Modern Vespa

Been a while since I've hung around here. This is a little bit of what I've been up to...

Late last year, I got a 2000 Honda Helix with 15k on it. It absolutely needed some TLC in the cosmetics department, and I don't think it had ever spent much off-time sheltered in a garage. I was reasonably sure it was sound, mechanically. Far as I can tell, I'm the third owner.

I got the bike home, washed it down, and inspected it further. It needed an idle adjustment, and even after that it still likes to warm up a bit more than other bikes I've had, but it's a strong runner and has no problem getting up to 70 (I haven't needed to push over that yet).

I pulled all the plastics off, and it was... quite a mess. I drowned it in Simple Green a few times and scrubbed everything I could reach. No ugly surprises once all the grime came off, as far as the internals went. Unfortunately, it was practically raining little plastic tabs when I took the body panels off. I was very careful, but they just hadn't held up too well to 16 years of sun and at least one tip-over at some point. I discovered the reflective stickers on the front panels were strategic in hiding some pretty big cracks. There was a lot of hardware missing on several panels, and half of the attaching tabs just plain gone. I just tossed the case it came with--it was cheap, crappy, and almost rattling itself apart anyway.

I went over the handlebar plastics with Back To Black, but replaced almost every other piece of plastic. Thanks to the official Honda service manual being readily available, it wasn't all that difficult. Some parts were tedious, but most of it was pretty straightforward. I also ended up replacing a lot of the hardware, seeing as how I didn't even know what was missing in many areas. I did have the panels painted, but I assembled everything 99% myself, with a little help when I needed some extra muscle. I was intimidated by replacing the speedometer cover, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I thought.

A couple of the signal lenses were cracked, so I replaced all but the tail with clear ones and amber bulbs. I also swapped the reflectors for marker lights, and wired them to flash with the turn signals. Added a rear spoiler with an LED brake light for a little more rear visibility further from the pavement as well. The original trunk liner had gotten pretty funky, so I replaced it with a pressed auto carpet one, and installed a dual USB charger through it. The bike is still stock underneath.

I don't think I would say that this Helix looks as good as new, but it certainly doesn't look its age anymore. And while it may have only been an exterior restoration, I'm still pretty proud of it. I know that my wrenching skills are still fairly limited. The Helix is easy enough to work on, and the service manual is very helpful, so it's been a really good confidence-booster in learning to tinker with my own bike.

Bravo! Well Done! I've always wanted a Helix, don't ask me why but I like em!

J

yesss!!!!

There are many that say that it is an ugly scoot, but I never thought so. A little dated, but not ugly. You can get any part you need, they are quality built(especially compared to today's bikes), and it will run forever. There is many a Helix with well over 60,000 miles on them and going strong. The plastic is the weak point, but there are some cool modded Helixs out there where the plastic has been binned and metal panels have been fabricated. Meanwhile, you did a great job on that scooter. Congrats!

Lay-Z-Boy on wheels.

wow, usually wouldnt like twice at a helix but this looks lovely, the colour really sets off the lines of the bike, well done sir