Honda Helix 250 (1997)

by Gaile
(Cookeville, TN)

Picture of Honda Helix

Picture of Honda Helix

This Honda Helix scooter review details one rider's experience with a scooter vs. a motorcycle... Gaile says... I got my motorcycle license at the ripe old age of 42 after taking a motorcycle safety class.


I had always ridden behind my husband on his motorcycle, but decided I wanted to ride on my own. My husband bought me a 250 motorcycle, but was always concerned about me shifting gears and taking off, since I had to deal with a clutch and can't even drive a car that has to have the gears shifted.

His dad had a 1997 Honda Helix scooter that he decided to sell. My husband all but insisted that we buy it and sell my motorcycle. At first, I thought this would ruin my "biker image", but soon I fell in love with the scooter.

I have had it about 7 1/2 years (yes, I'm now 50) and wouldn't trade it for anything. I have kept the scooter well maintained and have never had anything done to it that wasn't just part of regular maintenance.

It is great for driving in town and secondary roads. I would not recommend it for freeway driving. It will run steadily at 60 to 65 MPH without hesitation, but gets blown around (because of its light weight) by large trucks on the highway.

I have considered buying a larger scooter, but I really can't think of any reason why I need one any bigger than my Honda Helix scooter.

Hope you enjoyed this Honda Helix scooter review!

Comments for Honda Helix 250 (1997)

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Sep 07, 2018
Rating
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Vacuum hose routing on 1997 honda helix NEW
by: Dave

Can someone take pictures of the vacuum line on their scooter and send them to me. I bought my wife a Helix and someone else has messed with carb before me and the service manual doesn't show every thing. this bike has Calif. smog junk on it and the vacuum line for it go's to the vacuum port for the Air Shut off valve but book doen't show where to get vacuum for Air valve when your bike is equiped with smog stuff! HELP

Mar 14, 2018
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Honda Helix NEW
by: ARDEN

i also have 1997 Honda Helix love the ride,but like others hjsve said you need a back rest and also since I am only 160 pounds and 5 feet 2 inches the bike does get blow all over the road and be be a little scary...I like the glove dept,and trunk the trunk has a big stoage space.....I printed out my ownners manual on line

Apr 22, 2015
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and yet, ANOTHER great review for the helix! NEW
by: Randy

Yup. I to have ridden and raced many MANY types of bikes my whole life and only recently discovered scootering. I used to think and say the same thing: how gey (no offence). Truth is, I now live these things and in particular my newly purchased, slightly used '94 honda helix. It does everything I need it to do & does it well: daily commuting and short trios up the highway @ speeds of 65-70 all while getting 76 mpg combined. I tried to tell the young sport riders @ work that I was just like them but more agressive and stupid on both my crotch rockets and motocross bikes $ have the many broken bones to prove it, complete w hardware. Lol! Scootering puts the fun back into the ride aspect and less focus on the noise making and speed. Don't have to shift, can hear what's going on around ya and enjoy the sights and sounds. Several of the kids think my helix is "the boss" when all the bikes are parked together! I find that pretty funny. It truly is. Next step is a radio & much needed backrest installation. Then it will be perfect. This stretch scooter is the perfect do all bike! If u have the very bad back, as I do: u will need the utopia back rest or @ least a padded backpacker. Enjoy! Randy

Apr 22, 2015
Rating
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and yet, ANOTHER great review for the helix! NEW
by: Randy

Yup. I to have ridden and raced many MANY types of bikes my whole life and only recently discovered scootering. I used to think and say the same thing: how gey (no offence). Truth is, I now live these things and in particular my newly purchased, slightly used '94 honda helix. It does everything I need it to do & does it well: daily commuting and short trios up the highway @ speeds of 65-70 all while getting 76 mpg combined. I tried to tell the young sport riders @ work that I was just like them but more agressive and stupid on both my crotch rockets and motocross bikes $ have the many broken bones to prove it, complete w hardware. Lol! Scootering puts the fun back into the ride aspect and less focus on the noise making and speed. Don't have to shift, can hear what's going on around ya and enjoy the sights and sounds. Several of the kids think my helix is "the boss" when all the bikes are parked together! I find that pretty funny. It truly is. Next step is a radio & much needed backrest installation. Then it will be perfect. This stretch scooter is the perfect do all bike! If u have the very bad back, as I do: u will need the utopia back rest or @ least a padded backpacker. Enjoy! Randy

Nov 26, 2014
Rating
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clutch spring compression tool NEW
by: Anonymous

Looking to buy the clutch spring compression tool for the Honda Helix. Hard one to find, so if anyone can help it would be much appreciated.

Feb 13, 2014
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Helix back rest NEW
by: Anonymous

Utopia Products makes a nice back rest for the Helix.I have one and it made a comfortable scooter even more comfortable.They make back rests for other models of scooters and motorcycles also.

Aug 16, 2012
Rating
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Helix Backrest NEW
by: Oliver

To the person who wished they had a backrest on their Honda Helix:

I have a 1997 Helix that I bought about a year ago and I searched everywhere for a backrest, to no avail. Finally I decided to see if I could try and make one. I used some scrap square tubing and built the "u" shaped frame for it attached it to the rear passenger handle and lastly found a nice cushy seat back or bottom at the flea market and attached it to my frame and I now have a nice comfortable backrest. It did take a little welding. My contact is as follows: cell 408-821-6610. email ofruge@msn.com I am looking for an owner's manual for my 1997 and that is how I came across your comment.

Jun 22, 2012
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Best of All Worlds Helix NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a 1987 Helix with 14000 miles on it. All the work I've done is tires, brakes(just because I was in there), rebuilt the rear clutch and oil changes. It fires right up, has plenty of power and can be driven on the highway. It does get blown around above 45mph but otherwise great. It only weighs 379lbs. I get 68-70mpg. I put a trunk on the rear but wish I had a simple driver backrest. If you find one, buy it!

May 25, 2011
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Hot Helix
by: Anonymous

Love those bikes
One bad ass scooter

Mar 15, 2011
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Helix rides like no other
by: Don Leonardo

I have a 2004 I bought used. I've ridden many motorcycles and also have a Genuine Stella. I love shifting but the ride of the Helix is so laid back and comfortable. It really has some pep off the line and after changing my rollers, etc I can hit 78 although I prefer the 40's. As a member of one of the Long Island Scooter Club's, Absolute to be specific, it's great for riding around the island under any condition.

www.absolutescooterclub.com/forum

Aug 28, 2010
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Helix
by: Ronnie Mc

I have had many motorcycles and still own a 750 ACE/Honda. I bought a Helix, had owned one before, year before last and to say the least the 750 doesn't get ridden that much anymore. I also own a Burgman 650 which I dearly love to ride, but in town I ride the helix all time and just really enjoy it...like the other guy in this post...it's put the fun back into riding again. the saddle and the strech are perfect for me...I'm only 5'9" and the Helix is a perfect fit for me.

Sep 09, 2008
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New Day, New Ways
by: Winslow Pope

I was a die hard motocycle type fellow, in till my wifes cousin and I took a day ride into the Smokeys. I,ve owned six motorcycles, and enjoyed them all. Until NOW!
On the second day it started to rain heavily, the saddle on my brand new Triumph was, for real, killing my ass. I've had two Harleys and rode all over the U.S., but never found a comfortable saddle. Any who, my generous "CUZ" was caring enough to swap machines. He rides a Honda Helix. Ya, thats right no Swapo back.
The next day I went to the my dealer and traded the Triumph for a Honda Relex. I cannot believe how happy I am with this ride. Happy, Happy, Happy. My OLD friends said; WHAT? you were always a club riding hard ass, but I told them, Ya, but now I am a comfortable Candy ass.
This sled had put the fun back in the same-old-same- ride. Life does bgin at 65.

Enjoy; Winslow From Tennessee

Aug 11, 2008
Rating
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Thanks, Gaile, for Sharing
by: Kathi

Thanks Gaile, for writing us about your experience with your scooter. Sounds like a great ride!

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