1987 Honda Elite 50 Service Manual

The 1987 Honda Elite 50 is a compact 49cc scooter featuring a single-cylinder four-stroke engine, automatic transmission, front and rear drum brakes, and comprehensive service requirements. This manual covers all aspects of maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for optimal performance and longevity. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, engine service, fuel system, electrical system, brakes, and troubleshooting.

1. Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Service 4. Fuel System 5. Electrical System 6. Brake System 7. Transmission 8. Troubleshooting 9. Safety Precautions 10. Warranty Information

Specifications

Key technical data for the 1987 Honda Elite 50 scooter.

Component	Specification
Engine Type	49cc single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke	39.0mm x 41.4mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Carburetor	VM12SH
Ignition System	CDI
Transmission	Automatic V-Matic
Fuel Capacity	1.3 gallons (5.0 liters)
Oil Capacity	0.8 quarts (0.75 liters)
Brakes	Front and rear drum
Tire Size	Front: 3.00-10, Rear: 3.00-10

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Engine Oil: Change every 1,000 miles or 6 months
Air Filter: Clean every 500 miles, replace every 2,000 miles
Spark Plug: Replace every 3,000 miles
Brake Adjustment: Check every 500 miles
Drive Belt: Inspect every 2,000 miles, replace if worn

WARNING! Always use recommended Honda GN4 10W-40 motor oil. Use of incorrect oil may cause engine damage.

Engine Service

Procedures for engine maintenance and repair.

Oil Change: Drain plug located under engine; refill with 0.8 quarts 10W-40
Spark Plug: NGK CR7HSA, gap 0.6-0.7mm
Valve Clearance: Intake 0.10mm, Exhaust 0.12mm (check every 2,500 miles)
Cylinder Head: Torque bolts to 18 ft-lbs in crisscross pattern
Cooling System: Air-cooled; keep fins clean for proper heat dissipation

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before servicing. Hot surfaces can cause burns.

Fuel System

Carburetor and fuel system maintenance.

Carburetor Settings: Pilot screw 1-3/4 turns out
Fuel Filter: Replace every 4,000 miles
Fuel Lines: Inspect for cracks every 1,000 miles
Float Level: 12.5mm from carburetor body
Idle Speed: 1,700 ± 100 RPM

Electrical System

Battery, ignition, and lighting system specifications.

Battery: 12V 4Ah, maintain fluid level between upper and lower lines.

Charging System: Output 0.2kW at 5,000 RPM

Bulbs: Headlight 25W/25W, Brake/Tail 21W/5W, Turn Signal 10W

Testing Procedures: Use multimeter for voltage checks; battery should read 12.6V+ when fully charged.

Brake System

Front and rear drum brake maintenance.

Brake Adjustment: Turn adjuster clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen
Brake Shoes: Replace when lining thickness is less than 1.5mm
Brake Cables: Lubricate every 1,000 miles with cable lubricant
Drum Inspection: Check for scoring or wear; replace if diameter exceeds 110.7mm

Tip: Test brakes at low speed after adjustment before regular riding.

Transmission

V-Matic automatic transmission service.

Drive Belt: Inspect for cracks/wear every 2,000 miles
Variator Weights: Check for flat spots every 4,000 miles
Transmission Fluid: Change every 4,000 miles with Honda HP4 10W-30
Clutch: Inspect shoes for wear; replace if lining thickness below 2.0mm
Final Drive: Gear oil capacity 3.4 oz (100ml)

WARNING! Do not operate with worn drive belt as it may break and cause loss of power.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, compression	Check fuel flow, spark plug, compression (should be 140+ psi)
Poor acceleration	Clutch, belt, carburetor	Inspect drive belt, clutch springs, clean carburetor
Electrical failure	Battery, fuse, connections	Test battery voltage, check 10A main fuse, clean connections
Brakes dragging	Cables, return springs	Lubricate cables, check spring tension, adjust clearance
Overheating	Oil level, air flow	Check oil level, clean cooling fins, verify proper mixture

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 seconds to reset CDI unit if needed.

Safety Precautions

Always wear protective equipment when servicing. Work in well-ventilated area. Use jack stands if lifting scooter.

CAUTION! Gasoline is highly flammable - no smoking or open flames during fuel system service.

Warranty Information

Original warranty: 12 months unlimited mileage. For service assistance, contact authorized Honda dealership or Honda Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009. Always use genuine Honda parts for optimal performance and to maintain warranty coverage.