Is the 1986 Honda Helix the Greatest Scooter Ever?
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
The 1986 Honda Helix CN250, like the one recently for sale on eBay, is notable in the history of scooters. While most scooters prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and mobility—all ideal for city dwellers and shorter trips—the Helix took a different approach.
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Honda designers created a scooter that could travel at highway speeds over longer distances and with increased rider comfort. The result is a scooter that, in many ways, offered new opportunities for leisurely travel. Its easy-to-ride design required less rider experience and input to operate. The scooter's unique style was the icing on the cake. The Helix looked like it rolled out of an episode of Futurama.
The Honda Helix was introduced in 1986 and is considered one of the first "maxi-scooters" on the market. Larger and more powerful than traditional scooters, maxi-scooters bridge the gap between standard scooters and motorcycles. Honda aimed the Helix at a demographic looking for the convenience of a scooter with the comfort and functionality of a motorcycle.
Two-Wheeled Car
The Helix design was influenced by the concept of a two-wheeled car - opens in new window or tab.. It focused on rider comfort and practicality with a long wheelbase, low seat height, and a stretched-out, step-through body design. The large, plush seat, backrest - opens in new window or tab., and rider floorboards - opens in new window or tab. provide a comfortable riding position. It feels more like sitting "in" a car seat rather than "on" a traditional scooter or motorcycle seat. The windshield and feet-forward riding stance enhance comfort over longer distances.
Honda gave the Helix a futuristic look with fully enclosed bodywork, ample storage space, a glove compartment, and a car-like rear trunk. It's easy to see why the model was a popular choice for urban commuting and moderate touring in its heyday, thanks to its comfortable design and the ability to cruise at highway speeds and cover more miles comfortably.
Smooth and Reliable
Powered by a 244-cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, the Helix delivers the same smooth and reliable performance enthusiasts expect from Honda products. With 19 horsepower, the Helix reaches highway speeds of 70 to 75 mph, which is impressive for a 1980s scooter.
The V-Matic continuously variable transmission (CVT - opens in new window or tab.) further enhances the Helix's appeal as a user-friendly scooter. The CVT eliminates the need to change gears manually.
Technological innovations on the Helix include a digital dashboard, trip odometer, clock, and tachometer - opens in new window or tab.. These were relatively advanced for scooters of the period. The Helix’s comfort, range, storage capacity, and technological features resulted in a standout model in the scooter category.
162 Original Miles
The Honda Helix is a cult-classic scooter with Futurama style and real touring capability. When exceptional examples like this red gem appear in the scooter listings - opens in new window or tab., they usually sell quickly.
The seller described the Helix sold on eBay as a garage find with just 162 original miles. To return it to running condition, the seller replaced the fuel system with a new gas tank - opens in new window or tab., fuel pump - opens in new window or tab., fuel filter - opens in new window or tab., and performance carburetor. The scooter had fresh fluids, a new windshield, and a new set of Bridgestone Mola tires - opens in new window or tab., which the seller said is correct for a Helix of this vintage. An LED headlight replaced the original halogen unit.
Some consider the Helix the greatest scooter of all time. Honda produced the Helix from 1986 until 2007. The Helix saw only minor upgrades throughout its production run and slight model variations for different markets. This was a testament to its popularity and appeal.
The legacy of the Honda Helix is how it effectively combined the practicality of a scooter with the comfort features of a touring motorcycle in one easy-to-ride package. Its design paved the way for the maxi-scooter category, influencing new models and inspiring competitors to follow suit.
This article was originally published on Sept. 5, 2024.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.