In 1987, Honda introduced the Elite 50 (SE50) in the USA as a replacement for the popular Aero 50 but Canadians were left without a successor for many years. Canadians never did get the opportunity to purchase a 50cc Elite scooter. However, for the
Unlike the 1987 Elite 50 (SE50) and it’s follow up, the 1988 Elite SR / LX (SA50), the Dio (SK50) did not use the same 2-stroke engine first found in the 1983 Aero 50. Instead, the Dio featured a next generation ‘AF16E’ motor that is hugely popular in Asia and thus has a massive aftermarket parts scene. Accordingly, it’s easy and relatively cheap to make your SK50 Dio go ridiculously fast. You can get huge big bore kits (88cc) which can boost your engine to about 125cc when paired with a stroker crankshaft. Parts for the Dio are available all over the place, such as at VTCycles.com
Two years after the Dio hit the Canadian market, Honda updated the 50cc Elite (SA50) sold in the USA by changing the motor to the newer ‘AF16E’ Dio engine. The core engine is the same between the ’94 - ’02 SA50 Elite and the Dio but the airbox, carb and mufflers are different. The Dio had the same carb, airbox and exhaust found on the Japanese Dio’s, whereas the ’94 Elite 50 retained the airbox, carb and exhaust from the previous generation of Elite 50. If you are looking for aftermarket parts, you may be better off looking for parts for this era of SA50 Elite but keep in mind the differences between the two motors.
Upon first glance, the Dio may appear quite similar to the Elite 50 but it is actually very different. The Dio has a different frame, body panels, forks etc. It’s easy to get confused between these two scooters because they look so similar. My tip for telling the difference is to look at the front forks. The Dio has regular bicycle style ‘telescopic’ forks, whereas the Elite 50 has a funky ‘bottom link’ front suspension. Other differences include the fuel tank location (under the floor instead of under the seat) and a vacuum operated fuel pump. By locating the fuel tank under the floorboard, Honda was able to give the Dio a nice amount of storage under the seat. One thing the Dio and Elite 50 do have in common is the headset.
Pros:
* Loads of aftermarket parts
* Fast
* Underseat storage
Cons:
* You’ll be jealous of all the cool versions they get overseas
Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot.
1994 - 2002 Elite SA50 Service Manual - Very similar engine to the Dio
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s still available
HondaSpree.Net - Great Forum for the Elite 50, Dio and Spree
If you have any info to add, email me at dandurston@hotmail.com
Key Specs (SK50):