2006 Honda Helix Review

The 2006 Honda Helix features a longer and lower seat for touring than any scooter that was available when it came out. It served as an inspiration for many of the maxi-scooters today. It was launched in 1986 in the U.S. and Canada. The Helix comes with a size that is good for both men and women riders. Honda addressed the shortcomings common to scooters with the Helix including limited storage, shorter wheelbase, marginal comfort and mediocre brakes.

The Helix stayed on the market for about a year after its initial launch. Honda stopped manufacturing the bike until 1992 when the demands for scooters went up. In 2002, Honda pulled Helix from the market and replaced it with the Reflex. However, Helix fans clamored to bring it back. In 2003, Helix went back on the market. This only proves how great the bike is. Unfortunately, the 2006 Honda Helix was the second to last model. Honda terminated Helix production in 2007.

The 2006 Honda Helix had almost the same engine as the Elite 250. It also has a 244cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke and water-cooled engine. With this, drivers can enjoy exceptional reliability even when compared to the new scooter models. They can cruise smoothly at 60 to 70mph with a top speed of 75 MPH. This makes it faster than the Elite 250.

Additionally, the 2006 Helix comes with a foot pedal for its rear break. Scooter enthusiasts may find this feature familiar as it comes with the large Elite version. Helix is the only one in the Honda scooter family with the front disc brake because Elite used the drum brake. Also, Helix has a rear trunk that was made possible due to its long design.

The 26.5 inch seat boosts its large frame to add more to the driver’s comfort. It also has the longest wheelbase of any scooter at 63.8 inches. The Burgman 650 did not even manage to reach this size as it is an inch shorter than Helix.

There have been no major changes in the 2006 model. Honda only enhanced emission controls in order to keep up with the changing regulations. Aluminum rims were also added. Honda provided OEM parts support for all Helix models until its last model in 2007. Riders enjoy a superbly smooth power delivery without the shifting with Honda’s unique V-Matic automatic transmission.

Other features include the automatic choke along with the push button that starts the engine in a snap. Drivers will also be surprised with its incredibly silent exhaust system. No one will ever know that the engine has been working all day long.

The 30mm CV carburetor takes care of the superb fuel mileage and great throttle response. Maintenance-free features include a solid CD ignition that does not need attention at all. The Helix is quite durable with its steel frame. Despite this, it remains lightweight. Helix provides passengers with a convenient grab rail in addition to its full-coverage bodywork, wide padded seat and windshield. Passenger can assume a comfortable position throughout the whole ride.

There is spacious lockable storage where riders can keep their helmet or a briefcase. When it comes to instrumentation, the 2006 Honda Helix offers standard but classy features like a fuel gauge, digital speedometer, odometer, coolant temperature, digital clock, trip meter, high beam indicators and audible turn-signal indicator.

The 2006 Honda Helix also has a side-stand inhibitor switch that only allows starting if riders retract the side-stand. Additionally, Helix has a large fuel tank with a 3.2-gallon capacity. With this, riders can take advantage of the extended cruising range. One full tank is great for cruising around the city or the highway.

Among its main competitors are the Downtown 200i and 300i and Grandvista 250. They also have similar features to the Helix. However, they do not have the same stunning look as the 2006 Honda Helix. The only advantage of these competitors is perhaps the price. Nevertheless, Helix is still on top when it comes to performance, reliability, economy and attractive looks.