, before I crank this thing up and drive around, do I need to figure out whats going on with the missing cable attaching to this spring loaded valve (circled in red in the picture)? I need to make sure its getting oil.
In the barn::
2001 Honda Elite
2002 Yamaha Vino
2007 Roketa Sicily
2006 Ninja 250
Special thanks to:
Workdog & Iggysepia for parts & quick shipping.
Evilone for buying my SA50P.
2001 Honda Elite
2002 Yamaha Vino
2007 Roketa Sicily
2006 Ninja 250
Special thanks to:
Workdog & Iggysepia for parts & quick shipping.
Evilone for buying my SA50P.
- Wheelman-111
- Moderator
- Posts: 11325
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:09 pm
- Location: Deepinnaharta, Texas
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
Greetings:
The S (restricted) pump is a different part number and its output relative to the SR version is not known. However that S model did not come with a cable control, likely because the demands of a Rev-limited engine didn't require it. I wouldn't worry that any damage has been incurred so far, because all is as Honda-san ordained.
If you de-restrict to make it more like an SR, I suggest you consider conversion to the SR-spec pump and cable control. The other option is to plug the pump socket and run premix.
The S (restricted) pump is a different part number and its output relative to the SR version is not known. However that S model did not come with a cable control, likely because the demands of a Rev-limited engine didn't require it. I wouldn't worry that any damage has been incurred so far, because all is as Honda-san ordained.
If you de-restrict to make it more like an SR, I suggest you consider conversion to the SR-spec pump and cable control. The other option is to plug the pump socket and run premix.
Wheelman-111
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Re: 2001 Elite S 50 - Budget Entry Level Mods?
Well I haven't checked his auctions in a while, but taz seems to have a bore + gear combo now? http://cgi.ebay.com/Honda-SA50-Elite-S- ... 33576e185d
I'd ask what kind of gear ratio it comes with, but with some attention to tuning (big bore + stock carb/exhaust) this is pretty potent. I bought this when it came with a carb instead of gears, very satisfied. Only got about 1000 miles on it but it's holding up to my abuse pretty well.
I'm a sucker for premix, I'd rather plug it up and add my own oil, vs. buying a cable and trying to hook up the pump again.
I'd ask what kind of gear ratio it comes with, but with some attention to tuning (big bore + stock carb/exhaust) this is pretty potent. I bought this when it came with a carb instead of gears, very satisfied. Only got about 1000 miles on it but it's holding up to my abuse pretty well.
I'm a sucker for premix, I'd rather plug it up and add my own oil, vs. buying a cable and trying to hook up the pump again.
In 2040 they say we're going away
We could never let them control
Hawaiian man, take back your hawaiian land
We could never let them control
Hawaiian man, take back your hawaiian land