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Post by peterv on Apr 25, 2015 21:31:50 GMT -5
A friend gave me a 86 Helix a few years ago and I'm going to make a custom chopper scooter out of it. I want to upgrade the engine for max performance and I see lots of items out there starting with 300cc big bore kit. Does anyone have recommendations for what I should buy to make this thing kick ?
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Post by oldchopperguy on Apr 29, 2015 1:09:29 GMT -5
Peterv,
First, WELCOME TO THE SITE!
As for upgrading the Helix, I'd be tempted to leave it mostly stock. Honda has a great engine there, with enough performance for most scooter riders. Maybe try a low-restriction air-filter and free-flowing exhaust, and probably richer jetting with them, but I would leave well enough alone with the engine. I might also try adding sliders to the variator, and play with a couple different weights. Improving the CVT at the variator often brings more performance improvement than engine mods. Keep in mind, the Helix has good performance "as-is".
I think the Helix is a great start for a custom scoot. I built a number of Harley choppers "back in the day" and am just getting into scooters now in my old age. You'll find your Honda has a great "heavy-duty" tank-like look when you remove the plastics... Just right for a "Mad Max" looking chopper!
Please post pix for the rest of us!
Ride safe,
Leo in Texas
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Post by wheelbender6 on Apr 29, 2015 8:06:34 GMT -5
Just my opinion. A genuine Honda Helix is a classic that will remain desirable if kept in good condition.
-A Chinese scooter with a GY6 engine is a better candidate for the mods you have in mind.
Parts for the 150cc GY6 are plentiful and inexpensive.
-The 260cc Chinese scooters are based on a Yamaha design, and owners seem to be satisfied with them.
It may be the best option for a high speed, chopped project.
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Post by peterv on Apr 29, 2015 12:30:37 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice and the welcome. I pulled the body panels off intending to replace them when I got it but then saw the tank like beauty of it without its skin and thats where the idea did come from. Im a big guy, 6'5" about 330lbs and it pushed me up to about 65 mph. I would like more torque really over top speed for when my wife rides on the back but if we run down the highway 70-75 would be a more comfortable top speed.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Apr 29, 2015 15:49:57 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice and the welcome. I pulled the body panels off intending to replace them when I got it but then saw the tank like beauty of it without its skin and thats where the idea did come from. Im a big guy, 6'5" about 330lbs and it pushed me up to about 65 mph. I would like more torque really over top speed for when my wife rides on the back but if we run down the highway 70-75 would be a more comfortable top speed. The Helix is a good 250 old-school scooter, but if you need 70-75 mph with a passenger you'll need a LOT bigger engine. My Kymco Grandvista 250 is similar to the Helix, and my absolute top-speed is around 80 mph. However, I weigh 235, and with a passenger, on normal roads with some ups and downs, and a little wind, top-speed is realistically around 65-68 mph. 60-65 is the MAXIMUM cruise available. For your needs, you will need something in the 500 cc or bigger class to be comfortable. There are several highway-scooters out there, some from Europe, Japan and one of my favorites, the Kymco "My Road" 700 cc. However, you're now talking some serious expense. For the price of a 75 mph, 2-up scooter you can get a nice used 1,000 cc or bigger motorcycle. Something to consider. As nice as the Honda Helix is, you need a LOT bigger bike. Just my opinion, Leo in Texas |
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Post by urbanmadness on Apr 30, 2015 8:49:31 GMT -5
I'd ride the helix as is for a while and gain some experience, then move to a motorcycle. Older goldwings are pretty inexpensive, if you keep your eyes out and they are really forgiving bikes, especially if you go with the 1500cc.
I went from a 150, then a 250, then an Aprillia 500cc (most heavy feeling of the group, worse parking lot manners then my 1100cc goldwing) If I had to do it again, I would of done the 150 then moved to the goldwing. Out of all the bikes I've ridden, the 150 was the most fun.... the Aprillia 500cc was very comfortable at 90mph on the freeway (with plenty of throttle left top speed was like 105), and the goldwing is my baby!
Again, Goldwings aint sport bikes, so don't let the size scare ya.... The 1500 is as easy to ride as a 250 scooter, just a little heavy when it's not moving, but not bad.... The 1100, 1200 and 1000 are very easy to work on as well but the 1500 is the most forgiving to ride of the group.
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Post by peterv on Apr 30, 2015 8:54:52 GMT -5
Expense is not that big a deal and I have been riding motorcycles since I was a kid, I'm 49. Like all custom projects I just want something no one else has. I was watching racing scooter videos and reading up on them where they are getting 80+ in 1/8 mile drags out of 150cc scooters so I thought with a 300cc kit and upgraded clutch etc.. I should easily be able to get at least what I'm looking for. In this very creative world we live in I didn't realize how far out there I was with wanting to do this with a Honda, which kinda makes me want it more actually. I'm going to be home in a couple weeks and I finally found a custom shop willing to take a look at it. I hope to be posting more on this in the future. Thanks for your kind thoughts. Peter
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Post by peterv on Apr 30, 2015 9:04:05 GMT -5
BTW, just to let you know what kind of weirdo you are talking to here, I did once own a 1200cc cafe racer style Goldwing with a big 4 barrell Holley carb instead of the 4 individual stock carbs and after you got used to the weight it was a pretty cool and definitely crowd gathering unique bike.
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Post by urbanmadness on Apr 30, 2015 9:19:18 GMT -5
sounds like my kind of bike.... Have you seen some of the 1000cc naked goldwings running around with superchargers? My little 1100 draws a little attention. You don't see too many goldwings with skulls painted on them.   |
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Post by peterv on Apr 30, 2015 17:15:26 GMT -5
Sweet ride! I haven't seen any of those but I'm a trucker and don't ride bikes much anymore. I'm going to start being home more often so that prompted the Helix project to scoot around town when I'm there. When I buy another bike it will probably be a BMW R1200.
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Post by peterv on Apr 30, 2015 17:17:17 GMT -5
My "cafewing" had flames. Made it faster :-)
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Post by wheelbender6 on May 2, 2015 8:44:59 GMT -5
Saw this Vespa Chopper on another site.  |
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Post by peterv on May 2, 2015 14:19:20 GMT -5
Nice! I am torn on extended forks without raking the frame. Im leaning more towards stock forks mid rise ape hangers and build the outta the engine.
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Post by peterv on May 2, 2015 14:24:26 GMT -5
And that big honkin gas tank is staying right where it is. Im not trying for a fake motorcycle look. This is gonna be all scooter!
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Post by oldchopperguy on May 3, 2015 11:34:20 GMT -5
And that big honkin gas tank is staying right where it is. Im not trying for a fake motorcycle look. This is gonna be all scooter! As the "Ambien Beaver" used to say... "AB-SO-LOOT-LEE"!
That Vespa is well-done, but not my cup of tea. I agree; if it's a bike, make it a bike. If it's a scooter, keep it all scooter... Back a half-century ago, I was a pretty good wrench on a Hog. Loved big bikes all my life but nowadays, I'm completely sold on scooters! They are an entirely different breed from motorcycles and today's scoots don't have to "apologize" for not being motorcycles.
Below is "Old Blue" my all-time favorite build (and the origin of my handle "OldChopperGuy").
OOOH! With 13:1 compression and full-house cam, you should have heard those straight-pipes cackle! Sweetest sound this side of Heaven...
It makes no difference whether you're riding a mini-bike, a 50, a 750 scoot or a chopper, bagger or a crotch-rocket... Whatever you're riding is good at the time! And, when you customize, or even build from scratch, it's all the "gooder"!
Do keep us posted on your Helix project!
Ride safe,
Leo in Texas
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