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{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{PAGENAME}} Helix 250: review, history, specs}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{PAGENAME}} Helix 250: review, history, specs}}
{{Infobox Motorcycle
{{Motorcycle
|name            = '''Honda CN250 Helix'''
|name            = Honda CN250 Helix
|image            = [[File:Honda-helix-2006-2006-0.jpg|frameless]]
|photo= Honda-helix-2006-2006-0.jpg
|aka              = Helix, Fusion, Spazio
|aka              = Helix, Fusion, Spazio
|manufacturer    = [[Honda]]
|manufacturer    = Honda
|parent_company  =
|parent_company  =
|production      = 1985 - 2007
|production      = 1985 - 2007
|model_year      =
|model_year      =
|predecessor      =
|predecessor      =
|successor        = [[Honda NS250]]
|successor        = [[Honda NSS250]]
|class            = [[Scooter]]
|class            = Scooter
|engine          = Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, SOHC; two valves per cylinder
|engine          = Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, SOHC; two valves per cylinder
|bore_stroke      = 72.7mm x 60.0mm
|bore_stroke      = 72.7mm x 60.0mm
|compression      =
|compression      =
|top_speed        =
|top_speed        =60 mph
|power            =
|power            =
|torque          =
|torque          =
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|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK DPR6EA-9}} '86-07
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK DPR6EA-9}} '86-07
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA YTX12-BS}} '86-07
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA YTX12-BS}} '86-07
|transmission    = Gear box: Automatic <br>
|transmission    = V-Matic continuously variable transmission
Final Drive: Automatic V-Matic belt <br>
|final_drive= Belt
Clutch: Automatic <br>
 
|frame            =
|frame            =
|suspension      =Front: Bottom link; 3.2-inch travel <br>
|suspension      =Front: Bottom link; 3.2-inch travel <br>
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|fuel_capacity    = 3.2 Gallon (12.11 Liters)
|fuel_capacity    = 3.2 Gallon (12.11 Liters)
|oil_capacity    =
|oil_capacity    =
|recommended_oil= Honda GN4 10W-40
|fuel_consumption =
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius  =
|turning_radius  =
|related          =
|related          =
|competition      =
|competition      =
|air_filter= {{airfilter|K&N HA-2586}} `86-87<ref name="kl_2019">{{cite book|title=2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog|publisher=[https://www.klsupply.com/ K&L Supply Co]|date=2019}}</ref>
}}
}}


The '''[[Honda]] Helix''' was a Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, SOHC; two valves per cylinder scooter produced by [[Honda]] between 1985 and 2007.   
The '''[[Honda]] Helix''' was a Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, SOHC; two valves per cylinder scooter produced by [[Honda]] between 1985 and 2007.   
The Honda CN250 is a scooter introduced by Honda to the
United States market in 1986. It was marketed in the US as the
Helix and in other parts of the world as the Fusion or Spazio.
It was so successful that, as of 2009, it was still in
production in Japan.
In the early 1980s, Honda introduced a line of scooters known
as the CH series, comprising the CH50, 80, 125, 150, and 250
models. In the US, these were known as "Elite" scooters but
overseas they were marketed under the "Spacy" name. The CH250
could reach highway speeds and be used for long-range touring.
Honda then introduced the CN250 or Helix. This model
lengthened the CH250 by 14 inches (360 mm), placed an integrated
trunk in the rear of the machine and lowered the seat. The added
length allowed a feet forward seating position and a smoother
ride than that of previous models. The top speed of the machine
was limited to 70-75 mph (about 113–121 km/h) but the drivetrain
was of an under-stressed design allowing extended running at or
near top speed.
The Fusion CN250 found instant popularity in Japan. In
Europe, the Japanese put Italian makers under pressure to
improve their scooters' capabilities and reliability. In the
U.S., the Helix was a hit with middle-aged and older people. The
Helix attracted customers that desired long-range touring
capabilities, but did not want to shift, were unable to shift,
or did not want a large, heavy conventional motorcycle. The
CN250 was a capable machine complete with trip odometer, fuel
and temperature gauges, glove compartment and trunk.
The Helix was in its last year in 2001 and was to be replaced
by the NSS250. The NSS250 was marketed in the U.S. as the Reflex
and in other countries as the Forza. The Reflex handled better
and had a higher top speed than the Helix, but some Helix fans
argued that there was a trade-off in seating comfort and ride.
In the Japanese market the Helix had an aftermarket and cult
following with the younger generation, not unlike sport bikes in
America. Honda returned the CN250 (Helix) to all markets in 2004
as the customer base was still there. In the U.S., the Helix and
the Reflex were discontinued with the 2007 model.
Honda made very few changes to the Helix through its 20-year
run. Aluminum rims replaced steel wheels in the early 90s, and a
few emission controls were added to the engine. Apart from those
changes, the machine stayed the same right down to its
1980s-style, multi-colored digital gauges.
The CN250 was also manufactured and sold within Canada as the
"Helix" as the first "maxiscooter" of its kind to be offered in
that country. However, production within Canada was halted after
the initial production year of 1986. Canadian citizens could
still purchase a Helix as an import from the U.S., and a
majority of Honda dealerships in Canada did not even stock a
"floor model" for display. Additionally, the purchaser will
often be required to pay or finance upfront for their purchase,
sight unseen.
It was the Japanese scooter "scene" that saved the Honda
Helix/Fusion. Honda had intended to discontinue production in
the late 1990s in favor of the "Reflex" and went so far as to
cease production at one point. However, pressure from the
members of Japan's now-outraged multitude of Fusion riding
groups and modification enthusiasts pressured Honda into
reinstating production with an announcement to that effect in
February 2003, to begin production once again for the 2005
production year.


==Intro==
==Intro==
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==HISTORY==
==HISTORY==
 
[[File:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-3.jpg|right|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red]]
 


In the early 80's, Honda hit the market with a line of scooters known as the CH series, marketing the [[Honda CH50|CH50]], [[Honda CH80|80]], [[Honda CH125|125]], and [[Honda CH150|150]].  In the US, these were known as "Elite" scooters and overseas they were marketed under the "Spacy" name.  While these scooters were useful as "scooters", their speed and comfort level limited them to short rural riding on back roads and inner city riding.  Then Honda hit the market with the [[Honda CH250|CH250]].  Overseas, this bike continued to be used in the city, but in the US the bike, with its ability to reach highway speeds, took on a whole new purpose as a long range touring machine.  However, the Elite 250 still suffered from the limitations of all scooters such as limited storage capacity, short wheelbase, small size and relatively uncomfortable ride.
In the early 80's, Honda hit the market with a line of scooters known as the CH series, marketing the [[Honda CH50|CH50]], [[Honda CH80|80]], [[Honda CH125|125]], and [[Honda CH150|150]].  In the US, these were known as "Elite" scooters and overseas they were marketed under the "Spacy" name.  While these scooters were useful as "scooters", their speed and comfort level limited them to short rural riding on back roads and inner city riding.  Then Honda hit the market with the [[Honda CH250|CH250]].  Overseas, this bike continued to be used in the city, but in the US the bike, with its ability to reach highway speeds, took on a whole new purpose as a long range touring machine.  However, the Elite 250 still suffered from the limitations of all scooters such as limited storage capacity, short wheelbase, small size and relatively uncomfortable ride.
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Honda's response was the CN250 or the Helix.  Basically, Honda added 14 inches to the [[Honda CH250|Elite 250]], placed an integrated "trunk" in the rear of the machine, and lowered the seat.  The added length allowed what many have referred to as a "Barcolounger" seating position and a very smooth ride.  The top speed of the machine was limited to 70-75MPH but the drivetrain was of an "understressed" design allowing extended running at or near top speed.
Honda's response was the CN250 or the Helix.  Basically, Honda added 14 inches to the [[Honda CH250|Elite 250]], placed an integrated "trunk" in the rear of the machine, and lowered the seat.  The added length allowed what many have referred to as a "Barcolounger" seating position and a very smooth ride.  The top speed of the machine was limited to 70-75MPH but the drivetrain was of an "understressed" design allowing extended running at or near top speed.


In Japan, the Fusion was an instant hit.  In Europe, the Japanese scooters forced the Italian makers to up their scooter's capabilities and reliabilty.  In the US, unlike other areas of the world, the Helix was a hit with middle aged and older people.  People that no longer wanted to or were unable to shift or hold up a large conventional [[motorcycle]] yet wanted long range touring ability bought the Helix.  They were not disappointed.  The CN250 was a deceptively capable machine complete with trip odometer, fuel and temperature gauges, glove compartment and trunk and plenty of room for two up.  Furthermore, the understressed 250cc liquid cooled single cylinder engine could take the machine on 1000 mile tours with no issues whatsoever.  There are many stories of extended touring with the Helix with the only concern being the relatively limited rear tire life of around 5000 miles, a function of the tire being of a very small diameter with a 10" rim.  There are many records of Helix's reaching 70, 80, and even 100 thousand miles without so much as routine maintenance including valve adjustments and belt changes.
In Japan, the Fusion was an instant hit.  In Europe, the Japanese scooters forced the Italian makers to up their scooter's capabilities and reliability.  In the US, unlike other areas of the world, the Helix was a hit with middle aged and older people.  People that no longer wanted to or were unable to shift or hold up a large conventional [[motorcycle]] yet wanted long range touring ability bought the Helix.  They were not disappointed.  The CN250 was a deceptively capable machine complete with trip odometer, fuel and temperature gauges, glove compartment and trunk and plenty of room for two up.  Furthermore, the understressed 250cc liquid cooled single cylinder engine could take the machine on 1000 mile tours with no issues whatsoever.  There are many stories of extended touring with the Helix with the only concern being the relatively limited rear tire life of around 5000 miles, a function of the tire being of a very small diameter with a 10" rim.  There are many records of Helix's reaching 70, 80, and even 100 thousand miles without so much as routine maintenance including valve adjustments and belt changes.


In 2001, the Helix was in its last year being replaced by the [[Honda NS250|NS250]], marketed in the US as the Reflex and other countries as the Forza.  Comparing the Reflex to a Helix is much like comparing a sports sedan to a luxury car.  While the Reflex handled better and had a higher top speed, some argued that there was a tradeoff in seating comfort and ride.  In the Japanese market, the Helix (Fusion) had an aftermarket and cult following with the younger generation not unlike sportbikes in the US.  Seeing that the customer base was still there, the CN250 (Helix) made a return to all markets in 2004.  In the US the Helix sold next to the Reflex and both were priced similarly.
In 2001, the Helix was in its last year being replaced by the [[Honda NSS250|NSS250]], marketed in the US as the Reflex and other countries as the Forza.  Comparing the Reflex to a Helix is much like comparing a sports sedan to a luxury car.  While the Reflex handled better and had a higher top speed, some argued that there was a tradeoff in seating comfort and ride.  In the Japanese market, the Helix (Fusion) had an aftermarket and cult following with the younger generation not unlike sportbikes in the US.  Seeing that the customer base was still there, the CN250 (Helix) made a return to all markets in 2004.  In the US the Helix sold next to the Reflex and both were priced similarly.


But the days were numbered for the CN250.  Superior machines from all scooter manufacturers were hitting the market.  With that, Honda has decided to cease importation of the Helix to the US after 2006.  At this point, it is unclear to this author if the Fusion in Japan will cease as well.  This is an unusual decision since recently [[Yamaha]] has hit the market with its own modern interpretation of the Helix, the Morphus not to be confused with the [[Yamaha Morpho|Yamaha concept Morpho]].
But the days were numbered for the CN250.  Superior machines from all scooter manufacturers were hitting the market.  With that, Honda has decided to cease importation of the Helix to the US after 2006.  At this point, it is unclear to this author if the Fusion in Japan will cease as well.  This is an unusual decision since recently [[Yamaha]] has hit the market with its own modern interpretation of the Helix, the Morphus not to be confused with the [[Yamaha Morpho|Yamaha concept Morpho]].
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==1985 Honda Helix==
[[File:honda-helix-1985-0.jpg|600px|1985 Honda Helix]]


Although the Helix is a Honda scooter introduced in 1985, the bike is still in production nowadays. However, the interesting thing is that the scooter was only known as Helix in the United States but, in other parts of the world, it became popular under the Fusion or Spazio name.




==1987 Helix 250==


 
<gallery mode="slideshow">
==1987==
File:1987_honda_Cn250.jpg|left|thumb|1987 Honda Helix 250
 
</gallery>
[[Image:1987_honda_Cn250.jpg|left|thumb|1987 Honda Helix 250]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>




==1993==
==1993 Helix 250==
[[Image:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-0.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red]]
<gallery mode="slideshow">
[[Image:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-1.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red]]
File:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-0.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red
[[Image:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-2.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red]]
File:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-1.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red
[[Image:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-3.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red]]
File:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-2.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red
[[Image:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-4.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red]]
File:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-3.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red
[[Image:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-5.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red]]
File:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-4.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red
File:1993-Honda-CN250-Red-5.jpg|left|thumb|1993 Honda Helix CN250 in Red
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


==1996==
==1996 Helix 250==
[[Image:1996-Honda-CN250-Red-0.jpg|left|thumb|1996 Honda Helix in Red]]
<gallery>
[[Image:1996-Honda-CN250-Red-1.jpg|left|thumb|1996 Honda Helix in Red]]
File:1996-Honda-CN250-Red-0.jpg|left|thumb|1996 Honda Helix in Red
File:1996-Honda-CN250-Red-1.jpg|left|thumb|1996 Honda Helix in Red
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


==2001==
==2001 Helix 250==
[[Image:2001-Honda-CN250-Black-6201-0.jpg|left|thumb|2001 Honda CN250 in Black]]
<gallery>
[[Image:2001-Honda-CN250-Black-6201-1.jpg|left|thumb|2001 Honda CN250 in Black]]
File:2001-Honda-CN250-Black-6201-0.jpg|left|thumb|2001 Honda CN250 in Black
[[Image:2001-Honda-CN250-Black-6201-2.jpg|left|thumb|2001 Honda CN250 in Black]]
File:2001-Honda-CN250-Black-6201-1.jpg|left|thumb|2001 Honda CN250 in Black
File:2001-Honda-CN250-Black-6201-2.jpg|left|thumb|2001 Honda CN250 in Black
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


==2004==
==2004 Helix 250==
[[Image:2004_honda_Cn250_1.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250]]
<gallery>
[[Image:2004_honda_Cn250_2.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250]]
File:2004_honda_Cn250_1.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250
[[Image:2004_honda_Cn250_3.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250]]
File:2004_honda_Cn250_2.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250
[[Image:2004_honda_Cn250_4.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250]]
File:2004_honda_Cn250_3.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250
[[Image:2004_honda_Cn250_5.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250]]
File:2004_honda_Cn250_4.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250
File:2004_honda_Cn250_5.jpg|left|thumb|2004 Honda Helix 250
</gallery>
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


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==2005==
==2005 Helix 250==
[[Image:2005_honda_Cn250_1.jpg|left|thumb|2005 Honda Helix 250]]
[[Image:2005_honda_Cn250_1.jpg|left|thumb|2005 Honda Helix 250]]
[[Image:2005_honda_Cn250_2.jpg|left|thumb|2005 Honda Helix 250]]
[[Image:2005_honda_Cn250_2.jpg|left|thumb|2005 Honda Helix 250]]
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==2006==
[[Image:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-0.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red]]
[[Image:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-1.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red]]
[[Image:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-2.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red]]
[[Image:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-3.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red]]
[[Image:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-4.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red]]
<br style="clear: left"/>




==1985 Honda Helix==
[[File:honda-helix-1985-0.jpg|600px|1985 Honda Helix]]
Although the Helix is a Honda scooter introduced in 1985, the bike is still in production nowadays. However, the interesting thing is that the scooter was only known as Helix in the United States but, in other parts of the world, it became popular under the Fusion or Spazio name.




==2006 Honda Helix==
==2006 Honda Helix==
[[File:honda-helix-2006-2006-0.jpg|600px|2006 Honda Helix]]
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:honda-helix-2006-2006-0.jpg|600px|2006 Honda Helix
File:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-0.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red
File:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-1.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red
File:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-2.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red
File:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-3.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red
File:2006-Honda-CN250-Red-6331-4.jpg|left|thumb|2006 Honda CN250 Helix in Red
</gallery>


Honda introduced the Helix in the mid-1980's, but this scooter proved to be a really successful model which was still being produced in 2005. The scooter received a new, exciting red color option for this model year, and retains the convenient and easy-to-use automatic transmission and electric starting, while providing ample storage for even more practicality.
Honda introduced the Helix in the mid-1980's, but this scooter proved to be a really successful model which was still being produced in 2005. The scooter received a new, exciting red color option for this model year, and retains the convenient and easy-to-use automatic transmission and electric starting, while providing ample storage for even more practicality.
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The rich, plush seat offer non-fatiguing riding for hours in a row, making the Helix a good machine for longer, overnight trips. Add in a powerful quarter-liter engine, generous storage and a full, comprehensive dash for a scooter which can indeed offer much more than meets the eye.
The rich, plush seat offer non-fatiguing riding for hours in a row, making the Helix a good machine for longer, overnight trips. Add in a powerful quarter-liter engine, generous storage and a full, comprehensive dash for a scooter which can indeed offer much more than meets the eye.
== Overview ==
Honda CN 250
Helix / Fusion
==Specifications==
{|  class="wikitable"
|-
!Make Model
|Honda CN 250 Helix / Fusion
|-
!Year
|1986 - 09
|-
!Engine Type
|Four stroke, single cylinder. SOHC
|-
!Displacement
|244 cc / 14.9 cu-in
|-
!Bore X Stroke
|
|-
!Cooling System
|Liquid cooled
|-
!Compression
|
|-
!Induction
|
|-
!Ignition
|
|-
!Starting
|
|-
!Max Power
|17 hp / 12.4 kW
|-
!Max Torque
|20.5 Nm / 15.1 ft-lb
|-
!Transmission
|V-Matic continuously variable transmission
|-
!Final Drive
|
|-
!Front Suspension
|Trailing link fork
|-
!Rear Suspension
|Swingarm
|-
!Front Brakes
|Single disc
|-
!Rear Brakes
|Drum
|-
!Front Tire
|110/100-12
|-
!Rear Tire
|120/90-10
|-
!Wheelbase
|1625 mm (64.0 in)
|-
!Seat Height
|665 mm / 26.2 in
|-
!Dry Weight
|157 kg / 345 lbs
|-
!Fuel Capacity
|12 Liters / 3.2 US gal
|}




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*[[Honda CH80]]
*[[Honda CH80]]


==References==
{{reflist}}


{{Honda}}
{{Honda}}
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