Honda Elite scooters have been popular over the years, garnering praise for their efficiency and reliability. Since older examples are nearing two decades of service, maintenance is of the utmost importance. Regular oil changes, which Honda recommends every 1000 miles (1610 km), can often be completed in less than 10 minutes with minimal tools. Note that the CH50 Elite scooter does not require oil changes, as its two-stroke engine relies on a mixture of fuel and gas for lubrication.
CH80 Elite
Choose a smooth, level work area and park the scooter on its centre stand. Start the engine and let it warm up for five to 10 minutes. This will increase the oil flow and help it drain faster. Turn the engine off and turn the ignition switch to the “Off” position.
Locate the oil drain screw under the left side of the scooter near the swing arm and above the belt cover. Place a container directly under the drain and remove the screw using a 5/16 inch (8 mm) Allen wrench. Allow the oil to drain until the flow is reduced to a few drops. Replace the screw, tightening it until it seats snugly against the engine.
Unscrew the oil reservoir cap, located on the right side of the engine, and insert a funnel into it. Slowly add new engine oil by pouring it into the funnel. Stop filling once you have added 3/4 quarts (0.71 L) of oil. Remove the funnel and replace the cap.
Start the engine and allow the new oil to warm up. Warm oil will give an accurate reading. Shut off the engine and remove the reservoir cap. Clamp the dipstick to the bottom of the cap. Wipe it clean and then insert it fully into the reservoir. Remove the dipstick again to see the oil level marked on it. Proper levels will leave a mark just above the center of the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
CH125-CH250 Elite
Park the scooter on a smooth, level surface and raise it on its centre stand. Allow the oil to warm up, starting the engine to run for five to 10 minutes. Turn the engine off and turn the ignition switch to the “Off” position.
Locate the drain screw under the engine, and place a container directly under it. Remove the screw using an 8 mm (5/16 inch) Allen wrench and allow the oil to drain completely. Replace the screw.
Locate the oil reservoir cap on the right side of the scooter and place the container underneath it. Using an appropriate size hex wrench (17mm for CH250 or 23mm for CH 125/150), remove the large hex screw on the right side of the reservoir. Remove the oil filter.
Clean the oil filter with an aerosol brake cleaner. Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it and replacing the large filter screw.
Unscrew the reservoir cap and insert a funnel into the reservoir. Add fresh engine oil by pouring it into the funnel. Stop filling once you have added 3/4 quarts of oil. Remove the funnel and replace the reservoir cap.
Start the engine and allow the new oil to warm up. Shut off the engine and remove the reservoir cap. Wipe the dipstick clean and then insert it fully. Pull it out to see the oil level marked on the dipstick. Add more if necessary.
Tips
To avoid smoke, immediately wipe up any oil that may have spilled. Reset the red “Oil Check” indicator by sliding the tip of the ignition key into the small slot in the front panel under the handlebars and gently pressing it in. Refer to the Honda factory manual for details on thorough oil replacement. If you feel you cannot perform this task properly, have a qualified technician perform it.
Warning
The CH80 Elite scooter has a screw on the underside of the motor that looks like the drain. This is the cam chain tensioning screw, do not attempt to remove it. Use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns. Do not discard used motor oil, it must be recycled first. Contact the auto parts store for details.