HONDA SCOOTERS

This page contains a year by year overview of Honda’s scooter lineup in the USA and Canada. For detailed information on a specific Honda scooter, use the menu to the right.

Honda’s diverse scooter history includes the 1954 Juno KA (189cc 4-stroke available only in Japan), the Cub (the world’s best selling vehicle of all time) and quite a few neat mopeds. However, this site is focused only on the ‘modern’ scooters that came to North America beginning in the early 80’s.

Honda began working on their first ‘modern’ scooter in the late 1970’s. The first scooter they developed was the NB50, which was called the Tact in Japan. This scooter was released for the 1980 model year in Japan. It was an updated version of this scooter called the Aero 50 that arrived in the USA and Canada for the 1983, alongside the larger Aero 80 scooter.

1983
This was the first year Honda’s new generation of scooters arrived in North America. In the USA, Honda decided to use the ‘Aero’ name for this family of scooters, so they named the NB50 the ‘Aero 50’ and

the larger NH80 became the ‘Aero 80’. In Canada, Honda used also used the Aero moniker some ’83 NH80’s received the ‘Mascot’ name for whatever reason.

The Aero family of scooters included several noteworthy features including electric start, plastic body panels, oil injection and 12 volt electrical systems. While some of these features had been available previously on other scooters, they never had been all available at once and for such an affordable price. Viewed by some as cheap, the plastic body panels were affordable, ding resistant and easy to replace in the event of a crash.

The Aero 50 (above) was a 2-stroke, 50cc offering decent acceleration and a top speed close to 40 mph. The Aero 80 (left) wasn’t that much faster with a top speed around 43mph, but it was even peppier so it’s great for 2-up riding. The Aero 80 is a breeze to wheelie and that power in combination with its comfortable seat and beefed up suspension makes it a great choice for 2-up riding or for bigger riders. These scooters are also incredibly reliable. I’ve talked to owners with over 60,000kms (35,000 miles) on theirs. Once downside to these initial offerings from Honda is the lack of aftermarket parts that the subsequent generations of Honda scooters enjoy. Check out the specific model pages for more indepth info on these scooters.

MODELS: Aero 50, Aero 80 / Mascot

1984

This was another landmark year with Honda adding four more scooters. Honda added the third and final member of the 2-stroke Aero family, the short lived Aero 125. Sadly Canadians and Californians weren’t offered this scooter. This scooter was only sold in 1984 so it’s quite a rare scooter.

Honda also added another 125cc and their first 4-stroke scooter, the Elite 125 (below left). This scooter was the first member of the Elite family that would figure prominately in Honda’s scooter lineup for decades to come.

It’s surprising that Honda chose to introduce the Aero 125 at all because Honda was clearly moving to 4-stroke motors for all but their 50cc scooters.. The Elite 125 was the first look at a new generation of styling that Honda would continue to unveil in the form of the Elite 80 and Elite 250. One neat aspect of the Elite 125 is that it had a pop up headlight.

Honda’s other two new scooters were the remarkably small Spree (NQ50) and the unique NN50 3-wheeled Gyro (pictured below right in blue). Both of these scooters used 2-stroke 50cc engines and were capable of 30mph.

MODELS: Aero 50, Aero 80, Aero 125 (USA only), Spree, Gyro, Elite 125

1985

For 1985 Honda’s 4-stroke Elite series arrived in full force. Honda added the Elite 80, the Elite 250 and updated the mid-sized Elite (left). The mid-sized Elite got a boost from 125cc to 150cc and thus a name change to the Elite 150 (CH150). The extra 25cc boosted the top speed by 10mph to 65mph and made it interstate legal in all 50 states and Canada. The Elite 150 got a nice style update with a new handlebar mounted headlight instead of the pop up unit. By moving the headlight to the handlebars, Honda was able to add a handy front truck.

Honda also added a ‘Deluxe’ version of the Elite 150, which got a digital dash and retained the Elite 125’s pop up headlight. The regular Elite 150 had analog instrumentation.

The new Elite 80 was a nicely powered scooter for around town. While not quite as peppy off the line as the Aero 80, it actually has a faster top speed of 45mph. It also had a front trunk like the Elite 150 that was capable of swallow a few small items. Storage space is okay but it’s not a strong point for this scooter.

With the Elite 250, Honda finally had a scooter that was at home on the highway. The Elite 150 could survive on the highway in a pinch, but the Elite 250 could comfortably cruise at

highway speeds without a fuss. The Elite 250’s motor is a low stress design that can happily cruise at 70mph all day.

Honda also updated the Aero 50 and Aero 80. The Aero 50 got a full redesign, while the Aero 80 got a few styling updates and a new smaller muffler which made the neat storage compartment in the right side panel possible.

The Gyro was also radically changed for ’85. Honda sold eight different three wheeled scooters in the Gyro family in Japan and for ’85 they decided to bring over a different member to the USA. Canadians did not get the Gyro after ‘84. This version is called the ‘Road Fox’ (TG50) in Japan. Check out the Gyro page

for more info. This new Gyro shared the same core engine as the earlier Gyro, but the styling was quite different which warranted a change in the model code to TG50.

1985 was also the year Honda began replacing the Aero family with the Elite line of scooters. The first Aero scooter to be discontinued was the slow selling Aero 125. Apparently scooter buyers had preferred the 4-stroke Elite 125 in 1984 or Honda had simply decided 4-strokes were the future. 1985 was another popular year for Honda scooters with an all time high of seven models available.

MODELS: Aero 50, Aero 80, Spree, Gyro (USA only), Elite 80, Elite 150 / Deluxe, Elite 250

1986

For 1986, new emissions regulations, Honda’s preference for 4-strokes and the popularity of the 4-stroke Elite 80 spelled the death for the peppy Aero 80. This left the Aero 50 as the lone surviving member of the Aero family in North America.

This year Honda also added the original maxi-scooter, the Helix (CN250), to their North American lineup. Based on the Elite 250, the Helix was lower, longer and featured a really cool trunk which made it a great long distance touring scooter.

For 1986 Honda dropped the regular version of the Elite 150 and offered just the ‘deluxe’ version.

Using the ‘Elite R’ name, Honda introduced their 2-stroke SE50 scooter to Canadian market (shown at left). It would be another year before Americans got this scooter. In some literature, Honda referred to this scooter as the ‘Aero Sport RR’. The Elite R shares the same AF05E engine found the Aero 50 (NB50) but it has a new frame and bodywork. The Elite R would eventually replace the Aero 50 in Canada.

MODELS: Aero 50, Elite R (Canada only), Spree, Gyro (USA only), Elite 80, Elite 150, Elite 250, Helix

1987

A year after its Canadian debut, Honda released the SE50 in the USA (shown left). Here this scooter was badged as the ‘Elite S’. The Elite S did not have sporty graphics that Canadians got on their Elite R’s. Honda also sold a restricted version of the SE50 (only in the USA) called simply the ‘Elite’ (Code: SE50P). This scooter was capable of 25 mph which made it moped legal in many states.

The Elite 150 was also redesigned for 1987, giving it a much more rounded shape (below). You don’t see very many of these scooters since they were

only sold for one year in the USA market. This new Elite 150 was not brought to Canada so Canucks were left without the Elite 150 and Elite 80 after 1986.

Further trimming their lineup, Honda dropped the Gyro from their USA lineup and the Helix from their Canadian lineup. This means that 1986 was the only year the Helix was offered to Canadians.

MODELS: Aero 50, Spree, Elite S / R, Elite 80 (USA only), Elite 150 (USA only), Elite 250, Helix (USA only).


1988
Following their 1987 actions in Canada, Honda discontinued the Helix and Elite 150 from the American market for 1988. It’s surprising that

Honda dropped the redesigned Elite 150 after just one year. These changes left the Elite 250 as the lone large scooter in their lineup.

The biggest news for 1988 was the arrival of the new SA50 scooter in the USA market. This scooter was named both the ‘Elite LX’ and ‘Elite SR’, seemingly the name varied by year and state. This scooter replaced both the Aero 50 (NB50) and Elite S (SE50) which were dropped. The SA50 used a new frame and bodywork but continued to use the AF05E engine which was also found in those two scooters. Canadians never would receive the SA50.

The other big news for 1988 was Honda’s replacement of the Spree (NQ50) with a new physically small scooter (Model Code: SB50). This new scooter was called the ‘Elite E’ in the USA and the Pal in Canada. This new scooter was quite a bit smaller but stylistically similar to the new Elite SR / LX. If you just look at pictures it can be hard to tell the difference but if you see them side by side then the differences are obvious. Besides a stylistic resemblance, the SB50 did not share very many parts with the larger Elite LX / SR scooter. The SB50 utilized the same core engine as its predecessor, the Spree. Honda also sold a faster ‘Elite ES’ version of this new scooter in the USA in 1988 only.

1989

The Elite 250 received a full redesign for ’89 which included new styling, a new horizontal engine, underseat storage capacity and analog instrumention. These final Elite 250 are really nice but rare examples. Interestingly, this was the last scooter ever sold to have a floorboard located rear brake. It seems these redesigned Elite 250’s were not sold in Canada.

MODELS: Elite R (Canada only), Elite SR / LX (USA only), Pal / Elite E / ES , Elite 80 (USA only), Elite 250

1990
For 1990 Honda dropped the Elite R (SE50) from the Canadian market. Unlike in the USA, Honda did not replace this scooter with the SA50. This left just the Pal, which I believe was still sold in Canada for another year.

MODELS: Elite SR / LX (USA only), Pal / Elite E / ES , Elite 80 (USA only), Elite 250

1991
With sales remaining low, Honda discontinued the Elite 250 and the unpopular Pal / Elite E. Honda’s lineup for 1991 was pretty dismal compared to its mid 80’s glory. Canadians weren’t offered any scooters and Americans couldn’t buy another bigger than 80cc. Thankfully the Elite SR/LX was a pretty cool scooter.

MODELS: Elite SR / LX (USA only), Elite 80 (USA only).

1992 - 1993
For the 1992 model year, Honda responded to American enthusiasts cries to bring back the original maxi scooter, the Helix, to the American market. This scooter was last sold in the USA in 1987.

Honda also returned to the Canadian market with the fantastic 50cc 2-stroke Dio (SK50M). The SK50 Dio utilized a new and quite superior AF16E engine which was the first new 50cc 2-stroke engine offered in North America since the AF05e was introduced inside the ’85 Aero 50.

MODELS: Elite SR / LX (USA only), Dio (Canada only), Elite 80 (USA only), Helix (USA only).

1994 - 2000
Honda replaced the motor in the 50cc Elite for the 1994 model year with the superior ‘AF16E’ engine also found in the Canadian market Dio. They also dropped the ‘LX’ suffix, so all 1994 and newer SA50 were called Elite SR’s except for moped legal versions. With the introduction of the new motor, Honda added a moped legal version called the ‘Elite S’ in 1994 (code SA50P) that was capable of 25mph. Do not confuse this scooter with the unrestricted 1988 SE50 which was also badged the Elite S. The new generation of Elite scooters are very popular with speed enthusiasts because the aftermarket parts scene is enormous that’s to the popularity of the AF16E motor in Asia.

MODELS: Elite S / SR (USA only), Dio (Canada only), Elite 80 (USA only), Helix (USA only).

2001

With sales picking up and added pressure from Vespa returning the North American market, Honda and Yamaha steadily bolstered their lineup by introducing several new scooters over the new few years. This year was the beginning of a present era for Honda scooters. Honda ushered in this new era by replacing it’s now 15 year old Helix with the new Reflex (NSS250). The Reflex was sold in two versions with the premium version offering ABS, a first for Honda’s scooters. The Reflex was the first all new scooter model from Honda since 1987 in the USA.

MODELS: Elite S / SR (USA only), Dio (Canada only), Elite 80 (USA only), Reflex

2002
For 2002, Honda continued to replace its long running models with newer and updated designs. Honda cut the Elite SR and Dio scooters, which were the last

2-stroke scooters Honda has sold in North America. The Elite SR and Dio were replaced by the new retro styled CHF50. This scooter was sold under the Metropolitan name in the USA and as the Jazz in Canada. This scooter is also known as the Crea and Scoopy overseas. With the discontinuation of the Elite SR, the Elite 80 was left as the last member of the Elite family and the last scooter from the 1980’s still on sale.

Designed to compete with other 2-stroke 50cc scooters (Yamaha’s Vino and Vespa’s ET2), the 4-stroke CHF50 was slower accelerating but a step ahead technologically with its cleaner and more efficient liquid cooled 4-stroke engine. This engine was a new 2-valve, carburated 4-stroke that included several technological advances. Specifically, it was the first liquid cooled 50cc scooter engine from Honda and it introduced a clever starting system that did away with the starter motor and instead used the silent alternator to start the engine.

Honda also released a restricted version of this new scooter in the USA called the Metropolitan II (CHF50P) that met moped laws in many areas. The main restriction on this scooter was in the variator which limited it to 25mph.

Honda made a second major announcement for 2002, the new 600cc Silverwing maxi-scooter (aka FSC600). By far Honda’s largest scooter offering ever, the Silverwing was designed to be a great touring machine and it offers excellent storage capabilities.

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Elite 80 (USA only), Reflex, Silverwing

2003 - 2004

Honda released another landmark scooter in 2003, the rugged styled Ruckus. The most significant attribute of the Ruckus was its radical styling which resembled no other scooter. The Ruckus shares the same basic engine/drivetrain as the Metropolitan / Jazz but it’s fresh styling attracted an entirely new audience to Honda. Since its introduction, the Ruckus has become quite popular with a large aftermarket parts scene now present. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that it has become the best selling scooter in North America.

Three years after its second discontinuation in the USA, Honda again revived the aging Helix scooter for 2004 in response to enthusiasts cries who weren’t happy with the modern styled Reflex. This was the second time the Helix had been resurrected since its initial introduction way back in 1986.

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Ruckus, Elite 80 (USA only), Reflex, Helix (USA only), Silverwing

2005
For the 2005 model year Honda introduced the ill fated 250cc Big Ruckus (PS250). Attempting to build on the success of the Ruckus, the

Big Ruckus would sell poorly which was due in part to the high price tag, Honda’s decision to only offer it in yellow and styling that arguably lacked the charm of it’s smaller sibling.

Honda also added the ‘S’ version of the Ruckus (NPS50S) that got you a fancier paint job for an extra $50. In the first couple years, this fancy paint job was a camo pattern on the ‘battery box’ and matte metallic paint. In later years, the ‘S’ models would get colors like silver and matte grey.

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Ruckus, Elite 80 (USA only), Reflex, Big Ruckus, Helix (USA only), Silverwing

2006
Honda revised the Metropolitan / Jazz and Ruckus scooters with a new crankcase ventilation system and a few other performance tweaks. As a result, top speed rose from about 37mph to 42mph and a serious problem with crankshaft bearing failure was eliminated. This crankshaft bearing problem resulted from poor crankcase ventilation leading to oil contamination. This problem affects 2003 - 2005 Ruckus’s and Metropolitan / Jazz scooters and it remains as one of very few quality issues Honda scooters have had.

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Ruckus, Elite 80 (USA only), Reflex, Big Ruckus, Helix (USA only), Silverwing

2007
After two slow years, the Big Ruckus was dropped from the North American market, making the few that were sold rare scooters and likely a future collectors item.

Honda also dropped the restricted version of the Metropolitan called the Metropolitan II (CHF50P).

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Ruckus, Elite 80 (USA only), Reflex, Helix (USA only), Silverwing

2008
The amazing 22 year run ended for the Elite 80 after the 2007 model year. With Honda’s new 50cc scooters offering nearly the same performance with modern styling at a lower price, apparently the Elite 80 became less attractive to buyers.

Honda also cut the Helix for a remarkable third time, making 2007 the last model year for both of these legendary scooters. Honda’s transition to a new generation of scooters models that started in 2002 was finally complete.

2007 was also the end of the line for the Helix’s poorly recieved replacement, the Reflex. It’s remarkable that the Helix managed to hang around right until the end of its replacement, the Reflex.

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Ruckus, Silverwing

2009
High gas prices and a growing scooter market meant that 2008 was the best year yet for Honda’s small 50cc scooters. By mid-summer 2008, every dealership in the USA was sold out and Honda responded with an early release of the 2009 models in early August. Besides new color choices, Honda made no changes to their scooter lineup

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Ruckus, Silverwing

2010

Honda’s has announced two major scooters for the 2010 model year. The first to be announced was the SH150i scooter, which will arrive in both USA and Canada around June 2009. With the introduction of the SH150i, Honda has returned to the mid sized scooter market for the first time since 1987 when it last offered the Elite 150.

Honda claims SH150i is the best selling scooter in Europe. This large wheel scooter offers excellent stability at high speeds, fuel injection, aluminum rims and liquid cooling. The SH150i is a distant descendant of Honda’s legendary Cub. Check out the SH150i page for more info.

Further strengthening Honda’s mid-sized scooter offerings is the second new model, the 108cc 2010 Elite. Also featuring liquid cooling and fuel injection, this small wheeled scooter aims to be a practical urban runabout with huge storage, great milage and peppy power for scootering around town. This new Elite is the first new scooter in Honda’s Elite family since the 1988 Elite SR/LX. This scooter is not expected to come to Canada. Check out the Elite page for more info.

MODELS: Metropolitan / Jazz, Ruckus, Silverwing, SH150i, Elite (USA 


Source : motorscooterguide.net