I think it's great and very dependable.
Had to overhaul the engine at 20000 miles; lost power.
Also had to replace the rear gearbox due to worn out bushing.
Had this bike for over ten years, and I still love it. I'm 80 years old, and people think I'm crazy driving it. I'm satisfied with its performance.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th January, 2010
This thing is bombproof
Nothing has really gone wrong with it. When I got it, it had a flat tire and a dead battery. I got one flat tire while riding, and I left the key on so the battery died. Nothing major; other than flat tires this things bulletproof.
It's a 2001 Elite CH80, and it's my daily driver.
The acceleration sucks, but hey it's a moped, that's expected.
I plan on getting the battlescooter exhaust, a 26mm mikuni carb and a stiffer variator spring. I've taken this thing out on some 50+ mile rides while riding WOT the whole time, and it has never flinched. The only thing that can stop it is a nail in the tire haha. But that's not a big deal, and you don't even need to take the wheel off to change the tire, seeing how it's a single sided drive.
It handles awesome; I can hit some pretty gnarly turns at about 35mph draggin the deck the whole time. The suspension is waay soft, but it rides like a caddy haha.
I may change out the shocks for some fox DHR MTB shocks so I have some adjustability.
Well overall this thing is a blast, and it's bombproof like every other Honda.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd July, 2009
What you should expect from Honda
Not much to complain about, it always had a squeak, from the drive belt. The Honda dealership said that it wasn't covered under warranty.
I drove the scooter for 5 months and put 4800 or so miles on it. I have taken long trips up to 250 round trip.
I love the scooter; it's slow in top speed, but it will get you there eventually.
I laid it down at about 1700 miles and all the plastic just busted into pieces.
Good resale value. Plus the mpg was close to 80 and the insurance was about 20 a month.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th June, 2008
Tough to beat
Nothing.
The Elite is extraordinary! Purchased with expectation of getting 75 to 80 MPG's. Am regularly getting well over 115 MPG's in spite of weighing well over 200 lb's. This is probably due to running less than full throttle (30 to 35 MPH) on flat road.
The seat is very comfortable. Speedo is easy to read. Braking is very adequate.
It is comforting knowing that service, if ever needed, is just minutes away.
I don't know what one does with a troublesome Chinese scooter purchased on the 'net. Am looking forward to a trouble free experience with this very practical and reliable product.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th June, 2008
Comfortable, sensible, and reliable are the hallmarks of the CH 80
Nothing.
Recently purchased the six year old Elite. Watching oil approaching $140.00 certainly justifies the purchase, as I am getting well over 100 mpg, in spite of weighing 215 lbs.
Performance is more than adequate.
Honda reliability should assure several years of trouble free ownership.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th June, 2008
Wow... over 100mpg?? I have an Elite 80 as well.. get closer to 90mpg (sometimes as low as 85mpg). I have never heard of an 80cc bike getting that high of mpg. I know several 50cc bikes that will, including the Honda Metropolitan.
I will say this, though. Scooters are, and will be the next big wave of the future, if prices of gas keep climbing (already now at a national average of $4.03/gal). It is unfortunate that Honda does not make the Elite anymore. They only make the 50cc, and 600cc bikes now. A good alternative to the Elite, if you are looking to buy new, is the Yamaha Vino 125 (125cc).
26th Jan 2010, 20:03
I recently acquired an '88 CH80 with 13,292 miles on the odometer! That's a testament in itself for an 80cc scooter from the Western North Carolina area. I've never ridden it, and wish the parts weren't as scarce and expensive as they are.
It is a parts bike now... but, even without having ridden it I am impressed! It has missing body parts and the top end needs rebuilding, but the rest of it is being parted out on eBay to help you lucky owners keep your scooters on the road where they belong.
Here are some helpful sites with parts lists and prices:
http://www.cyclepartswarehouse.com/
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-ch80-elite-80-1996-us_model7449/partslist/
http://www.jacksscootershop.com/index.html