I ghetto rigged a right view mirror and took the highway going 80 mphs it was fine chilled at my friend's and went to go home on backroad going 30 mphs and it started swinging so I went to slow down and it came off and smacked me hard asf and it accidentally slammed the front break and flipped over the bike I didn't realize I slammed the front brake so hard till I went to turn towards off the middle of the road had a filling I messed up and went flying into a guard rail knees first and flipped over all good tho
I'm 53, this is something I have learned over 48 years of owning 30ish motorcycles.....when Honda makes a funky looking bike, it's usually pretty great.....pacific coast, ctx, rune, and the helix....all awesome and unique and fits certain riders perfectly. Am I wrong?
As a motorcycle rider/owner who also daily’s a scooter I could not be more excited to see more and more scooter stuff in this channel. People, get them. Cheap to buy,maintain,operate and insanely fun and simple
Maaan, I have one of these (1992) and it’s an absolute addiction - it felt like a joke when I bought it but a couple of rides later… just started looking for reasons to jump on it and go… and that never changed to date. Greetings from Bulgaria, Papa Yam!❤
I actually traded my bike in for a scooter (ADV150) because of the relative fun to wheel ratio. Ended up riding it in the Scooter Cannonball cross country. Glad to see the videos showing how Scoots can be the right tool for some jobs.
I had never heard of the Scooter Cannonball until right now. That’s so badass! I agree that scooters absolutely have their purpose. A surprising number of motorcyclists have something like a a Burgman for commuting 👌🏻
After I got my Bergman 400 Honda, I quickly sold my K-11Lt & R-80RT BMW’s before their value dropped even more. This maxi-scooter is great for the ranges I ride from Mt.Shasta to Yosemite to Mt.Baldy to SantaCruz no freeway too fast drive. Moderate on the twisties, but reveals GXXR like suspensionDoesn’t wheelie but the trunk replaces need for saddlebags. Looks like George Jetson’s bike that does 110 & gets over 50 per gallon.
I can almost drag my hand on my maxi scooter. And the best part about riding a scooter is when a Harley passes you and you see him take back his wave. Makes my day every single time.
Aww. That's lame. I get waves from almost everyone on my Lil 150cc. Or at least a nod if left hand is busy. Just wave first. Then they're the douche for not waving back. Works for me. 😂
I remember seeing one of these brand new back in the mid 80’s when they first came out. The design was crazy futuristic for the time. I never forgot the digital gauges.., it looked so awesome then, and still does on the 05 model. Back in the 80’s Honda scooters were everywhere. I’m almost 50 years old now, and boy do I miss the 80’s. Good times!
Yamaha Majesty owner since 08. Much more fun for city riding than my Yamaha Raider. Now have 45,000 miles on it as well. Spot on review for scooter riding.
Dude, Yammie. When I first started watching your videos. I wondered if you would ever do a review on the Helix. But I assumed it was just too lame for you to give it any time. I own a 1993 Honda Helix. It was the catalyst for me owning 4 Busas. It was just too much fun and I needed more. The Busas are so much fun in their own way. But when I swing a leg through my Honda Helix and cruise through the city, it's definitely a lot more fun than a Busa in slow speed neighbor hood and city traffic. It's so light on its feet and manageable. Yet so comfortable to ride. So long like a jet ski and I'm able to put my feet forward. Leaning back with my hands high on the handle bars, I feel tough like I'm on a Harley. Big bright head light, Liquid cooled, great wind protection, and awesome storage. Always starts up and keeps running. Honda Helix, best scooter in the world 🗺!
So funny you did a video about a scooter. I normally ride my XSR900, but I have been in Saudi Arabia for work, and I use a scooter here. So many smiles per gallon!
I got a Helix as my first bike last summer. I drove it half an hour each way to school almost every day. Very comfortable, easy and cheap to work on and a blast to ride!
My mom had one when I was a teen, my dad commuted to work hundreds of times on it and he loved the ride too. He got rear ended in traffic once and although he was OK the scoot got bashed up. After some months to find the replacement parts and a new paint job it was back like nothing happened to it. They are tough and so easy to ride, I saw it as the touring bike of scooters and to prove that the three of us would cruise down to Branson in the summer as mom was keeping up with a Yamaha Venture the whole way. Yammie, you featured this scoot so well good sir that the only thing left out is how quick it is off the light that dad could get the jump on most vehicles and merge like it was nothing. TY for the video, it brought back some fond memories.
Dude, believe it or not, Scooters are a blast. Those who say no, it's all about speed or nah its all about looking tough and slow on a Harley. They need to try before trash talk. Not to mention you can grab 2 or 3 bags of groceries, no need to drive a suburban for that. Doing over 100mpg compared to 10 on your suburban
Ha! I pulled up to a light behind two Harleys. One of them looked at me and said, “I guess we’re doing this" and they bolted off when the light turned green.
I had one of these back in the early 2000's. I loved it so much that I sold my car and rode my Helix exclusively for about 3 years. There are two major issues that I had with it though. 1st, due to the small tire size, it went through them very quickly and were expensive to replace. Second, I had issues with the pulley system used in the transmission that required service twice. Both times with big price tags.
The best scooter I have ever owned was a jajue terra 50cc moped it's was the most comfortable bike I have ever owned my peace sports 150cc is pretty pokey for having 12 HP but the suspension is the weak link
These things handle so well and are so generally capable that I've seen people take them to Tail of The Dragon and on long distance tours and throw down some remarkable lean angles. You'd think with how fat it is in the back it's more suited for straight lines. On the other end of the spectrum people compare them to moving couches all the time XD.
Fortnine did a video on why feet forward motorcycles are a better design, lower center of gravity, easy to counter-steer, etc. I wish Honda would be the first to finally large-scale produce a bike similar to what Perry King did with the Gurney Alligator. Their 750 engine is perfect for it.
Aaaaand there goes all the helix’s on my local marketplace. Thanks yammie for making my favorite smile per mile ride a scarcity with parts difficult to get, I hate you 😆.
I spent a year in Vietnam and had a Yamaha NVX to get around. Honestly would love to see maxi scooters like these be more common commuter options here in the states they're just so practical in the right climates.
I rode Tail of the Dragon earlier this year and someone on a Helix was up there just flying around the corners. Since I was was on a Yamaha Majesty 400, Helix dude definitely waved.
A friend of mine has an old Helix. I love it! It works hard to surpass 55 with a hefty dude and any sort of hill, though. It is super comfy with lots of storage.
I've always vouched for scooters, I think they're really fun and great for city commute. I absolutely LOVE the Yamaha X Max 300, best of both worlds in my opinion. Great practicality in city commute and really fun performance on twisties and highway!! Yammie should get one to review for sure!!
I've taken mine, loaded with camping gear, thousands of miles. They have a few drawbacks for long distance hauls(small tank), but mine has never let me down.
The Helix was my first "Motorcycle"! I took an uber an hour and a half into the country to buy one for like 800 bucks I dropped it once and slid 20 feet and the fairings kept me from touching the group completely, only scuffed the edges of the fairing.
My wife and I had a Helix for years and it was so practical for getting around town. We would ride 2-up pretty often too, although the suspension was not as happy with two adult Americans on board! I saw Helixes around Japan when I was there in the mid-90s and they had crazy huge gauntlets built in to the handgrips, I guess so that you wouldn't lose your gloves, just stick your hands into the gauntlets and go. And the trunk really adds a lot of utility. A lot.
Bought a 2000 Helix as my first bike and its my pride and joy, never thought I'd see it reviewed here but pretty elated to hear you sing some praise for it! I've done some mods/tuning and can squeeze mine out to 80mph on flat freeway (with a good tailwind haha)
@@vtecbanger3180 Dr.Pulley performance CVT/sliders, re-jetted carb for more fuel, took out the airbox for a k&n pod filter & a high-flow exhaust. I swear it juiced an extra 3-5 mph out of it! 🤭
As Uncle Voodoo says, I want a bike that floats around corners instead of attacking them. It's a different vibe with scooters, you have to go with the flow. 👍🇦🇺
i’ve had my 2001 honda helix for about 3 years now and it’s awesome, i’ve plastidip’d it 3 different colors now and was thinking about selling it but this vid has changed my mind 😜
Glad im not the only one who caught the Honda scooter craze. Ive kept my k6 gixxer put up much more than i ever anticipated once i got my hands on a 2000 49cc SA50 Elite. I think you should make a scooter series. The elite, zuma, express, jog, razz, vespa, dio, etc, etc. All the classics. I mean shit, these could all be banned within the near future due to emission standards. I dread the thought. Stay 2 wheels down guys!!
A few years ago, I took my bike to a shop, and the owner had one of these. I thought it looked cool, and nerdy... a bit Robocop like. He insisted I take it for a spin, and was I pleasantly surprised, at the comfort, and ease of riding. With Honda doing retro bikes nowadays, it would be nice to see this in the lineup.
My first bike is on order and it is the grandchild of the Helix. The ADV 350. A massive seller for Honda and I for one can see the lineage from the Helix to the ADV 350. Fun times ahead.
Ok, this is really freaky to me, I LITERALLY just picked up a white '86 Helix last weekend, and this vid pops up lol! Got a oem fuel pump & ignition coil on the way!
We had an '86 Helix until recently and it was a lot of fun. That being said, you don't want to do a lot of long distance touring on it, especially two up and with the trunk loaded down. I also have an '86 Goldwing and we actually took both bikes on a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As predicted, the GW felt relaxed on the long inclines, where the Helix felt like a motor home trying to climb the hills. The Helix also doesn't handle deep potholes with those small wheels and panic stops at higher speeds feel like you're taking your life in your hands. Great city scooter, but out of it's element in the mountains.
I have an 05 Big Ruckus that I love. I wish it had storage like that. If I had one nitpick it would be the turning radius. It s like turning around a container ship in my tight carport/ driveway compared to my Vespa P200. But once in the road, there’s nothing more comfy on two wheels to cruise on.
I remember around 1986 getting passed on the freeway by a Honda Helix. I went to the Honda motorcycle dealer soon after to buy one, but didn't have the money. Later, got a used Honda 250cc motorcycle for much less, but wanted that Helix.
here in the Philippines where scooters are more common than mc's as your primary 2 wheel ride I agree. your vids helped me a lot when i was just starting to ride (and that was a year ago). im happy you already featured 2 scooters just this month already. lets ride 😊
I like the handle bar, which is shaped like many cruisers in the 80’s. My first bike had that too. I think they are more comfortable than the more common straight bars today.
Was born in 84 and grew up with a Yamaha moped and go-kart to kick around. I have actually never seen this scooter before and if I did I probably thought it was one of those hybrid late 80s jet skis that don't float but still have the seat on them LMAO. I love the design of this thing and it's comfortable looking fuselage. My initial thoughts are that this thing should be a 3-wheeler, how are you supposed to straddle this elevated snowmobile looking thing
I had all the Honda scooters, and the Honda Helix was the last scooter I had. I loved it so much, my Honda Helix was a 1992 model, and I had it until 2000, selling it was the worst deal I ever made. I still miss my Honda Helix. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina !
Honda Scoot Life! Helix is fun needed a Little more Power but Maintain Comfort I got a 2006 Honda Silverwing 600 😎 Love The Ride Comfort And Reliability
Enjoyed watching that - reminded me of my old one I had a few years ago. When I sold it the buyer turned up and used an angle grinder to cut it in half on front of me to put it in his car! Said he was sending it to India for parts.
So far I have ridden everything possible, e.g. 1000 Superbike, Harley Super Low Sportster and Triumph Scrambler. Then this year I was in Paris and Rome. There I saw these thousands of maxi scooters, they were always the fastest, always totally relaxed and cool. I was totally impressed! Four weeks ago I bought a Honda Forza 350 scooter. The absolute revelation! These scooters are the coolest shit in the world!
I have a 2001, well taken care of, I put a Dr Pulley Variator in with 16g sliders, rejet the carb with a K&N pod filter and its even a faster bike for sure, 0 - 60 flies and Ive gotten it up to 81MPH on the highway, I have both motorcycles and scooters and this one is the best
Had the spree. 86, 88 elite 80, 90 elite 250. Each year I got one from family that outgrew them. Then went to a rebel 250. Lots of affordable fun and fuel saving. Still love a performance bike these days.
I've only ever ridden my '87 Helix and I love it - I've read multiple accounts of people who have rode many motorcycles that just go back to the Helix. It's like you're silver surfer able to cut at any angle on a dime. The only other thing I would consider is an adventure bike to take off road because I'm not sure what else I would need for public roads. I hope if I get another road bike I'm not disappointed lol
I own a Honda Reflex and love it, I also just got a Piaggio X9 500 cc scooter. I love my scooters. Put over 12,000 miles in 3 years on the Honda. So glad ya did a scooter video.
I drive with my 1985 Helix 140 000 km . Service and repair myself . One Stop with an Oxidationproblem in a Sticker . The best Bike from all i drive in my live !
I had a 1985 red Honda Elite 150cc scooter in the late 1990s as commuter bike going to technical school. Going from a CBR 600 to a scooter felt odd, But it was fun, cheap little bike. At technical school I did not have to pay for parking, and saved me a few bucks.🙂
Ah, my blossoming scooter boy, Yammy Noob! I must say, you're maturing into your older millennial final form with scooter finesse that has me smirking like a 1920s dapper dandy twirling his mustache! Embracing the scooter life, are we? Jolly good show, old sport! Your Honda Helix escapades have the charm of a speakeasy soirée, and watching you scoot about town is like witnessing a roaring 20s parade, but with a modern twist! Your scooting skills are smoother than a vinyl record spinning Run D.M.C. on a gramophone. I must say your tastes are becoming more refined, like a well-aged bourbon or PBR in a speakeasy joint. You've traded youthful exubberance for a seasoned hipster flair, and it suits you splendidly! I implore you to delve deeper into this two-wheeled subculture and create more scooter-centric content. Picture this: you, Yammy Noob, the seasoned scooter guru, roaming the streets, interviewing local scooter shops (plug for my favorite local San Antonio-Austin shop The Motorcycle Shop) while clad in suspenders, flip-flops, and a bowler hat, a true urban explorer of the wheeled wonders! And here's a thought to jazz up your future scooter escapades - how about hopping aboard a sleek Vespa in the near future? It's the epitome of retro chic, the Mona Lisa of scooters, the real OG, and it would suit you like a snazzy pocket watch complements a J.C. Penney tailored suit! So, off you go, dear Yam Yam, on your scooter adventures, with a delightful Vespa voyage on the horizon. You're embracing the scooter life with panache, maturing into your final 2 wheeled-bi-curious final form, and spreading scooter joy like a bootlegger/flapper girl spreading cheer during Prohibition! Hipsters and vintage aficionados everywhere shall unite in uproarious laughter and admiration for your daring dedication to the cycle life. Huzzah!
I've got a 1995 Honda PC 800, Pacific Coast. And by the end of this coming week it will be 100% roadworthy again. Beautiful bike for what it is. Does everything that scooter does but better. Better trunk, way better highway capability, and commutes equally as good. Why the hell the PC 800 didn't become more popular than it is I have no idea. It's like a goldwing, but better in town.
I have had at least one HH in my garage since the mid ‘90’s…With a backrest I could almost be in my recliner…It is the best ergonomic 2 wheeler I have ever owned. Will never be w/o one !!
Ive been here watching your content for a long time and ive been telling you and a few other motorcycle channels about scooters and how fun they are to ride. But yall apparently wasnt reading..... My introduction to scooters was when i was stationed in germany and traveled to countries south of rhe euro alps. You get into countries like italy, spain, portugal, southern france and seeing scooters everywhere got me intrigued to try it out. I rented a 250cc or 350cc honda silverwing scooter and rode it out to lake Garza, italy and had such a blast! Ever since, anything south of the alps led me to look for a scooter rental place. Riding these maxi scooters feels like this sorta safe fun. I got sent back to the states and ended up getting a 2009 Suzuki burgman 650 executive and booooy is that one hell of a scoot. Cruiser guys often had slick comments but would get quiet once we get out on the ooen road and crack the throttle. Scooters are fun as hell and extremely practical. So practical......that if people bought their 2-wheeled vehicles based off of what they NEED, i think most people would end up on a scooter.
Awesome, they are very popular, I find them hideous 😅. You have to try the Piaggio BV 400. Amazing scoot. All riders should try a scoot. Thanks for making us worthy. 👍
That’s just SO awesome. My 2023 Honda Click 160 is the Master of St Louis City streets. Brought over from Indonesia-Get looks everywhere I go. Black too so it’s Stealthy. Nice retro ride Yammie
Iv had a grom and a rebel 300, I ride my dads r6 every now and then but I bought a 1996 helix and I dont think I will ever sell it. After almost a year of owning it I still look back and smile every time I hop off
Great video. I have a 16 Roadglide and a 19 KLR 650. I bought a 05 Suzuki Burgman 650 last summer and I ride it 90% of the time. I would have never thought I would like a scooter...they're a blast. 52y/o btw.
Funny that you mentioned Akira; In japan, they made a kit to turn a Honda Helix into a replica of the Bike from Akira; You can still find the kit, but it's expensive (more than the Helix itself in many cases)
As a long time scooterbro, all I can say is YES. My wife and I have done some epic rides (up canyons on dirt roads, carrying more groceries than a store can provide...) and all on a 150. As for maneuverability, few things are more fun than doing a u-turn flex by doing circles *within* a single parking space.
Ok..i got an 87 helix in88. That was my intro to maxi scooters. I loved it! Today i ride a yamaha morphous. A close as you can get to a helix. Both are my GOAT. I tour on it!
I bought my1987 Honda Honda Helix 250. Up to this date I’d never have owned a scooter. I loved this scooter until I got a new job at General Millls in 1991. I got a lot of slack about riding a scooter when most riders were riding Harleys. I sold it and quit riding for many yrs there after. I remember bringing home a 17 lb watermelon in the rear trunk with ease..👍 It was a remarkable scooter wishing I still had it today.🤔😬
Never sleep on a scooter. A ton of fun to be had for next to no money. Ive been looking at buying one to sit next to my bike. Maybe two. A step through putter and a maxi
That’s an awesome scooter. If I could find one, I would be all about it. My son who has a Chinese scooter thing. He would love this thing. Maybe a scooter like that should be the next give away!
I was delighted to see this video on your channel today! Finally got me to sub. I have owned every thing from HD's to full bagger touring bike, Yamaha Venture Royal with the V-Max motor! Age and permanent injury has forced me onto lightweight machines which has left me with a scooter and a Suzuki S40 thumper. When I got my scooter, 150cc Kymko Vespa clone, I thought I would hate but at least stay on two wheels. I have been riding since 10 years old. The scooter turned into a love affair. In town it is the perfect errand and grocery fetcher. There is something about low powered small wheel scooters that make you feel like a super bike racer going the speed limit. When I am physically able I spend time in the countryside with my S40 enjoying the torque of the big thumper. But if I get to where I can have only one bike, it will be a scooter and I never thought I would say that. I hope you dive deeper into this alternative world of two wheeled fun with regular segments. Yamaha made an unusual art deco era aero styled scooter called the Morphous I believe. It also has a long wheelbase a 250cc engine and smallish wheels. Check it out. If I can find one of those I will buy it as it is much younger than the Helix and it is fuel injected I believe. It would also be fascinating to see what you think after testing the Kymko AK550 twin with belt drive.
I worked on these back in 90s when I worked in a Honda Yamaha dealership. Nobody in a bike shop likes working on scooters or test driving them but I have to admit after driving one on the highway they are somewhat fun I now know what it would be like if Lazy Boy built a motorcycle.
Loving the scooter content. Like many I joked on them for years. My bro picked up a Yamaha zuma 125 and that thing changed my mind. With touring bikes getting more and more expensive I’m seriously considering getting a Yamaha xmax 300. Would still ride the motorcycle for shorter spirited rides. But when you think about it a maxi scooter like the xmax is basically an affordable touring bike. Tons of storage, wind protection, good tech, comfortable. Highway capable
My dude, Papa Yamms, you are across town from Scooter 911, who sells, services, and races scoots. He’s also got his own respectable channel. Can we maybe see a collab? I would die of joy.
I love the Honda Helix! I had a 2006 a couple of years ago, and it's the only bike that I truly regret selling. One correction for you though. It only has a 12 inch rim on the front wheel. The rear wheel is a tiny 10 inch rim. The rear wheel is (in my opinion) the only weak point. the rear tire valve is a pain to reach, and all the weight at the back wears that tiny rear tire out fairly quick. But, it's still my favorite bike I ever had. I haven't found another one for a decent price since.
This makes me want to find, and purchase another Helix. I love the super low Center of Gravity they have due to having the Fuel Tank down under the bottom of the bike. 375 pounds of fun, and they handle so good. They feel like your riding down the road on 2 wheels in a lazy boy recliner.
Get your Chin Mounts @ chinmounts.com/yammie and use code YAMMIE for 10% off the entire order!
Will you try a 400cc one next
I ghetto rigged a right view mirror and took the highway going 80 mphs it was fine chilled at my friend's and went to go home on backroad going 30 mphs and it started swinging so I went to slow down and it came off and smacked me hard asf and it accidentally slammed the front break and flipped over the bike I didn't realize I slammed the front brake so hard till I went to turn towards off the middle of the road had a filling I messed up and went flying into a guard rail knees first and flipped over all good tho
And the helix reminds me of a quarter of a car no hate I love it still
If you don't love riding scooters then you're a poser biker. They are fun as hell and very practical while commuting or city riding.
If I remember correctly my mom's original 85 was pearl white came from the factory with a Kenwood stereo!!
I'm 53, this is something I have learned over 48 years of owning 30ish motorcycles.....when Honda makes a funky looking bike, it's usually pretty great.....pacific coast, ctx, rune, and the helix....all awesome and unique and fits certain riders perfectly. Am I wrong?
You're not wrong. But you forgot the Fury.
Nope.
Dn01, NM4, Valkyrie, the list goes on and on and on. Loads of funky but also great machines.
Pacific Coast owner here. Can confirm!
And the ch250!
As a motorcycle rider/owner who also daily’s a scooter I could not be more excited to see more and more scooter stuff in this channel. People, get them. Cheap to buy,maintain,operate and insanely fun and simple
I fell in love with motorcycles and then I bought a scooter and my bike just sits there staring at me like oh your taking the scooter today again
Maaan, I have one of these (1992) and it’s an absolute addiction - it felt like a joke when I bought it but a couple of rides later… just started looking for reasons to jump on it and go… and that never changed to date. Greetings from Bulgaria, Papa Yam!❤
The power of small bike.
I have a 92 as well. I love it.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Helix life forever!
Helix squad with the helix gang will be unstoppable
I want to join your Honda Helix gang. When and where do we meet up?
@@ABunchOfBusas Down in Ohio swag like ohio
Spacey squad is the elite!
Ohio!? Are there lots of bugs there?
I actually traded my bike in for a scooter (ADV150) because of the relative fun to wheel ratio. Ended up riding it in the Scooter Cannonball cross country. Glad to see the videos showing how Scoots can be the right tool for some jobs.
I traded a 2019 Z900 for an xmax 300 this year.
I love it.
I had never heard of the Scooter Cannonball until right now. That’s so badass!
I agree that scooters absolutely have their purpose. A surprising number of motorcyclists have something like a a Burgman for commuting 👌🏻
My brother and I are planning on doing the Scooter Cannonball in 2025. I've got a 99 Helix and he's on a Reflex. How did you find this years event?
As did I! Love my ADV 150.
After I got my Bergman 400 Honda, I quickly sold my K-11Lt & R-80RT BMW’s before their value dropped even more. This maxi-scooter is great for the ranges I ride from Mt.Shasta to Yosemite to Mt.Baldy to SantaCruz no freeway too fast drive. Moderate on the twisties, but reveals GXXR like suspensionDoesn’t wheelie but the trunk replaces need for saddlebags. Looks like George Jetson’s bike that does 110 & gets over 50 per gallon.
I can almost drag my hand on my maxi scooter. And the best part about riding a scooter is when a Harley passes you and you see him take back his wave. Makes my day every single time.
Aww. That's lame. I get waves from almost everyone on my Lil 150cc. Or at least a nod if left hand is busy. Just wave first. Then they're the douche for not waving back. Works for me. 😂
I remember seeing one of these brand new back in the mid 80’s when they first came out. The design was crazy futuristic for the time. I never forgot the digital gauges.., it looked so awesome then, and still does on the 05 model. Back in the 80’s Honda scooters were everywhere. I’m almost 50 years old now, and boy do I miss the 80’s. Good times!
Yamaha Majesty owner since 08. Much more fun for city riding than my Yamaha Raider. Now have 45,000 miles on it as well. Spot on review for scooter riding.
I own a Majesty and 2 Helixes. Love them both but in the city, the Helix is just something special. Fun on the highway, too.
Dude, Yammie. When I first started watching your videos. I wondered if you would ever do a review on the Helix. But I assumed it was just too lame for you to give it any time. I own a 1993 Honda Helix. It was the catalyst for me owning 4 Busas. It was just too much fun and I needed more. The Busas are so much fun in their own way. But when I swing a leg through my Honda Helix and cruise through the city, it's definitely a lot more fun than a Busa in slow speed neighbor hood and city traffic. It's so light on its feet and manageable. Yet so comfortable to ride. So long like a jet ski and I'm able to put my feet forward. Leaning back with my hands high on the handle bars, I feel tough like I'm on a Harley. Big bright head light, Liquid cooled, great wind protection, and awesome storage. Always starts up and keeps running. Honda Helix, best scooter in the world 🗺!
So funny you did a video about a scooter. I normally ride my XSR900, but I have been in Saudi Arabia for work, and I use a scooter here. So many smiles per gallon!
This video perfectly encapsulates why it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. I love it!
The flickability comes from how low it carries all its weight. Center of gravity is practically on the ground. Love my helix
and the tires have a much more round curb too!
You can tell just by your voice that you're having so much fun on that scoot.
I got a Helix as my first bike last summer. I drove it half an hour each way to school almost every day. Very comfortable, easy and cheap to work on and a blast to ride!
My mom had one when I was a teen, my dad commuted to work hundreds of times on it and he loved the ride too. He got rear ended in traffic once and although he was OK the scoot got bashed up. After some months to find the replacement parts and a new paint job it was back like nothing happened to it. They are tough and so easy to ride, I saw it as the touring bike of scooters and to prove that the three of us would cruise down to Branson in the summer as mom was keeping up with a Yamaha Venture the whole way. Yammie, you featured this scoot so well good sir that the only thing left out is how quick it is off the light that dad could get the jump on most vehicles and merge like it was nothing. TY for the video, it brought back some fond memories.
Dude, believe it or not, Scooters are a blast. Those who say no, it's all about speed or nah its all about looking tough and slow on a Harley. They need to try before trash talk. Not to mention you can grab 2 or 3 bags of groceries, no need to drive a suburban for that. Doing over 100mpg compared to 10 on your suburban
Ha! I pulled up to a light behind two Harleys. One of them looked at me and said, “I guess we’re doing this" and they bolted off when the light turned green.
u god damn right! scooters ftw!
My parents had a Yamaha Majesty with a 400 thumper. Was an absolute blast to ride! It could hit 105mph too if you did a superman on the seat.
I had one of these back in the early 2000's. I loved it so much that I sold my car and rode my Helix exclusively for about 3 years. There are two major issues that I had with it though. 1st, due to the small tire size, it went through them very quickly and were expensive to replace. Second, I had issues with the pulley system used in the transmission that required service twice. Both times with big price tags.
Any scooter can do this stuff... but the Helix is the most COMFORTABLE scooter ever. People really can't understand until they ride one
The best scooter I have ever owned was a jajue terra 50cc moped it's was the most comfortable bike I have ever owned my peace sports 150cc is pretty pokey for having 12 HP but the suspension is the weak link
bmW C400GT is here to reclaim that title.
I have owned many motorcycles and scooters. I enjoy traveling on my Helix, they are so amazing and fun to ride.
I just got my first 2 wheeled vehicle ever last week. A chinese 50cc scooter. I love it! I've already put 270 miles on it
Sweet! 💚It's addicting. I got my 1st on March 1st and it's 150cc Chinese thing, vespa knock off. 1600 miles already. Ridiculously fun.
These things handle so well and are so generally capable that I've seen people take them to Tail of The Dragon and on long distance tours and throw down some remarkable lean angles. You'd think with how fat it is in the back it's more suited for straight lines. On the other end of the spectrum people compare them to moving couches all the time XD.
Fortnine did a video on why feet forward motorcycles are a better design, lower center of gravity, easy to counter-steer, etc. I wish Honda would be the first to finally large-scale produce a bike similar to what Perry King did with the Gurney Alligator. Their 750 engine is perfect for it.
Aaaaand there goes all the helix’s on my local marketplace. Thanks yammie for making my favorite smile per mile ride a scarcity with parts difficult to get, I hate you 😆.
When I had my knee surgery I got an old 2003 burgman 400 and loved it, now I’ve got the 650 and it’s great, it’ll do everything a bike does
A 2005 helix was my introduction to two wheels and living in rural Kansas I rode it all over. Absolutely miss that thing
Scooters are so convenient for commuting! Love my 2009 Zuma, I ride it a lot more than my Ninja.
I've always been a sport bike guy but for my daily commute I ride a Burgman. Maxi scooters for the win! Keep more scooter content coming
Now you gotta do the Suzuki 650 Burgman. A real road riding scooter. Great Honda Helix scooter and review.
Burgmans are nice I prefer the reliability of Honda. Ride the Honda Silverwing 600 Myself
@@AndyMoss100lol suzukis are unbreakable.
I spent a year in Vietnam and had a Yamaha NVX to get around. Honestly would love to see maxi scooters like these be more common commuter options here in the states they're just so practical in the right climates.
I rode Tail of the Dragon earlier this year and someone on a Helix was up there just flying around the corners. Since I was was on a Yamaha Majesty 400, Helix dude definitely waved.
A friend of mine has an old Helix. I love it! It works hard to surpass 55 with a hefty dude and any sort of hill, though. It is super comfy with lots of storage.
I've always vouched for scooters, I think they're really fun and great for city commute. I absolutely LOVE the Yamaha X Max 300, best of both worlds in my opinion. Great practicality in city commute and really fun performance on twisties and highway!! Yammie should get one to review for sure!!
Honda Helix are truly the best. Riding one for the first time will literally change you as a person, theyre so wild feeling.
also, since you mentioned the Akira bike, a shop I worked at had an Akira tribute Helix in for service for quite a while and it was glorious.
I've taken mine, loaded with camping gear, thousands of miles. They have a few drawbacks for long distance hauls(small tank), but mine has never let me down.
The Helix was my first "Motorcycle"!
I took an uber an hour and a half into the country to buy one for like 800 bucks
I dropped it once and slid 20 feet and the fairings kept me from touching the group completely, only scuffed the edges of the fairing.
I just bought one of these today! It's been sitting in an old man's garage for 30+ years! It runs and everything!
My wife and I had a Helix for years and it was so practical for getting around town. We would ride 2-up pretty often too, although the suspension was not as happy with two adult Americans on board! I saw Helixes around Japan when I was there in the mid-90s and they had crazy huge gauntlets built in to the handgrips, I guess so that you wouldn't lose your gloves, just stick your hands into the gauntlets and go. And the trunk really adds a lot of utility. A lot.
Bought a 2000 Helix as my first bike and its my pride and joy, never thought I'd see it reviewed here but pretty elated to hear you sing some praise for it! I've done some mods/tuning and can squeeze mine out to 80mph on flat freeway (with a good tailwind haha)
So jealous haha👌
Share your mods with us
@@vtecbanger3180 Dr.Pulley performance CVT/sliders, re-jetted carb for more fuel, took out the airbox for a k&n pod filter & a high-flow exhaust. I swear it juiced an extra 3-5 mph out of it! 🤭
As Uncle Voodoo says, I want a bike that floats around corners instead of attacking them. It's a different vibe with scooters, you have to go with the flow. 👍🇦🇺
A few months ago I was in Tokyo, the modify Helix scooters there, make them cooler, lower the suspension etc.
i’ve had my 2001 honda helix for about 3 years now and it’s awesome, i’ve plastidip’d it 3 different colors now and was thinking about selling it but this vid has changed my mind 😜
Glad im not the only one who caught the Honda scooter craze. Ive kept my k6 gixxer put up much more than i ever anticipated once i got my hands on a 2000 49cc SA50 Elite. I think you should make a scooter series. The elite, zuma, express, jog, razz, vespa, dio, etc, etc. All the classics. I mean shit, these could all be banned within the near future due to emission standards. I dread the thought. Stay 2 wheels down guys!!
A few years ago, I took my bike to a shop, and the owner had one of these. I thought it looked cool, and nerdy... a bit Robocop like. He insisted I take it for a spin, and was I pleasantly surprised, at the comfort, and ease of riding. With Honda doing retro bikes nowadays, it would be nice to see this in the lineup.
My first bike is on order and it is the grandchild of the Helix. The ADV 350. A massive seller for Honda and I for one can see the lineage from the Helix to the ADV 350. Fun times ahead.
The reason people like scooters.. scooters don't scream hi I'm a jerk! They're just simple fun😊
"You meet the nicest people on a Honda"
Ok, this is really freaky to me, I LITERALLY just picked up a white '86 Helix last weekend, and this vid pops up lol! Got a oem fuel pump & ignition coil on the way!
We had an '86 Helix until recently and it was a lot of fun. That being said, you don't want to do a lot of long distance touring on it, especially two up and with the trunk loaded down. I also have an '86 Goldwing and we actually took both bikes on a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As predicted, the GW felt relaxed on the long inclines, where the Helix felt like a motor home trying to climb the hills. The Helix also doesn't handle deep potholes with those small wheels and panic stops at higher speeds feel like you're taking your life in your hands. Great city scooter, but out of it's element in the mountains.
I have an 05 Big Ruckus that I love. I wish it had storage like that. If I had one nitpick it would be the turning radius. It s like turning around a container ship in my tight carport/ driveway compared to my Vespa P200. But once in the road, there’s nothing more comfy on two wheels to cruise on.
I remember around 1986 getting passed on the freeway by a Honda Helix. I went to the Honda motorcycle dealer soon after to buy one, but didn't have the money. Later, got a used Honda 250cc motorcycle for much less, but wanted that Helix.
here in the Philippines where scooters are more common than mc's as your primary 2 wheel ride I agree. your vids helped me a lot when i was just starting to ride (and that was a year ago). im happy you already featured 2 scooters just this month already.
lets ride 😊
How common are scooters with engines larger than 150 or 200cc in the Philippines?
I like the handle bar, which is shaped like many cruisers in the 80’s. My first bike had that too. I think they are more comfortable than the more common straight bars today.
Was born in 84 and grew up with a Yamaha moped and go-kart to kick around. I have actually never seen this scooter before and if I did I probably thought it was one of those hybrid late 80s jet skis that don't float but still have the seat on them LMAO. I love the design of this thing and it's comfortable looking fuselage. My initial thoughts are that this thing should be a 3-wheeler, how are you supposed to straddle this elevated snowmobile looking thing
I had all the Honda scooters, and the Honda Helix was the last scooter I had. I loved it so much, my Honda Helix was a 1992 model, and I had it until 2000, selling it was the worst deal I ever made. I still miss my Honda Helix. Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina !
Honda Scoot Life! Helix is fun needed a Little more Power but Maintain Comfort I got a 2006 Honda Silverwing 600 😎 Love The Ride Comfort And Reliability
Enjoyed watching that - reminded me of my old one I had a few years ago. When I sold it the buyer turned up and used an angle grinder to cut it in half on front of me to put it in his car! Said he was sending it to India for parts.
So far I have ridden everything possible, e.g. 1000 Superbike, Harley Super Low Sportster and Triumph Scrambler. Then this year I was in Paris and Rome. There I saw these thousands of maxi scooters, they were always the fastest, always totally relaxed and cool. I was totally impressed! Four weeks ago I bought a Honda Forza 350 scooter. The absolute revelation! These scooters are the coolest shit in the world!
My only gripe about the Helix (and Elite) are the small tires. Rides can get the adrenaline going on the wrong surface conditions.
I have a 2001, well taken care of, I put a Dr Pulley Variator in with 16g sliders, rejet the carb with a K&N pod filter and its even a faster bike for sure, 0 - 60 flies and Ive gotten it up to 81MPH on the highway, I have both motorcycles and scooters and this one is the best
Had the spree. 86, 88 elite 80, 90 elite 250. Each year I got one from family that outgrew them. Then went to a rebel 250. Lots of affordable fun and fuel saving. Still love a performance bike these days.
Super cool to see Yammie trying something outside his comfort zone! I’d love to see Honda do an update on the classic Helix.
I love my helix, rode it daily, even used it for my mc test. awesome scooter.
I've only ever ridden my '87 Helix and I love it - I've read multiple accounts of people who have rode many motorcycles that just go back to the Helix. It's like you're silver surfer able to cut at any angle on a dime. The only other thing I would consider is an adventure bike to take off road because I'm not sure what else I would need for public roads. I hope if I get another road bike I'm not disappointed lol
I’ve had my helix for about 2 years and it’s definitely my favorite bike I’ve had hands down
I own a Honda Reflex and love it, I also just got a Piaggio X9 500 cc scooter. I love my scooters. Put over 12,000 miles in 3 years on the Honda. So glad ya did a scooter video.
I drive with my 1985 Helix 140 000 km . Service and repair myself . One Stop with an Oxidationproblem in a Sticker . The best Bike from all i drive in my live !
The helix has so much swag.
I had a 1985 red Honda Elite 150cc scooter in the late 1990s as commuter bike going to technical school. Going from a CBR 600 to a scooter felt odd, But it was fun, cheap little bike. At technical school I did not have to pay for parking, and saved me a few bucks.🙂
I road Harleys gor 45 years. Now I'm well into my 60s and i ride a Helix. I love it.
Rode not road
Ah, my blossoming scooter boy, Yammy Noob! I must say, you're maturing into your older millennial final form with scooter finesse that has me smirking like a 1920s dapper dandy twirling his mustache! Embracing the scooter life, are we? Jolly good show, old sport!
Your Honda Helix escapades have the charm of a speakeasy soirée, and watching you scoot about town is like witnessing a roaring 20s parade, but with a modern twist! Your scooting skills are smoother than a vinyl record spinning Run D.M.C. on a gramophone.
I must say your tastes are becoming more refined, like a well-aged bourbon or PBR in a speakeasy joint. You've traded youthful exubberance for a seasoned hipster flair, and it suits you splendidly!
I implore you to delve deeper into this two-wheeled subculture and create more scooter-centric content. Picture this: you, Yammy Noob, the seasoned scooter guru, roaming the streets, interviewing local scooter shops (plug for my favorite local San Antonio-Austin shop The Motorcycle Shop) while clad in suspenders, flip-flops, and a bowler hat, a true urban explorer of the wheeled wonders!
And here's a thought to jazz up your future scooter escapades - how about hopping aboard a sleek Vespa in the near future? It's the epitome of retro chic, the Mona Lisa of scooters, the real OG, and it would suit you like a snazzy pocket watch complements a J.C. Penney tailored suit!
So, off you go, dear Yam Yam, on your scooter adventures, with a delightful Vespa voyage on the horizon. You're embracing the scooter life with panache, maturing into your final 2 wheeled-bi-curious final form, and spreading scooter joy like a bootlegger/flapper girl spreading cheer during Prohibition! Hipsters and vintage aficionados everywhere shall unite in uproarious laughter and admiration for your daring dedication to the cycle life. Huzzah!
I've got a Honda 150D from 1986, imo it's cooler than the helix cause it's got a mfing popup headlight.
Maxi-scooters are great bikes. Love my 03 Burgman 400. Makes a great little grocery getter and commuter vehicle.
What does maxi mean?
@@ImSrry4BeingWhite Generally a scooter with roughly 250-300cc displacement or greater.
I've got a 1995 Honda PC 800, Pacific Coast. And by the end of this coming week it will be 100% roadworthy again. Beautiful bike for what it is. Does everything that scooter does but better. Better trunk, way better highway capability, and commutes equally as good. Why the hell the PC 800 didn't become more popular than it is I have no idea. It's like a goldwing, but better in town.
I have had at least one HH in my garage since the mid ‘90’s…With a backrest I could almost be in my recliner…It is the best ergonomic 2 wheeler I have ever owned. Will never be w/o one !!
Ive been here watching your content for a long time and ive been telling you and a few other motorcycle channels about scooters and how fun they are to ride.
But yall apparently wasnt reading.....
My introduction to scooters was when i was stationed in germany and traveled to countries south of rhe euro alps. You get into countries like italy, spain, portugal, southern france and seeing scooters everywhere got me intrigued to try it out.
I rented a 250cc or 350cc honda silverwing scooter and rode it out to lake Garza, italy and had such a blast! Ever since, anything south of the alps led me to look for a scooter rental place. Riding these maxi scooters feels like this sorta safe fun.
I got sent back to the states and ended up getting a 2009 Suzuki burgman 650 executive and booooy is that one hell of a scoot. Cruiser guys often had slick comments but would get quiet once we get out on the ooen road and crack the throttle. Scooters are fun as hell and extremely practical.
So practical......that if people bought their 2-wheeled vehicles based off of what they NEED, i think most people would end up on a scooter.
Owned a Honda Elite 150. LOVED IT!! These scooters were/are AWESOME!! I’d definitely get another one.
I love the videos man, I cant wait to get my first bike. I set a goal that i have to lose 30lbs before I get one. Already down 10lbs in 1 month!
Awesome, they are very popular, I find them hideous 😅.
You have to try the Piaggio BV 400. Amazing scoot. All riders should try a scoot.
Thanks for making us worthy. 👍
That’s just SO awesome. My 2023 Honda Click 160 is the Master of St Louis City streets. Brought over from Indonesia-Get looks everywhere I go. Black too so it’s Stealthy. Nice retro ride Yammie
Iv had a grom and a rebel 300, I ride my dads r6 every now and then but I bought a 1996 helix and I dont think I will ever sell it. After almost a year of owning it I still look back and smile every time I hop off
Great video. I have a 16 Roadglide and a 19 KLR 650. I bought a 05 Suzuki Burgman 650 last summer and I ride it 90% of the time. I would have never thought I would like a scooter...they're a blast. 52y/o btw.
Funny that you mentioned Akira; In japan, they made a kit to turn a Honda Helix into a replica of the Bike from Akira; You can still find the kit, but it's expensive (more than the Helix itself in many cases)
Wow. That voiceover was everything ‼️‼️‼️‼️ can attest it’s a nice back seat 👍🏽
I just got one 6 months ago and I'm doing a full oem motor rebuild. I absolutely love the helix, it's such an awesome scooter😁
As a long time scooterbro, all I can say is YES. My wife and I have done some epic rides (up canyons on dirt roads, carrying more groceries than a store can provide...) and all on a 150. As for maneuverability, few things are more fun than doing a u-turn flex by doing circles *within* a single parking space.
Ridden a CN250 a couple times. They're really fun. If you take all the plastics off, they look kinda like a Honda Big Ruckus.
Ok..i got an 87 helix in88. That was my intro to maxi scooters. I loved it! Today i ride a yamaha morphous. A close as you can get to a helix. Both are my GOAT. I tour on it!
I bought my1987 Honda Honda Helix 250. Up to this date I’d never have owned a scooter. I loved this scooter until I got a new job at General Millls in 1991. I got a lot of slack about riding a scooter when most riders were riding Harleys. I sold it and quit riding for many yrs there after. I remember bringing home a 17 lb watermelon in the rear trunk with ease..👍 It was a remarkable scooter wishing I still had it today.🤔😬
i got an 87 Helix and im getting ready to tune it up, and work on the esthetics because all those parts are left over from the 80s too.
Honda scooters are amazing. I had an 87 Elite 150 and it hauled ass.
Never sleep on a scooter. A ton of fun to be had for next to no money. Ive been looking at buying one to sit next to my bike. Maybe two. A step through putter and a maxi
That’s an awesome scooter. If I could find one, I would be all about it. My son who has a Chinese scooter thing. He would love this thing. Maybe a scooter like that should be the next give away!
I’m putting my 2007 up for sale. SW Ohio.
I believe there is a practically identical Chinese version of the Helix, called the Shanghai Jialing Yanta.
My dad had one in gray from '89 till '95 it was a blast. He says that Honda Forza is wery much like that Honda
I was delighted to see this video on your channel today! Finally got me to sub. I have owned every thing from HD's to full bagger touring bike, Yamaha Venture Royal with the V-Max motor! Age and permanent injury has forced me onto lightweight machines which has left me with a scooter and a Suzuki S40 thumper. When I got my scooter, 150cc Kymko Vespa clone, I thought I would hate but at least stay on two wheels. I have been riding since 10 years old. The scooter turned into a love affair. In town it is the perfect errand and grocery fetcher. There is something about low powered small wheel scooters that make you feel like a super bike racer going the speed limit. When I am physically able I spend time in the countryside with my S40 enjoying the torque of the big thumper. But if I get to where I can have only one bike, it will be a scooter and I never thought I would say that. I hope you dive deeper into this alternative world of two wheeled fun with regular segments. Yamaha made an unusual art deco era aero styled scooter called the Morphous I believe. It also has a long wheelbase a 250cc engine and smallish wheels. Check it out. If I can find one of those I will buy it as it is much younger than the Helix and it is fuel injected I believe. It would also be fascinating to see what you think after testing the Kymko AK550 twin with belt drive.
I just got a Honda Elite CH80 scooter and it’s s freaking fun to ride around town! Retro 80’s look too
2005 is the best year for the helix. I’m glad mine is a 2005. Pear white paint is beautiful.
I worked on these back in 90s when I worked in a Honda Yamaha dealership. Nobody in a bike shop likes working on scooters or test driving them but I have to admit after driving one on the highway they are somewhat fun I now know what it would be like if Lazy Boy built a motorcycle.
Loving the scooter content. Like many I joked on them for years. My bro picked up a Yamaha zuma 125 and that thing changed my mind. With touring bikes getting more and more expensive I’m seriously considering getting a Yamaha xmax 300. Would still ride the motorcycle for shorter spirited rides. But when you think about it a maxi scooter like the xmax is basically an affordable touring bike. Tons of storage, wind protection, good tech, comfortable. Highway capable
My dude, Papa Yamms, you are across town from Scooter 911, who sells, services, and races scoots. He’s also got his own respectable channel. Can we maybe see a collab? I would die of joy.
I learned a lot from that dude. Excellent for anyone wrenching on their own. There's not a lot of good scooter content out there, but he's legit.
I love the Honda Helix! I had a 2006 a couple of years ago, and it's the only bike that I truly regret selling.
One correction for you though. It only has a 12 inch rim on the front wheel. The rear wheel is a tiny 10 inch rim. The rear wheel is (in my opinion) the only weak point. the rear tire valve is a pain to reach, and all the weight at the back wears that tiny rear tire out fairly quick.
But, it's still my favorite bike I ever had. I haven't found another one for a decent price since.
You’re right sbout the air stem and how quickly it wesrs out. 4000 miles usually.
This makes me want to find, and purchase another Helix. I love the super low Center of Gravity they have due to having the Fuel Tank down under the bottom of the bike. 375 pounds of fun, and they handle so good. They feel like your riding down the road on 2 wheels in a lazy boy recliner.