1987 Honda CH150 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs
The 1987 Honda CH150, often called the Elite 150, is a stylish and practical scooter that enjoyed popularity in the late 1980s. As a step-through scooter with a maxi-scooter aesthetic, it offered a comfortable riding experience. It was produced for several years, with the CH150 being a prominent model. Known for its reliable Honda engineering and a premium feel for its time, it stood out for its blend of urban utility and a touch of luxury in the scooter market. Pricing when new was in the mid-$2,000 range.
The Good
The 1987 Honda CH150 excels in reliability and fuel efficiency, offering a stress-free ownership experience. Its comfortable seating and smooth ride appeal to practical commuters, while its sleek, retro design evokes a sense of sophisticated nostalgia, satisfying emotional desires for style and dependable quality.
The Bad
Potential buyers should watch out for aging plastic components that can become brittle, electrical issues related to wiring harnesses and the stator, and the potential for carburetor problems due to sitting. Brake performance, while adequate, can be improved with upgrades. Ensure the automatic transmission shifts smoothly.
1987 Honda CH150: Quick Overview
- Engine: 1987 Honda CH150 features a 149cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine.
- Horsepower: Typically around 12-13 horsepower.
- Fuel Economy: Excellent, often achieving 50-60 MPG depending on riding conditions.
- 0-60 Times: Not a typical metric for scooters; acceleration is focused on urban utility rather than rapid speed bursts. It's designed for quick off-the-line response for city riding.
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable. Scooters are not designed for towing.
- Transmission: Automatic (V-belt automatic transmission).
- Brakes: Front and rear drum brakes are standard. Some might have had optional front disc brakes on higher trims or later model years, but the 1987 CH150 primarily used drum brakes.
- Suspension: Telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock suspension system.
- Tires: Typically 12-inch wheels with tubeless tires.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 2.2 gallons.
- Weight: Around 280-300 lbs wet.
- Key Trims/Features: The CH150 Elite was generally a single, well-appointed trim. Key features included:
- Full fairing for wind protection and a sleek appearance.
- Under-seat storage compartment, often sufficient for a helmet.
- Automatic transmission for ease of use.
- Electric start.
- Analogue dashboard with speedometer, fuel gauge, and indicator lights.
- Comfortable two-up seating.
- Passenger grab rails.
- Parking brake.
- Occasionally, some models might have offered an optional rear luggage rack or a different color scheme, but significant trim differences are not common for this specific model year.
1987 Honda CH150 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1987 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | CH150 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Motorcycle |
| Category | Motorcycle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | KUMAMOTO |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 153CC |
| Engine Size | 153L |
| Engine Cylinders | 1 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | - |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
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What Problems Does the 1987 Honda CH150 Have?
The 1987 Honda CH150 is generally regarded as a very reliable machine, thanks to Honda's robust engineering. However, being an older vehicle, certain issues are more commonly reported. One of the most frequent concerns revolves around the stator. Over time, stators can fail, leading to charging system problems, such as the battery not charging properly, which can result in starting issues and the scooter eventually dying. This is a significant electrical component that owners often need to address.
Another area to watch is the carburetor. If the scooter has been sitting for extended periods without proper fuel stabilizer, the carburetor can become gummed up, leading to starting difficulties, rough idling, and poor performance. Cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor is a common maintenance task for older CH150s.
The wiring harness, like in many vehicles of this age, can also develop issues. Wires can fray, connectors can corrode, leading to intermittent electrical faults that can be challenging to diagnose. This includes issues with lights, the ignition system, or the charging system.
Cooling system components, such as hoses and the radiator, should be inspected for leaks or deterioration. While the liquid-cooling system is generally robust, old rubber components can degrade.
Brakes, typically drum brakes on the 1987 model, can wear out and may require adjustment or replacement of the shoes. While not a major reliability concern, their stopping power might be less than modern disc brakes.
Regarding recalls, specific recalls for the 1987 Honda CH150 are not widely documented or particularly prominent in recent years, as most safety-related issues from that era would have been addressed long ago, or the vehicles are too old for active recalls. The focus for owners of a 1987 model is on proactive maintenance and addressing the common wear-and-tear items mentioned above to ensure continued reliability.
Another area to watch is the carburetor. If the scooter has been sitting for extended periods without proper fuel stabilizer, the carburetor can become gummed up, leading to starting difficulties, rough idling, and poor performance. Cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor is a common maintenance task for older CH150s.
The wiring harness, like in many vehicles of this age, can also develop issues. Wires can fray, connectors can corrode, leading to intermittent electrical faults that can be challenging to diagnose. This includes issues with lights, the ignition system, or the charging system.
Cooling system components, such as hoses and the radiator, should be inspected for leaks or deterioration. While the liquid-cooling system is generally robust, old rubber components can degrade.
Brakes, typically drum brakes on the 1987 model, can wear out and may require adjustment or replacement of the shoes. While not a major reliability concern, their stopping power might be less than modern disc brakes.
Regarding recalls, specific recalls for the 1987 Honda CH150 are not widely documented or particularly prominent in recent years, as most safety-related issues from that era would have been addressed long ago, or the vehicles are too old for active recalls. The focus for owners of a 1987 model is on proactive maintenance and addressing the common wear-and-tear items mentioned above to ensure continued reliability.
How long will the 1987 Honda CH150 last?
With diligent maintenance, a 1987 Honda CH150 can easily surpass 50,000 miles, and many examples have achieved well over 70,000 miles. Honda's legendary reliability means the engine and core components are built to last. Long-term durability is excellent, provided the owner performs regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and addresses minor issues promptly. Weaknesses that manifest over time, as detailed previously, include potential electrical component failures like the stator, and wear on the carburetor and aging rubber parts. However, these are often repairable, and the scooter's fundamental construction ensures a long service life for those who care for them.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1987 Honda CH150 Elite represents an era where vehicle technology was primarily focused on functionality and fundamental reliability rather than advanced electronic features. Consequently, its built-in tech, entertainment, driver-assistance, and safety features are quite basic, aligning with the scooter market of the late 1980s.
Tech and Entertainment: The CH150 features a straightforward analogue dashboard. This typically includes a speedometer, an odometer, a fuel gauge, and indicator lights for turn signals, high beam, and oil pressure. There is no onboard computer, digital display, or entertainment system (like radios or CD players) as we understand them today. Its technological focus was on providing essential information to the rider for safe operation.
Driver-Assistance Features: Driver-assistance features, as they are known in modern vehicles, were non-existent on the 1987 Honda CH150. The scooter relies entirely on the rider's skill and attention. Features like ABS, traction control, or parking sensors were not part of its design.
Safety Features: Safety features were also rudimentary. The primary safety aspects were the scooter's inherent stability and the rider's protective gear. It came equipped with standard lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals) for visibility. The brakes, typically drum brakes on both wheels for the 1987 model, provided stopping power, though their effectiveness would be less than modern disc brakes. It included a parking brake for securing the scooter when stationary.
Optional Features: Optional features were limited and often dealer-installed accessories. These could include a rear luggage rack for increased carrying capacity, a taller windscreen for enhanced wind protection, or decorative trim pieces.
Crash-Test Ratings: Specific crash-test ratings for scooters like the 1987 Honda CH150 are generally not available from standard automotive safety organizations (like NHTSA or IIHS) in the same way they are for cars and motorcycles. Safety testing for scooters of this era was not as standardized or publicized. The design focused on a stable chassis, adequate braking, and basic lighting for road legality.
Tech and Entertainment: The CH150 features a straightforward analogue dashboard. This typically includes a speedometer, an odometer, a fuel gauge, and indicator lights for turn signals, high beam, and oil pressure. There is no onboard computer, digital display, or entertainment system (like radios or CD players) as we understand them today. Its technological focus was on providing essential information to the rider for safe operation.
Driver-Assistance Features: Driver-assistance features, as they are known in modern vehicles, were non-existent on the 1987 Honda CH150. The scooter relies entirely on the rider's skill and attention. Features like ABS, traction control, or parking sensors were not part of its design.
Safety Features: Safety features were also rudimentary. The primary safety aspects were the scooter's inherent stability and the rider's protective gear. It came equipped with standard lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals) for visibility. The brakes, typically drum brakes on both wheels for the 1987 model, provided stopping power, though their effectiveness would be less than modern disc brakes. It included a parking brake for securing the scooter when stationary.
Optional Features: Optional features were limited and often dealer-installed accessories. These could include a rear luggage rack for increased carrying capacity, a taller windscreen for enhanced wind protection, or decorative trim pieces.
Crash-Test Ratings: Specific crash-test ratings for scooters like the 1987 Honda CH150 are generally not available from standard automotive safety organizations (like NHTSA or IIHS) in the same way they are for cars and motorcycles. Safety testing for scooters of this era was not as standardized or publicized. The design focused on a stable chassis, adequate braking, and basic lighting for road legality.
What Colors Options are Available?
We’re working on this section!
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
1987 Honda CH150 Prices and Market Value
When new, the 1987 Honda CH150 Elite was typically priced in the range of $2,200 to $2,600, positioning it as a premium scooter for its time. Today, used market prices vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and originality. Expect to find them ranging from around $800 for project bikes or those with high mileage and cosmetic issues, up to $2,500 or even more for immaculately maintained, low-mileage examples in excellent original condition. The CH150 has depreciated considerably from its original price, as is typical for most vehicles over 30 years old. However, its resale value is positively impacted by its Honda reliability, iconic 80s styling, and the growing interest in classic scooters. A well-maintained CH150 holds its value better than many lesser-known brands from the same era.
1987 Honda CH150 Cost of Ownership
The 1987 Honda CH150 is exceptionally economical to own. Insurance premiums are generally very low due to its age, low top speed, and classification as a scooter. Fuel costs are minimal, with its 150cc engine delivering outstanding fuel economy, often exceeding 50 MPG. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, is inexpensive. Repairs, while occasional, are typically manageable due to the availability of parts and the scooter's simple mechanical design. Overall, the CH150 is a cost-effective mode of transportation, making it an economical choice for daily commuting or leisurely rides.
1987 Honda CH150 Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1987 Honda CH150 Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
1987 Honda CH150 Insurance
Insurance for a 1987 Honda CH150 is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Motorcycle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1987 Honda CH150 Compare to Other Motorcycle?
The 1987 Honda CH150 Elite competed in the growing maxi-scooter market of the late 1980s. Its primary rivals would have included other Japanese manufacturers like Yamaha and Suzuki, as well as some European brands.
Performance: Compared to smaller 50cc or 100cc scooters, the CH150's 149cc engine offered significantly better acceleration and highway capability, making it more versatile for commuting beyond city limits. However, against larger displacement scooters or early motorcycles, its performance was modest, topping out around 60-65 mph.
Features: The CH150 was considered well-equipped for its time, boasting a liquid-cooled engine, automatic transmission, and substantial under-seat storage – features that weren't universally standard on all scooters. Its comfortable, faired design was a major draw, offering more weather protection than open-deck scooters.
Reliability: Honda's reputation for reliability was a significant advantage. While rivals like Yamaha (e.g., certain models of the Maxum series) and Suzuki also offered reliable scooters, Honda consistently led in perceived and actual long-term durability.
Price: The CH150 was positioned at the higher end of the scooter price spectrum when new, reflecting its premium features and Honda branding. This meant it was more expensive than many basic scooters but offered better value for those seeking comfort and performance.
Alternatives:
In its class, the 1987 Honda CH150 stood out for its refined engineering, comfort, and enduring reliability, making it a strong contender against its contemporaries.
Performance: Compared to smaller 50cc or 100cc scooters, the CH150's 149cc engine offered significantly better acceleration and highway capability, making it more versatile for commuting beyond city limits. However, against larger displacement scooters or early motorcycles, its performance was modest, topping out around 60-65 mph.
Features: The CH150 was considered well-equipped for its time, boasting a liquid-cooled engine, automatic transmission, and substantial under-seat storage – features that weren't universally standard on all scooters. Its comfortable, faired design was a major draw, offering more weather protection than open-deck scooters.
Reliability: Honda's reputation for reliability was a significant advantage. While rivals like Yamaha (e.g., certain models of the Maxum series) and Suzuki also offered reliable scooters, Honda consistently led in perceived and actual long-term durability.
Price: The CH150 was positioned at the higher end of the scooter price spectrum when new, reflecting its premium features and Honda branding. This meant it was more expensive than many basic scooters but offered better value for those seeking comfort and performance.
Alternatives:
- Similar: Other 125cc-150cc scooters from the era, such as the Yamaha YP125 Majesty (though often a later model), or various Vespa models, offered different styling and often a more utilitarian approach. The Suzuki Burgman series would become a more direct competitor in later years.
- Better/Different: For pure performance or sportier riding, a small motorcycle like a Honda Rebel 250 or a Yamaha Virago 250 would offer more power and handling. For pure economy and simplicity, a 50cc or 100cc scooter from any major manufacturer would be cheaper to buy and run but sacrifice performance and comfort.
In its class, the 1987 Honda CH150 stood out for its refined engineering, comfort, and enduring reliability, making it a strong contender against its contemporaries.
Final Verdict: Is the 1987 Honda CH150 a Good Motorcycle?
The 1987 Honda CH150 Elite is ideal for budget-conscious commuters seeking a reliable, economical, and stylish way to navigate urban environments. It's perfect for riders who prioritize ease of use, fuel efficiency, and Honda's renowned dependability over raw speed or cutting-edge technology.
It is absolutely worth buying, especially if found in good to excellent condition. As a used vehicle, its value proposition is high. Look for well-maintained examples with documented service history. Buyers should be prepared for potential maintenance on aging components like the stator or carburetor, but these are generally manageable costs. It's a great entry into the scooter world for new riders and a nostalgic ride for those who remember these machines from their youth. Buying one today is a wise choice for economical, enjoyable transportation.
It is absolutely worth buying, especially if found in good to excellent condition. As a used vehicle, its value proposition is high. Look for well-maintained examples with documented service history. Buyers should be prepared for potential maintenance on aging components like the stator or carburetor, but these are generally manageable costs. It's a great entry into the scooter world for new riders and a nostalgic ride for those who remember these machines from their youth. Buying one today is a wise choice for economical, enjoyable transportation.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.