Elite E / ES / Pal

HONDA PAL / ELITE E / ELITE ES (SB50)

Honda introduced the SB50 in 1988 as a replacement for the fairly popular Spree (NQ50). This scooter was sold under the ‘Elite ES’ name in the USA and the Pal name in Canada. Honda also sold a restricted version (model code SB50P) called just the Elite E which was capable of 30mph. Honda seems to have also sold a restricted version in Canada but they used the Pal name for both versions which made things confusing for owners.

Information on the full speed Pal and Elite ES is hard to come because the Elite ES was dropped after ’88, leaving just the Elite E to continue until 1990. My understanding is the Elite ES and non-restricted Pal scooters have a longer crankshaft that utilizes a variator to control the gearing. The restricted Elite E and Pal scooters have a shorter crankshaft with no variator so they use inferior single speed gearing. I believe the restricted motor is the same engine found in Honda’s discontinued Spree scooter.

This scooter bares a huge stylistic resemblance to the physically larger Elite SR / LX (SA50) scooter which was also introduced for 1988 but in reality, these scooters are almost 100% different. The body panels are not compatible as the SB50 is a much smaller machine. The motor, frame, suspension etc are all entirely different. The SB50 was an odd cross between Honda’s Spree and the regular Elite SR / LX (SA50). The SB50 is essentially a spree frame and motor with a miniature SA50 styled body draped over it.

The Elite E was capable of just 30mph. Unlike the other Elite scooters, this scooter could not be derestricted easily since the crankshaft would need to be replaced to add the missing variator. You’d be better off just to swap the entire motor.

I suppose that one of the biggest reasons that buyers for the Elite E scooter were few was because even if you needed a moped legal ride, it made a lot more sense to buy the restricted version of the Elite SR / LX. With that scooter, you could easily derestrict it to gain an extra 10mph. Unless you like your scooters small and slow, there really

isn’t a good reason to buy this scooter over an SA50 Elite (or SE50 Elite R in Canada). The SA50 scooters are available with and without restriction and there is a huge aftermarket parts scene for that scooter. Plus they have a glovebox and can accommodate normal sized riders. Actually, one advantage of the Elite E is that it has a decent amount of storage under the seat which can hold a helmet. The larger Elite SR / LX has no storage under the seat and only a medium sized glovebox. Another advantage of the SB50 is that it’s super light, so if you are looking for a scooter to carry around on the back of your RV this is a great choice. I guess if you’re okay with a 30mph (50km/hr) top speed and you’re not too big, then the Elite E is a fine choice.

If you know more information about the Elite E, the ES or the Pal please contact me at dandurston@hotmail.com

Pros:
* Unique
* Lightweight
* Good underseat storage

Cons:
* Slow
* Fits only small riders

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot.
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
'88 - 90 SB50 Service Manual - Provided by the fine folks at HondaSpree.net

If you have any info to add, email me at dandurston@hotmail.com

Colors:
1988: Fighting Red, Sherbet Pink (Elite E) and Black, Foam Green (Elite ES)
1989: Black, Sherbet Pink (Elite E)
1990: Black, Sherbet Pink (Elite E)

Key Specs (SB50):
* Engine: 49cc 2-stroke single
* Fuel Tank: 3.8 litres / 1 gallon
* Years sold: 1988 - 1990