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Youngtimer test: Honda
Honda CN 250 Helix
The helix (= spiral) takes its name from the Greek. Although it doesn’t impress with its Italian chic, it has shone with Japanese reliability in Germany since 1990. Does that sound Spanish to you? 2wheels translated.
OAs is well known, mas wing chair has to serve as a synonym for maximum comfort. Not here. Even if hardly any other scooter would have deserved this highest praise as the Helix. The Honda, which is reminiscent of an American road cruiser on two wheels, pampers the driver and passenger with top-class comfort that is inviting for cruising: plenty of legroom, soft, lush seats, good wind protection thanks to the high, steep window. As is well known, length runs well straight ahead. However, because the press-steel tubular frame tends to twist easily on an undulating surface, accuracy and straight-line stability suffer. Cross winds can also easily get the Helix out of hand. The handling of the Honda sofa scooter, on the other hand, is astonishing: the 250 can be willingly circled through curves and even offers decent lean angle for a brisk pace.
The cultivated, quite powerful four-stroke engine, however, does not allow too sporty pace. When the traffic light starts, the automatic starts a little delayed, brisk motorway journeys are slow above 100 km / h, with a top speed of 113 km / h, convoys of trucks are difficult to pass. The Helix prefers moderate pace anyway, its consumption levels off at just under four liters, which gives it a range of at least 300 kilometers. Not an issue for the crew – they sit on one cheek. Luggage or purchases after a stroll through town can be stored in the large rear storage compartment. The Helix was ahead of its time not only in terms of comfort, the CN 250 also featured features that are common today, such as a parking brake and digital cockpit, as early as 1990. In this respect, the old Swede, pardon me, is Greek at heart to this day.
Brief verdict:
positive
- Strong, refined four-stroke engine
- Top seating comfort
- Good equipment, lots of practical details, large storage space
- Amazingly curvy
- Effective front brake
negative
- Moderate rear brake
- Payload not very generous
- Undercarriage that is not very precise and tends to wobble
- Over 100 km / h it gets tough
Technical specifications
The data:
Single cylinder four-stroke engine
Cubic capacity 244 cm³
Power transmission variator / belt
Output 13 kW (17 hp) at 7000 rpm
Max. Torque 21 Nm at 5000 rpm
Front brake disc (Ø 190 mm)
Rear brake drum (Ø 130 mm)
Front tires 4.00-12
Rear tire 120 / 90-10
Suspension travel front / rear 53/110 mm
Tank capacity 12 liters, normal
Colors blue, red
Maintenance intervals 6000 km
Price 5353 euros (new price 1998)
The measured values:
Top speed (factory specification) 113 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h 17.5 sec
Thrust 60-100 km / h 10.9 sec
Weight with a full tank 171 kg
Load 169 kg
Consumption on highway 4.0 l / 100 km
Conclusion
In the city:
Its very long wheelbase somewhat restricts maneuverability in the city. Otherwise, the Helix is great as a city scooter: the purchases can be stored in the huge storage compartment, thanks to the low seat height, even those with short legs are safe at the traffic lights, the gently pushing automatic makes city trips stress-free.
On the country road:
The country roads should be developed to a certain extent so that the Helix can show off its amazing handiness and the acceptable lean angle. It passes rough bumps on to the driver and becomes restless in the process. If you don’t have any sporting ambitions, you can easily get by with the four-stroke engine’s 17 hp.
On the highway:
Gliding along for hours is the main discipline of the Helix. The driver and front passenger find soft, spacious seats, the windshield offers good wind protection, and the twelve-liter tank is enough for around 300 kilometers. Despite a top speed of 113 km / h, overtaking the truck sometimes turns out to be a tough game of patience.
Diploma:
Engine:
With a distinctive four-stroke pounding, the single-cylinder pulls the Helix forward bravely, uses fuel in moderation and runs very cultured.
4 out of 5 stars
Landing gear:
The suspension elements are overwhelmed when the vehicle is heavily loaded or on an undulating road – the Helix begins to tumble. After all, it is relatively handy.
2 out of 5 stars
Brakes:
If you really do it, you get a good effect from the front disc brake. The rear drum brake isn’t of much help.
3 out of 5 stars
Furnishing:
With a futuristic and informative cockpit, large storage compartment and many practical details, the Helix proves to be a pleasantly equipped companion.
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort:
Lots of legroom, extremely comfortable seat, good wind protection, sophisticated engine – the Helix has rightly earned its reputation as a sedan chair.
5 out of 5 stars
Suitable for beginners:
Get on and drive off – automatic transmission, low seat and unproblematic driving behavior instill confidence in beginners.
4 out of 5 stars
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