Scooter Motor | First introduced in the US in 1986 the Honda Helix was definitely a show stopper. It looked like something straight out of “Star Wars”. In the rest of the world it was know as the Fusion or Spazio.
Powered by a 244 cc engine the Helix can claim status as the granddaddy of all modern Maxi-Scooters. It had a barca-lounger style seating arrangement, pull back handlebars, and a Sci-Fi inspired digital dashboard. It also had a large built in storage compartment in the rear. Like the trunk on an automobile. It featured a CVT transmission like all modern scooters which meant no shifting, just twist and go.
The Helix had a huge wheelbase, fully 14 inches longer than the CH250 Elite scooter it replaced. It’s length, combined with the trailing link front suspension made for a smooth limousine like ride.
The engine developed a claimed 19 hp but in truth the engine was very de-tuned. This very fact allowed the Helix to run at extended periods at full throttle without harm. Helix’s have in fact participated in “Iron Butt Rallies” and other cross country runs. There are Helix’s out there with incredibly high mileage for a single cylinder engine. Highest I have seen personally was 70,000 miles and still running fine. The motor had never been rebuilt. Their are higher claims.
So near perfect was the Helix’s original design that the Helix remained nearly unchanged for 20 years. In 2001 the Honda company switched from painted steel wheels to aluminum. That was about it. There were some color and decal changes too.
The Helix handled well (it was no sport bike but well mannered), could attain speeds of 70 mph+ and delivered fuel economy over 60 mpg (depending on riding style, rider weight and conditions). Because they only had 10″ wheels the weak spot was the rear tire. It was only good for around 5000 miles. But the tires are inexpensive.
There is a good after market selection of “Pimp my Ride” accessories for the Helix and it’s a favorite of Japanese scooter customizers. Like this “Elvis” looking Helix below.
It is also a successful enough machine that the Chinese companies have cloned it and sell their own version. Most common are the ones built by CF-Moto. The Helix 244 cc engine is the base design of many of the Chinese 250 cc scooters.
A used Helix starts around a $1000 for a running beater and a very, very, nice one can be had for under $3000. For most people it’s a love it or hate it design but the scooter itself is a good blend of comfort and capability. It’s capable of traveling long distances, can handle highway speeds (with care), has good storage space, and best of all is a bargain. It’s no longer sold in the US but they were available through 2006 and there are thousands of good used ones on the market. If you need to carry two people or your commute involves 55 mph or higher stretches of road it’s definitely worth a look. Oh and there is that moment when you get pretend your racing through the forests of Endor escaping from the Imperial troops on your speeder bike (Star Wars “The Empire Strikes Back”)
Source : scootmaine.com | Scoter Motor
