Riding a Honda Helix! THE GOAT (Greatest of ALL TIME) of the 250cc scooter class!

[@michaelb.42112]

I own the sister bike ELITE 250 1986 with only 14k miles. It's so fast and fun. Same motor as the Helix.

[@albiecraig1996]

I bet I've watched 50 videos on the honda helix. Thank you for being so thorough and explaining everything. It makes me feel more comfortable about buying one. Good work sir

[@Reasonz]

Hi i want to buy one but how did u find it and any things i should know before i pay

[@Serpico1152]

Helix sound good and worth the price since it definitely has been kept up with it's maintenance. I have been riding bikes for over 50 years going from 50 to 1800cc models my last 2 were 1500 & 1800 Honda Goldwings up to 2004. Back in the early '80's I had a 1975 Kawasaki Z1 900, a Honda CB125, and a moped and people couldn't understand how I could get off one and ride the other but they all were fun to drive under each different riding conditions. Getting older I got away from the big heavy bikes and saw a red 1996 Honda Helix for sale toward the end of 2018 on Craigslist with 20,000 miles on it for $1200 and purchased it. It was very near perfect but for piece of mind I replaced the coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, differential gear oil, air & belt case filters,etc. It had some vibration taking off from idle which was due to a combination of the origional CVT components wearing out (variator rollers, belt, clutch friction pads, etc) which I very easily replaced eveything myself last summer with genuine Honda parts @ $600 rather than using a low quality Chinese complete driven pulley assembly for $200 which is not as reliable and likely to be shot by 7,000 miles, it's best to just spend the extra money to be trouble free for another 20,000 miles. Afterwards I drove it in a charity bike ride last October driving along side a lot of huge bikes including Goldwings and everyone was impressed with the Helix performance and how I didn't get lost in their exhaust. I have mine tagged historic and plan on keeping this one as long as I'm alive since it is now 100% road worthy and a real blast to drive.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Exactly! I am definitely a motorcycle guy and I have had and prefer to keep bigger CC motorcycles around to ride. BUT I never turn down a chance to take a helix out, they are crazy little machines and you wouldn’t think they handle as good as they do by looking at them

[@redbaron474]

@@SiegfriedsMotorwerx Got razzed for riding a helix by a hardley rider... Saw him later on the highway, so I caught up, pulled alongside briefly, and gave him a big wave, lol.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Red Baron the lesson he should have learned that day is “never underestimate a Honda helix” I actually took a Honda helix to OCMD bike week 2 years ago instead of my bagger, had way more fun that way too

[@redbaron474]

@@SiegfriedsMotorwerx Funny thought: If they think riding a harley makes them a "real, macho man", why do we never see them on the roads in the winter? ;)

[@invaderzim1265]

I have a question sir. A young motorcyclist here, should I use a 10W - 40 motorcycle synthetic Mobile One oil on my automatic 1996 Honda Helix?

[@thedaydreamer7972]

I own a Helix, and burgman 400 and 3 motorcycles,,,There is definetly a case for the Helix being the greatest scooter of all time, its quick, lightweight, nimble and oh so relaxing, I have mine in tip top shape, its incredible around town, Ive gotten mine up to 80MPH and the burgman is a little faster and more stable running at higher speeds but the Helix is understressed and can do 65 all day long and its easy to work on,,,if you are going to do a lot of highway riding id opt for something bigger but for everything else its a dream

[@kennypool]

I have the 07 model , had for about 10 years. It really is the goat of scooters. Easily good for 100k miles

[@HP.Customs]

Just bought a 2001 yesterday with 1300 miles on it from the original owner, paid 2 grand for it. Watched this video before I bought it for info, thanks. Great tutorial.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Congrats on the helix!

[@amatureskater15]

never sell it

[@Arnerse]

Everything he said is true!! I have one 94’ with 27k miles. Added new brakes, tires, and led headlight, and tinted Givi windshield. Works like a champ

[@steverandall5814]

The Honda Helix and its stablemate the Elite 250, are the GoldWings of the 250cc class. It's called the Helix in the USA but it's called the Fusion or Spazio elsewhere in the world. I had an '87 Helix with ~37K on it and it still ran great...that is until the small coolant line that warms up the carburetor decided to fail on the freeway at 65 mph. By the time I was able to stop safely, the engine was toast. I waffled on rebuilding the engine or not, but in the end, I sold it as-is and bought a Suzuki Bergman 650 which keeps up with freeway traffic easily instead of WOT.

[@joefromberlin2038]

I drive motorbikes. I have driven quite a lot of Big Scooters, Burgman 650, Tmax 530, name it...The actually best Scooter to travel in City-traffic is the Helix. On other Scooters you sit on the Scooter, with the helix you sit in the scooter, point of mass 25cm under all the others...you sit way, and believe me way! more comfortable then on any other scooter. With some good tires, men i made ducati drivers cry in the twisties... it´s possible to get 75 miles on a gallon, but it´s impossible to use more then one on 60. One hour on the highway it´s ok. doing 70 if he has to, feeling comfy up to 60. I would really like to see a new version. With a better front suspension 10hp more, the rest should stay. 160kg. not 270 like a burgman, 220 tmax...

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

An updated Helix with a Forza Powerplant. Now that’s something I can get behind!

[@BruceTheSillyGoose]

lordy i've long wanted one of these for my own since my dad had one back in the 90s, i've not found a scooter to ride as smoothly and level over rough bumpy pavement as his helix did, it felt like driving a cadillac.

[@JustClaude13]

My first scooter was a white 1987 Helix. Very nice and quite comfortable. It was a little scuffed, so I taped off a pattern of white accent stripes and painted the rest yellow. I miss that thing sometimes.

[@benjaminweiss7678]

Just bought one today...1999 - 27k miles - Immaculate . Super bargain , Great deal $900

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

YES!!! Congrats! How do you like it so far?

[@LAC32Griffin]

Lucky

[@unflushable_logs4797]

Dood I'm scooping a 86 with 56k miles 800 bucks

[@invaderzim1265]

Dude do you use a 10W - 40 Castrol gtx or Mobile One synthetic as your oil?

[@miratronproduction974]

This and the elite are the best scooters ever made .

[@jasonswiatkowski9127]

The Helix was just the final evolution of the Elite line of scooters. Compare the Elite 250 to a Helix.

[@808Stateddd]

@@jasonswiatkowski9127 - I own both an Elite 250 and a Helix. Helix always wins.

[@kellyrayburn4093]

Oh, I want one. "But you're a woman." I'm a biker chick.. And while this is not your standard shifter motorcycle, It's comfortable as HELL, can run down the road all day at near redline and is generally bulletproof when it comes to the motor." One thing you can say about Honda bikes is they know how to build engines.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

The Hondas will last forever!

[@Serpico1152]

There's nothing wrong with being a biker chick owning a motorcycle & having a Helix too. If some of your biker friends took a demo ride on one they would probably want one too, I previously commented that I have permanently downsized from riding 6 cylinder 1500 & 1800cc Goldwings.

[@mig50cc]

@@Serpico1152I'm pretty sure there's nothing wrong with owning a Helix and not owning a motorcycle either.

[@Serpico1152]

@@mig50cc Absolutely, I agree 👍!

[@craig1974]

What is your opinion on the Chinese Helix clones such as the CF Moto Fashion, or Qlink Commuter? I hear mixed reviews about them. Helix rider here.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

We’ve had a few in the shop over the years. Not a fan of them at all. The break if you look at them wrong

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Hey there - I've heard differently, the Chinese scooters that are cloned well run, well. Maybe a decade back their QC was lacking but that day has passed. In DFW alone the largest power sports dealers are NOT the Japanese, it's the Chinese ones. I'm currently looking at a new 250cc CN-250 / 172mm Honda clone scooter, for $2650. The parts are universal so you have cheaper $$$ vs OE parts. I'm loving my 2006 Burgman 400 but very excited to try this Chinesium clone Scoot. It's said to be able to cruise 70-75 all day long on the Interstate. If it's performance & road manners match / exceed my Burgman, I'll jump on it.

[@MotorheadRedo]

I'd like to have a Helix, but their getting hard to find and I think maybe the prices are going up? Everything on the used vehicle market seems to be much higher now than it was a few years ago.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

They are getting super hard to find with good miles in good shape

[@Heyoka73]

Kick start also?

[@costanzaman42]

Would the helix be comfortable for a 6’3” rider?

[@LastOfTheLeatherAge]

I'm 6'5 and I find the helix to be the only real comfortable scooter. You may need a tall windshield made by Givi, but it's like driving a lazy boy recliner if you have the backrest.

[@costanzaman42]

@@LastOfTheLeatherAge thanks for the reply. If only I could get my hands on one. They seem pretty hard to come by

[@LastOfTheLeatherAge]

@@costanzaman42 facebook market has a lot, if you're in the USA. expect to pay 1500-2000.

[@seanmcgivney7631]

I love my 2000 Helix, I am 5'10" and do wish for a little more leg room. I find myself sitting part ways on the hump.

[@denisgosselin7383]

Hi what is the link where this can be bought as i could not understand it in your video.

[@Plague_Architect]

I’m super hopeful I can get this 1996 Helix for sale around here. It’s about the only option I have left but it’s a STEAL. just under 12k miles and only $1200. It’s in great condition too 😩

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

That sounds like a killer deal for sure. When it comes to helix’s if they are clean the age factor sort of disappears

[@magealexstra]

your video only has left channel audio. you may want to swap your settings to stereo...

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Mage Alexstra oh yeah, that was before we got Final Cut Pro. All of our new recent videos have been in stereo

[@hinano316]

Awesome bike 👍👍👍

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Thanks! I always look forward to spending some time on a helix

[@dirtydavetv3090]

Why would anyone need to do a carb clean on the newer scooters you refer to that are all fuel injected?

[@EuropaWill]

Your Honda rebel 250 that couldn't hit 60 mph is broken. Mine had no problem hitting 75+ in the highway.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Could be true

[@edgarlara7351]

What spark plug does the engine have why I changed it to mine but it often fails after running for 5 or 10 minutes when it turns off running

[@BlvckWorld932]

I have a 01 250 helix that's been sitting for years still to this day

[@samuelkinsey5430]

Do you want to sell it

[@andrewlee5948]

How many miles can you put on a Helix before it needs engine work?

[@pmay222]

dont these bikes eat rear tyres and wheel bearings..? i love the rear footbrake though... i always miss that on a scooter..

[@jasonswiatkowski9127]

They do go through tires every 5-6000 miles. Ive not had wheel bearing issues. Have not heard of that being an issue.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

That’s never been an issue with any of our helix scooters

[@sarnovskyadam]

I have a 2015 Honda Forza 300 and it is far superior to any helix I've ever ridden. You forget to mention the smaller wheel size on the Helix which makes a massive difference in stablity on the road. Forza beats it in looks, comfort, speed, ride, acceleration, storage size, fuel injection vs carb, etc. I picked mine up for 1600$ with under 2k miles on it. I've heard that there are Forzas all over the country still new and unsold from 2015/2016 due to people not buying them which is why you're able to get such an awesome deal on a nearly brand new scooter. I would always recommend a scooter with fuel injection over a carburetor. Makes all the difference in the world going up big hills and starting up on colder days.

[@jasontomica8938]

I have to give the helix one thing, it has more leg room than my forza and a nice seat, but that is about it.

[@amatureskater15]

wall it was designed in the 80's..... so all of those points are kind of irrelevant. It SHOULD be better. The fact that it's even a debate, shows how well designed and built the Helix scooters were

[@jasontomica8938]

I had a 2000 helix, great bike but for long distance my 2015 abs forza smokes it !!!!!

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

my only complaint about the forza was how tight the floor board is on it.

[@terryholland3004]

I've been looking for a helix for a while.does anyone know where I can find one anywhere near gainesville GA.?

[@kamilissah1568]

how can I get one am in Ghana

[@serbang277]

you can't

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

i don't know how possible that would be

[@vintagesimplexfirealarmsof6440]

Nice moped

[@aliyusufbirinci90]

what brand is your gloves?

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

The gloves from this video were “neff” technically they are snowboarding gloves

[@motorbikecam5172]

Good video

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Thanks! Hard to tell from your profile pic, but what kind of bike do you ride?

[@motorbikecam5172]

Siegfried’s Motorwerx No problem! A ninja 650. I’ve had a ruckus and I did a ton of stuff to it. I wanna get a helix though and take it to San Francisco and stuff (I’m in northern California )

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Motorbikecam ninja 650’s are absolute weapons especially if you do some work to them, a helix would make a great commuter

[@motorbikecam5172]

Siegfried’s Motorwerx ya I heard 90,000 miles well maintained that’s awesome! Plus you can do roller weights and all that and modify it so it’ll be even better

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Motorbikecam we’ve got a spare helix motor laying around and a Yamaha Vino that needs a motor. So we will be swapping the motor in and building it up some day sooner then later. So if your looking for helix mods keep an eye out on our channel

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

The wheel size is way to small for American roads. One pothole and you can say dislocated shoulder.

[@drp2672]

Cool Scooter. Thanks for wearing proper gear for the ride and not sandals and shorts.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Just wearing some work clothes

[@seanmcgivney7631]

Love the purple gloves!

[@W.451]

Re-jetted to eliminate the lean burn I know someone who could get it to 82 mph.

[@SiegfriedsMotorwerx]

Now that’s a helix I need to ride!

[@W.451]

@@SiegfriedsMotorwerx Working on my own 2007 now K&N RC-1060, did re-jetting and Dr. Pulley extended ramp vario on the docket. Currently has definitely increased acceleration.

[@bigpoppa1209]

Do you have any Helius available now.

[@jasontomica8938]

Even the reflex is better in almost all categories

[@kellyrayburn4093]

Except for ride comfort. They go fast enough, but you'll be exhausted on long rides. Not so with the Helix.

[@صكارحسين-ف6ق]

واحد اجنبي عمي ❤

[@humanmusic]

I stopped watching when I saw purple gloves.

[@jasonswiatkowski9127]

Those are hideous.

[@kellyrayburn4093]

So you blame the machine for what its operator is wearing? How unenlightened.

[@outofbusiness3575]

Would I need a motorcycle license for the helix just to ride on street. Where public cars drive on

[@gsxrdoug7521]

Yes, anything over 50 cc you need a motorcycle endorsement