Found a new yellow '04 Helix for sale at a Honda dealership for a discounted price, so went ahead and got it. Have had quite a few other bikes, including a Yamaha Riva 125 scooter, and currently also have a Kaw Vulcan 500. I read all the reviews I could find on the Helix before deciding to get it,...
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Found a new yellow '04 Helix for sale at a Honda dealership for a discounted price, so went ahead and got it. Have had quite a few other bikes, including a Yamaha Riva 125 scooter, and currently also have a Kaw Vulcan 500. I read all the reviews I could find on the Helix before deciding to get it, since was torn between getting it, a Big Ruckus, or a Morphous. Glad I got this, and so far must agree with what most of the other reviews say about this great machine. The ride is indeed smooth as silk, and very comfortable. What others say about it generating a lot of interest and folks wanting to strike up conversations and ask about it is true. I've noticed it really attracts the attention of a lot of women especially who think it is cute, and the ones I've gotten to take rides on it love it - this thing is a bona-fide chick magnet unlike any other bike I've ever had! While at this point it has over 700 miles on it, it feels like it has a long way to go before being "broken in". Have had it easily up to 70mph, and up to 75 breifly when riding alone. While it has plently of get-up-and-go, and acceleration is quite adequate, unlike a motorcycle, nailing the throttle from a dead stop doesn't do much, and you're never going to take off like a rocket-ship. I think one of the best skills you can develop to get the most out of this scooter is how to work the throttle and smoothly get up to speed while slowly advancing the throttle just enough to get you there. Handling and cornering is extremely nimble at any speed, and it almost begs to be dipped down into a corner like a sport bike. With the low center of gravity, it is quite easy to come to almost a complete stop without having to put your feet down. Between myself and a passenger, we have exceeded the max weight limit (350lbs) by about 100 pounds, but it handles the load fine, and haven't bottomed out the suspension yet. I do make sure though when doing this to take it easy, and stick to known smooth roads where I rarely need to exceed 45mph. I have noticed when overloaded, there is a slight shudder felt when starting out from a stop. It feels like it happens when the clutch is trying to engage, but seems to be smoothing out as the bike get more broken in. The effects of overloading can also be clearly seen in higher readings on the coolant temp guage from the engine working harder. While there is a cooling fan behind the radiator, its effectivness is questionable. You don't want to stay stopped for too long letting the engine idle, or the temp gauge really starts rising fast. While I haven't gotten the temp into the red, it did get into the yellow once after sitting for a few minutes before I started moving to get more air through the radiator. The storage space in the trunk is a lot more than one would think at first glance, and you can easily get a few 6-packs in there. The glove box space, on the other hand, is only enough for a pair of goggles on one side, and garage door opener on the other without much room left over. One must be careful when filling the gas tank, and keep the flow slow when nearing full, or else it will splash up. Overall though, I would have to say that it is the probably the most fun bike I've had, and a great ride, not to mention extremely practical. All bikes have their own unique personalities, and I've concluded the Helix has a lot more charm and charisma than most, even if it is slow and funny looking compared to a big bike. Everybody, freinds and strangers, seem to love it and think "that thing is cool". It's just a whole different mindset, mentality, and way of riding than a motorcycle, and in my opinion a better overall vehicle if you're not concerned with doing any extended road trips on 70mph highways.
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