How many miles per gallon does a 1987 Honda Elite get?

It depends on the specific model. For the 1987 Honda Elite lineup, typical real‑world fuel economy is about 80–110 mpg (US) for the Elite 50 (SE50), 80–100 mpg for the Elite 80 (CH80), roughly 60–70 mpg for the Elite 150 (CH150, where available), and about 55–65 mpg for the Elite 250 (CH250). These ranges reflect mixed riding rather than idealized “best case” figures.

Why mileage varies across the 1987 Elite lineup

“Honda Elite” refers to a family of scooters with different engine sizes, not a single model. In 1987, U.S. buyers most commonly encountered the Elite 50 (a 49cc two‑stroke) and Elite 80 (an 80cc four‑stroke), with the larger Elite 250 (244cc four‑stroke) also available; the Elite 150’s 1987 availability varied by market. Engine displacement, two‑stroke versus four‑stroke design, riding speed, and maintenance all play significant roles in real‑world miles per gallon.

Typical real‑world MPG by 1987 Honda Elite model

The following ranges synthesize owner reports, period road tests, and contemporary documentation. They describe what riders commonly experience in mixed urban/suburban use; steady low‑speed cruising can be higher, while sustained high‑speed riding can be lower. (Motorcycles and scooters of this era were not EPA-rated for MPG.)

• Elite 50 (SE50, 49cc two‑stroke): approximately 80–110 mpg, with many owners reporting around 90–100 mpg in city riding.
• Elite 80 (CH80, 80cc four‑stroke): approximately 80–100 mpg, commonly landing near 85–95 mpg in everyday use.
• Elite 150 (CH150, 149cc four‑stroke; availability in 1987 varies by market): generally 55–70 mpg, often about 60–65 mpg.
• Elite 250 (CH250, 244cc four‑stroke): generally 55–65 mpg in mixed riding; high‑40s to low‑50s are typical at sustained higher speeds.

In short, smaller Elites deliver notably higher fuel economy, while the larger 150–250cc models trade some MPG for stronger acceleration and higher top speed.

Key factors that influence your MPG

Even among the same model, riders can see different results. The factors below most commonly move mileage up or down on an older Honda Elite.

• Speed and route: Frequent stops or steady low‑speed cruising favor higher MPG; sustained high speeds reduce it.
• Rider weight and cargo: Heavier loads increase fuel consumption.
• Maintenance: Clean air filter, correct tire pressure, fresh spark plug, and properly adjusted brakes help maximize efficiency.
• Carburetion/jetting and fuel system health: A dirty carburetor, incorrect jetting, or a sticking choke enriches the mixture and lowers MPG.
• Temperature and warm‑up: Cold starts and short trips reduce economy.
• Fuel type: Ethanol blends (E10) typically cut MPG by a few percent versus pure gasoline.
• Riding style: Smooth throttle inputs and anticipating traffic improve efficiency.
• Terrain and altitude: Hills and headwinds increase consumption; altitude can change fueling needs.

Addressing these items usually narrows the gap between your results and the typical ranges noted for each model.

How to measure your scooter’s MPG accurately

If you want to confirm your scooter’s economy, the simple “fill‑to‑fill” method yields reliable results.

1. Fill the tank to the same point each time (e.g., to the bottom of the filler neck).
2. Reset the trip odometer (or note the odometer reading).
3. Ride normally until your next fill‑up.
4. Refill to the same level and record gallons added and miles traveled.
5. Compute MPG: miles divided by gallons added; repeat over several tanks for a solid average.

A multi‑tank average smooths out one‑off variations from wind, traffic, or unusually short trips.

Bottom line

For a 1987 Honda Elite, expect roughly 80–110 mpg for the 50cc, 80–100 mpg for the 80cc, around 60–70 mpg for the 150cc, and about 55–65 mpg for the 250cc in typical mixed riding. Your exact result will depend on model, speed, and maintenance.

Summary

The 1987 Honda Elite’s fuel economy varies by engine size: the 50cc and 80cc models often exceed 80 mpg, while the 150cc and 250cc versions usually return 55–70 mpg. Real‑world factors—speed, upkeep, and riding style—can shift results, so measuring over multiple tanks provides the best personal benchmark.

How many miles per gallon does a Honda Elite 80 get?

The Honda Elite 80 (CH80) is advertised as getting 75-80 miles per gallon (MPG), with some sources and users confirming this range under normal riding conditions. The manufacturer originally rated it in this range, and while individual mileage can vary based on factors like rider weight and road conditions, its fuel-efficient 80cc four-stroke engine is known for achieving excellent gas mileage.
 
Factors affecting MPG: 

• Rider weight: Lighter riders will generally achieve better mileage.
• Riding conditions: Stop-and-go city riding will consume more fuel than steady cruising on open roads.
• Vehicle condition: A well-maintained Elite 80 with proper carburetor tuning will likely perform better than one that is not.
• Throttle control: Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed are key to maximizing fuel efficiency.

In summary: You can expect to get close to the 75-80 MPG rating if you ride your Honda Elite 80 conservatively and ensure the scooter is in good working order.

What engine is in a 1987 Honda Elite 50?

Engine: Air-cooled, 2-stroke single, 49cc.

How many miles per gallon does a 1987 Honda Elite 250 get?

Fuel economy is typically 55-65mpg, which is solid performance for a scooter of this size. Some 50cc 2-strokes can’t do much better. The first Elite 250 (’85 – ’88) used a vertical motor which it shared with the Honda Helix (’86 – 2006).

What is the top speed of the 1987 Honda Elite 150?

The top speed of a stock 1987 Honda Elite 150 is generally around 55-65 mph, depending on rider weight and conditions. The scooter was originally designed to hit these speeds, though some models had integrated speed limiters in the front clutch that could cap the top end.
 
Factors Affecting Top Speed

• Rider Weight: Heavier riders will experience slower speeds. 
• Speed Limiter: A speed limiter in the CVT could restrict the top speed to around 55 mph. Removing or modifying this limiter is a common way to increase speed. 
• Condition: The age and condition of the scooter’s components, especially the variator and belt, will affect performance. 
• Road Conditions: Wind and incline can also impact the top speed. 

How to Increase Speed (with caution)
If the scooter’s speed is limited by the factory limiter, removing the limiter ring or washer from the front clutch can add about 5 mph to its top speed. 
Important Note: Before attempting any modifications, ensure you understand how to properly reassemble the clutch to avoid slippage and maintain performance.