The story with Honda’s 50cc Elite scooters may be a bit confusing as Honda sold several different versions, generations and even entire scooters. This page deals with the SE50 scooter and it’s restricted counterpart, the SE50P. This scooter was sold only in 1987 in the USA. Honda badged this scooter the ‘Elite S’ in the USA but they also sold a restricted version (SE50P) called just the ‘Elite’.
After 1987, Honda replaced this scooter in the USA market with the SA50 which you can read about here. From 1988 to 1990 Honda also sold a slower and physically smaller 50cc scooter (code SB50) alongside the SE50. This scooter was known as the Pal in Canada and the Elite E and Elite ES in the USA.
When the SE50 was released, it used an all new frame and bodywork but utilized the same AF05E motor previously found in the ’85 - ’87 Aero 50 (NB50). After the SE50 was replaced, this motor lived on in the ’88 - ’93 Elite SR / LX (SA50). Honda made a few tweaks to this motor over the years so parts may not be 100% compatible but most parts should be interchangable between these scooters.
The main difference between the Canadian market Elite R (shown above) and the American market Elite S (left) is the sporty look of Canadian examples. Honda used red grips, red rims, large Honda logo’s on the sides of the floorboard and the large colorful decals to give the Canadian Elite R a sportier appearance. The Elite R did not have a higher performing expansion chamber exhaust like some asian versions of the SE50 (ie. DJ1).
To my knowledge, American market SE50’ were sold in Blue, Shasta Red and Black. Canadian SE50’s were sold in black/grey and white/red.
The full speed versions of the SE50 (Elite R and Elite S) are capable of about 40-43mph. The restricted version was badged as just the ‘Elite’ (model code SE50P) and was capable of about 25mph. These restricted versions meet moped laws in many states which means they do not require licensing and/or insurance in many areas. The ‘Elite’ is likely restricted by a washer that limits the gearing and/or a restrictor plate in the intake. It’s likely fairly easy to remove these restrictions.
After 1987 the SE50 was replaced by the SA50 in the USA but Canadians continued to receive it for some time. It was for sure sold through 1989 and it seems likely that it was sold until the introduction of the Dio to the Canadian market in 1992. In some literature, the Elite R’s were also occasionally referred to as the ‘Aero Sport RR’. The Aero name is fitting for this scooter since Honda traditionally used that for their 2-stroke offerings. I suspect Honda chose the Elite
A decent selection of aftermarket parts are still available for this scooter. You can get 63cc big bore kits, variators, clutch springs and CDI’s. The selection isn’t as awesome as it is for the ’94 - ’01 Elite and Dio but it’s not bad. Since these scooters share the same engine as the ’85 - ’87 Aero 50 and ’88 - 93 Elite LX / SR, you can use parts from that scooter but Honda did make a number of small changes to the intake manifold, oil pump and crankshaft (and perhaps more) so be careful when buying parts. Primarily you need to watch out for ’85 Aero 50 parts as that scooter has a difference intake manifold, crankshaft and oil pump.
Pros:
* Fast
* Reliable
* Availability of aftermarket parts
* Sporty graphics
Cons:
* Poor storage capacity
Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot.
1987 Elite SE50 Service Manual - Extremely useful for fixing up your old scooter (29 MB)
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s still available
HondaSpree.Net - Great Forum for the Elite 50 and Spree
If you have any info to add, email me at dandurston@hotmail.com
Canadian market gauges:
