OK, we added a '99 Helix to the stable and I have a bunch of questions. Starting off easy - Tires (Oh no, not another tire thread). The specs I've seen show 110/100-12 and 120/90-10. Is this correct? Does anyone make tires with higher than 62MPH speed ratings? Also, the rear tire looks like it has rubbed against something on the left side. It does not look like a curb scrub, more like it was rubbing against a frame or suspension member. Oh, and the rubbing is not all the way around, only about 1/3 of the circumference. Is there something back there that would do this? Suspension link or bushings that could wear out? Any particular things to look out for or hints for the scooter owner? Oh yes, any other good sites for information? The scooter seem to run fine, and it's a blast to ride. Thanks, jdg
A good Helix forum: http://www.slonaker.net/helixforum/index.php I like the Bridgestone ML16 rear and ML17 front tires. Your sizes are right. http://www.dkscooters.com/tires--by-brand--bridgestone--front-tires-.html If the exhaust clamp gets loose it can rub against the rear tire, but only 1/3 around is indeed strange. I can have any motorcycle I want and for around town and road trips on back roads I choose the Helix. It gets 69 mpg, supremely comfortable, excellent weather protection, so easy you can drive with one hand, and you can carry a large pizza in the truck without ugly farkles. It's not too fun on the interstate but what bike is? Mine is also a babe-magnet. Chicks dig confidence. Things to look out for: Check the oil level every few hundred miles until you know your motor. I owned one that consumed oil but didn't ever smoke or leak. Check the carb boot, it can crack and cause engine damage due to running lean.
Thanks for the pointers. The Bridgestones are J rated or 62MPH. I don't know how much of a real issue this will be, but I know the scooter will run along at 70 without feeling like it is about to puke its guts out. I'd rather have a slightly higher rated tire. I see the Michelin Bopper is L or 75 MPH rated (120/90-10) but they don't have a comparable front tire. The search continues. I'll check the muffler clamp and probably have the folks who have been servicing the beast check for bearings or out of round rim condition. jdg
Alexkram nailed it, all of it. I tried various tires, am back to the Bridgestones mentioned for bestallaround. I take mine everywhere and maybe always will(except when I'm riding my TW200).
I, too love my Helix. My Yamaha FZ1 gets little use since this scooter came into my life. My wife's new Kymco People 150 is a fun little bike, but the Helix is amazingly capable for a 250.
Just put in another 340 mile day on mine; pleasant, fun and efficient. While I can easily appreciate that others may need more, I'm happily satisfied.
Well, I went for the Bridgestones - seem to be working well enough for what it needs to do. This thing is just silly fun. I find myself grabbing it to make quick trips to the store, head over to home depot (no, I'm not buying plywood) for fasteners, or up for Chinese take-out. It's much easier than getting out the car or the Norge (although not nearly the same kind of fun). It will never be the one I grab for blasting through the canyons or heading up to Solvang or San Francisco, but for around town stuff - very cool. Everything seems to be where it should on the scooter - nothing missing and everything is relatively tight. I need to order new lower panels as several of these have broken tabs or have been otherwise abused. Maybe the spoiler with an additional light, but NOT the chrome pieces . All in all, fun stuff. jdg
http://mpsracing.net/helix-manual/ online helix manual. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/hondahelixdiscussion/ http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/cn250/?yguid=200749777 helix yahoo groups. Lots of info. this site is for elite but since most of the tec tips are inchangeable it's worth looking into. we use helix parts to stay on the road . eg gates belts instead of oem honda which are 80 bucks in canada. Also you can download elite 250 manual. http://www.ch250.net/techtips.htm This is a link for down load of helix pdf manual. http://www.4shared.com/file/41347538/be3972f6/hondacn250helix.htm if anyone know of a better link for the helix manual feel free to give it out.
