Here is a requested ride report on my 1996 Helix. I will probably cross post this on my Modernvespa thread as I wondered how the match up would be with the GTS. I have put 1000 miles on it since I bought him in late May with only five miles.
So here is the comparison GTS VS Helix
Parking/low speed stuff: Helix wins,EASY! Its almost as easy as my Buddy to get on and off the center stand. This is huge as I had started a new job (promotional, thankfully) and my needs changed,-I wanted a freeway/highway able scoot that would be capable of my tripled commute mileage and easy to park when I went out in the field. The Vespa is difficult for me to get on and off center stand unless everything is flat-which is tough to find in San Diego. Despite a lowered seat, I am on tip toes on the Vespa, so if I put my foot down on any grease or something like gravel, my foot easily slips and being a top heavy bike I am easily destabilized-luckily have not dropped it. Knock on wood.
Lane Splitting (legal where I live): Helix wins. I am seriously spatially challenged and a fairly low risk rider so I only split in stopped or very slow traffic with a wide berth between cars. Both scooters are the same width BUT the Helix is such a low rider there is little to no risk of slamming mirrors with vehicles -something I am afraid that has happened to me on the GTS with an SUV. The GTS mirrors are about the height of SUV mirrors which results in too tight a squeeze for my taste. In heavy/urban traffic the Helix is better for me because it is easier to put my feet down and feels more stable than tip toeing it on the GTS. Both scooters favorite speed performance wise is around 50 miles an hour.
Curvy roads: I’m going to give it to the Helix only because I am not the most aggressive rider. The GTS is more top heavy and tall which makes me want to be more cautious and go slower than on the low riding Helix.
Freeway: GTS wins for speed both top end and acceleration after 40 mph. The Helix really is not bad off the line. I waited for the 600 mile mark before I took the Helix on the freeway. I have had it as high as 73 MPH Gps verified-as a side note the odometer is 100% accurate- and he was reluctant to squeeze out much more, but I think he might if I beg! The Vespa has GPS’d 82 mph, although in all fairness it is well broken in at 13,000 miles. I probably won’t be able to take the Helix on the steep uphill freeway portion of my commute-although the Vespa hates it too.
The Helix is alleged to be like a wind sail at higher speeds. I really have not experienced this yet, and in fact the Vespa seems more dodgy and sensitive. Both have windscreens. I did just get a new Michelin (sport city I believe) rear tire for the GTS. Hoping it will be better, although I've had nearly every tire on the GTS it just loves to follow highway grooves at high speeds. The Helix has new Pirellis. I had an emergency stop to prevent broad siding a cage and I was VERY impressed with the Helix braking. Super stable!
I don’t think this was intended to be a freeway bike….or maybe it was back in the 80’s when it was first released and speed limits were lower if I recall. I really don’t like riding on the freeway much anyway, but I want to be able to if I have to, for at least a few miles.
I like the visibility the seat height offers in the Vespa, however I don’t like it when it’s time to stop. For a taller rider who can easily flat foot I can see it being a no brainier to prefer the Vespa with this regard. The Helix is like bizarre wave runner –hover craft going floating down the road. Low and slow and I wonder about visibility.
Gas Mileage: GTS by a landslide. I haven’t checked in a while but it can run anywhere from 65-78 MPG. The Helix is in the low 40’s which is lower than average for Helices. I am very guilty of jack rabbit starts on all my scooters. I did get 60 mpg on a group ride and 48 on a country canyon/highway ride. The usual routine for me lately has been surface street to work in AM-mostly 40-55 mph and some freeway home in the afternoon. Not sure what the deal is with the mileage. It has been speculated the cheap carburetor that the seller put on when I got it could come into play. I have run 3 tanks with Seafoam through it and it does seem to be running more smoothly but fuel efficiency has not improved.
Maintenance: Helix? It’s had its first oil change by the mechanic that helped sell it, but I am going to do this next one myself as it appears much easier than the other scoots. Shockingly every 1000 miles is recommended. Since I put that on in 6 weeks, I'm going to need to step up my game! I won’t be using the Honda dealer for other upcoming service, but my local dealer, Motorsport which takes excellent care of the GTS and the Buddy.
Other: it almost guaranteed when I pull up somewhere on the Helix a 65+++ man will appear out of the woodwork to discuss the beast. It’s usually alone the lines of .....they used to have one, it had over 50,000 miles on it, they upgraded (invariably a Burgman or Silverwing) and they still miss the Helix. LOL.
The Helix is embarrassingly huge to park. Frankly I feel a bit of shame trying to lodge the monster in MC parking. You almost have to park it like a car on the street.
As it stands no one is getting cut from the stable. Most certainly not the Buddy. The GTS is sadly the least used scooter. At this rate, I'm keeping it as a back up 250 commuter as both my husband and I would HATE getting stuck in the cage if our main scoots were out of commission for more than a day.
Well anyway, I could not be more thrilled with the Helix, it is highly recommended, although a long range freeway cruiser it is not
(but then neither is the GTS)
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) in the design of the Helix. If you do that, I predict you will still be rolling around on it in 2025. It's only 12 years away! 
I bet you'll have a wonderful time with it and really enjoy it. I've heard Honda scooters are the most reliable ever (if someone has any experience with them I'd love to hear it).
