Modern Vespa

Yep, winter is approaching around here.

At the moment it is warmer than usually at this time of year, but all bikes and larger scoots are already hibernating.

...soo, not having a bike to ride, plenty of time to browse in the web!
And I'm definitely not seeking a new bike, just waiting to continue my adventures with the Triumph and mayby with some rented bikes abroad.

Still, it's hard to keep your head steady: just recently this popped up: a cult classic weirdo scoot, Piaggio Hexagon GT 250. It's a 4-stroke, contrary to smaller Hexagons. Apparently the engine is from Honda, but I don't know if this is true or legend.

Nearby one in black, almost in pristine condition came available and cost literally only a few coins (not the one in pic, the pic is just a random sample)...but then again, did I need one? Do I have room for one? Would I actually use it? No, no, mayby....sigh....let the winter time continue......

What idiot designer didn't put six spoke wheels on that thing?

Looks like Piaggio made a Helix.

I like the seat and the color but otherwise it's a 3 on the 10 scale for me...
Butt ugly in fact.

It was an early Honda motor. Same motor Honda used in their same scooter of that age. It has no oil filter. It has a gauze oil screen. Oil changes were something like every 2000 km.

I remember reading about them in my early 2000's Scootering magazine.

Aaron

Ugg-lee.

All the way down to its Roman nose!

If the price is awesome, it makes up for ugly. Put some studded tires(if you can) on and thrash that roman nosed puppy. I would, ahem, if I was 20 years younger

This was pretty much what I thought...in general, no worries about the appearance, as there's not much to begin with And still, being as ugly as it is, it's almost approaching cool with the "futuristic" design.

I read from somewhere that this is exactly what it is - it's purpose was to try out the futuristic looks encouraged by the Helix.

Interesting! So it was true, not just a legend.....being a Honda sounds good, not sure about the oil filter thing.

...and to add to this: Helixes are ultra rare around here and have way too high price tag when available. So to get one by Piaggio, with a Honda engine (thanks for the info Aaron!) and with peanuts money is somehow tempting....does not make any sense of course.

My Honda SH150i doesn't have an oil filter, just a screen at the drain plug. Oil change is 2,500 miles, I do it at 2,000.

Maybe I should fill a shipping container and send them to you.
There's about 6 for sale here in Jax.

The engine came from Honda as mentioned and is the one used on the Spacy / Elite 250 and other models, since 1984. It was pretty bulletproof and apart the need for regular oil changes (every 1k miles, capacity .85 US quart oil) it didn't need much. Drive belt should be inspected every 8k miles and changed every 12k miles. Spark plug should be changed every 6k miles. The engine is really simple and even valve clearance (every 4k miles) is set from the outside by turning two "rockers". If you do buy it, FYI engine parts are cheaper if bought directly from Honda and not from Piaggio...

A Chinese clone of the engine...

non-ride season?

[quote="RRider"] Are you kidding? That scenario is probably a good percentage of our PTWs here!

Wow -- an MP3 250 with only one front wheel!