How to Change the Oil in the Honda Elite Scooter
by Chris Gilliland
Honda's Elite scooters have been popular throughout the years, drawing praise for their efficiency and reliability. With older examples nearing two decades of service, maintenance becomes of utmost importance. Regular oil changes, which Honda recommends you perform every thousand miles, can often completed in less than 10 minutes with minimal tools. Note that the CH50 Elite scooter does not require oil changes, as its two-stroke motor relies on a gas/oil mixture for lubrication.
CH80 Elite
Step 1
Select a smooth, level work area and park the scooter on its center stand. Start the motor and allow it to warm up for five to 10 minutes. This will improve the oil flow and will help speed up the draining process. Stop the motor and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position.
Step 2
Locate the oil drain plug bolt under the left side of the scooter near the swing arm and just below the belt cover. Place a catch basin or container directly under the drain plug, and remove the drain plug bolt using an 8 mm (5/16 inch) Allen key. Allow the oil to drain until the flow of oil has reduced to a trickle. Replace the drain plug bolt, tightening it until the bolt is seated snugly against the motor.
Step 3
Unscrew the oil filler cap, located on the right side of the motor, and insert a funnel into the filler neck. Add fresh engine oil slowly by pouring it into the funnel. Stop filling once you have added 3/4 qt. of oil to the engine. Remove the funnel and replace the filler cap.
Step 4
Start the motor and allow the fresh oil to warm up. Warm oil will provide an accurate reading. Stop the motor and remove the oil filler cap. Attached to the bottom of the cap is a dipstick. Wipe any any oil off the dipstick, then completely insert the dipstick into the filler neck. Remove the dipstick again to view the oil level marked on the stick. Proper oil levels will leave an oil mark just above the center of the dipstick. Add oil as needed.
CH125-CH250 Elite
Step 1
Park the scooter on a smooth, level surface and lift it onto its center stand. Allow the oil to warm up by starting the motor and letting it run for five to 10 minutes. Stop the motor and turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position.
Step 2
Locate the drain plug bolt under the motor, and place a catch basin or container directly under it. Remove the drain plug bolt, using an 8 mm (5/16 inch) Allen key, and allow the oil to drain completely. Replace the drain plug bolt.
Step 3
Locate the oil filler cap on the right side of the scooter, and place your catch basin under it. Using the appropriate-size hex socket (17 mm for the CH250 or 23 mm for the CH125/150), remove the large hex bolt to the right of the filler cap. Pull out the oil screen.
Step 4
Clean the oil screen with brake cleaner spray. Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling and replacing the large oil screen bolt.
Step 5
Unscrew the oil filler cap, and insert a funnel into the filler neck. Add fresh engine oil slowly by pouring it into the funnel. Stop filling once you have added 3/4 qt. of oil to the engine. Remove the funnel and replace the filler cap.
Step 6
Start the motor and allow the fresh oil to warm up. Stop the motor and remove the oil filler cap. Wipe any any oil off the dipstick, then completely reinsert the dipstick into the filler neck. Remove the dipstick again to view the oil level marked on the stick. Add oil as needed.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program;" Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- Jack's Scooter Shop: Honda Scooter Information Center
Tips
- To prevent smoking, immediately wipe away any oil that may have spilled.
- Reset the red "Check Oil" indicator by sliding the tip of your ignition key into the small slot on the front panel below the handlebars and pressing down gently.
- Refer to a Honda factory service manual for in-depth oil replacement details.
- If you do not feel you can properly perform this task, have the work done by a qualified technician.
Things You'll Need
- Catch basin or container
- 8 mm Allen key (5/16 inch)
- Funnel
- 1 qt. engine oil, 10W-40
- Rags or towels
- Socket wrench
- 17 mm hex-head socket (CH250 Elite)
- 23 mm hex-head socket (CH125 & CH150 Elite)
- Brake cleaner spray
Warnings
- The CH80 Elite scooter has a bolt on the underside of the motor that resembles a drain plug. This is the cam-chain tensioner bolt; do not attempt to remove it.
- Use caution when working with heated oil to prevent burns.
- Do not dump used engine oil; have it recycled instead. Contact an auto parts store for details.
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
