[NBR] All things considered, which would you choose?

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 2:16 am

I'm looking for a second scoot, and to be honest a well priced GT or GTS would be first choice, followed by an Elite 250. But. I see quite a few Helices and Reflexes but few Elites. So here's my question:

All other things equal, which would you prefer, a Helix or a Reflex?

sc00ter · Post by **sc00ter** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:02 am

Personally, Helix. I have a weak spot for them so my opinion is biased. So fugly they are cool looking-if that makes any sense!

avescoots1134 · Post by **avescoots1134** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:05 am

Reflex. The Helix is great but it really is like riding inside of an industrial refrigerator. I hope to add a Reflex to my stable one of these days

avescoots1134 · Post by **avescoots1134** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:08 am

To the OP, the Elite 250 is a dying breed. Great bikes but they are getting very old and take quite a bit to keep them on the road. Same goes for the Vespa GT. Luckily for me that Vespa was easy to sell

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:47 am

Thanks for the replies, folks! There's a '04 Reflex nearby. I may have to see how my 34" inseam fits.

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 4:08 am

Syd wrote:Thanks for the replies, folks! There's a '04 Reflex nearby. I may have to see how my 34" inseam fits.

Let us know how that goes. Before you buy, you might want to go read this article over on Motor Scooter Guide. I was not aware that Honda beefed up the alternator with the 2004 model. Does the example you are looking at have ABS brakes?

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 4:26 am

Thanks, jrsjr, I'll look at that. I don't know anything except that it's a 2004. There is a 2002 also nearby, too. 2004 over the 2002?

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 4:30 am

Syd wrote:Thanks, jrsjr, I'll look at that. I don't know anything except that it's a 2004. There is a 2002 also nearby, too. 2004 over the 2002?

It would depend on miles, condition, price and so on, but all other things being equal, I would want the heftier alternator in case I decided to add heated grips or an accessory outlet for a heated vest or something. Just my $0.02 worth.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 1:59 pm

Helix.not based on much but several have made the CBR without much problem. One was over 100k. Blew a rear bearing and the local dealer had one is stock.

skipper20 · Post by **skipper20** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 4:50 pm

Syd wrote:I'm looking for a second scoot, and to be honest a well priced GT or GTS would be first choice, followed by an Elite 250. But. I see quite a few Helices and Reflexes but few Elites. So here's my question:

All other things equal, which would you prefer, a Helix or a Reflex?

I've owned both and because of their different styling, it's basically an apples and oranges question. The Helix is decidedly old school but it does have that unique funky look that appeals to a lot of folks. The Reflex is more motorcycle than scooter and for me it was a slightly better more comfortable fit (I have a 32" inseam). But the bottom line is they're both carbureted engines. And, in spite of using additives such as Seafoam and Stabil when storing them during the winter plus keeping the fuel tanks full, I had carburetor problems with both. As such, I'm now a firm believer in fuel injected engines. As such, I'll stick with my fuel injected Hooligan 170i and Buddy 170i. No, they're not Interstate or Freeway capable but IMHO neither is the Helix or Reflex.

Bill in Seattle
'12 170i Italia
'14 170i Hooligan (AZ scoot)

still shifting · Post by **still shifting** » Sun Sep 20, 2015 7:49 pm

I am really hopelessly entraced withmy 87 elite which is very rough in apperance. But damn those old hondas are tough! R

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Sun Sep 20, 2015 9:54 pm

Due to my obvious bias, and also my lack of comparative experience, I'm recusing myself from this discussion. Both being Hondas, Either is Likely Implicitly eXcellent.

JohnKiniston · Post by **JohnKiniston** » Mon Sep 21, 2015 4:41 pm

I'd go Reflex for the larger rear tire.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Mon Sep 21, 2015 7:49 pm

JohnKiniston wrote:I'd go Reflex for the larger rear tire.

With luck someone will ride a Helix/Reflex to Coolidge this Saturday and I can sneak a sit.

JohnKiniston · Post by **JohnKiniston** » Mon Sep 21, 2015 7:50 pm

Howard won't be making it but I'll be going up possibly with some riders. Waiting to hear from Dixie as to when y'all plan to be at Tags.

I'll have my Vespa GT, You can give it a go.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Tue Sep 22, 2015 1:58 pm

I The helix is it's own funky animal. I guess I don't really like the Reflex, because, if I wanted a ninja 250, I can just get one

.

The reflex is a good bike, and more stable/better suspension. the Helix eats rear tires, but it's so low and you can customize it easily.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Tue Sep 22, 2015 3:37 pm

Syd wrote:I'm looking for a second scoot, and to be honest a well priced GT or GTS would be first choice, followed by an Elite 250.

Yes, there is the large frame Vespa. Who doesn't like that look? I've always felt the GT200 was the real bargain on the used market. A well built carbed scooter with plenty of power, and can often be found in the $2000-$2500 range with low to moderate mileage. It has now been 5 years since the GTS250ie was replaced by the 300 which means that there are more bargains in used GTS all the time. The 250 engine has the same horsepower rating as the 300 engine, and has the same top speed. I'd say it gave away nothing to it's newer sister, until the ABS/ASR version of the 300 came out this year. You could certainly do a lot worse than a GT/GTS.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 5:03 pm

Curious, did you pull the trigger on one of these? Still considering?

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 10:45 pm

Still looking. I'm not in any rush, so biding my time. there are the occasional GT / GTSs on CL, but in year-round riding Phoenix, the prices are above my comfort level. For Example, $3200 for an '05 GT seems tooo high.

Or maybe I'm cheap.

JohnKiniston · Post by **JohnKiniston** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 11:14 pm

Are you on Facebook? I saw Dean offering a GT and a GTS for fairly cheap on the Phoenix United scooter club group recently.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 2:44 am

JohnKiniston wrote:Are you on Facebook? I saw Dean offering a GT and a GTS for fairly cheap on the Phoenix United scooter club group recently.

I have an account that I rarely use, but I'll take a look. Thanks!

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 3:30 pm

Syd wrote:there are the occasional GT / GTSs on CL, but in year-round riding Phoenix, the prices are above my comfort level. For Example, $3200 for an '05 GT seems tooo high.

The Kelly Bluebook average retail (excellent condition) for an '05 GT200 in the Phoenix area is $2460. That doesn't mean that is what you will see as an asking price on the next CL listing of course, but it does mean that $3200 is outside the ballpark. Don't hesitate to look a little further afield if you don't see what you want in town. It isn't difficult to pick up a bike using a rental trailer or whatever.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 4:56 pm

Dooglas wrote:
Syd wrote:there are the occasional GT / GTSs on CL, but in year-round riding Phoenix, the prices are above my comfort level. For Example, $3200 for an '05 GT seems tooo high.
The Kelly Bluebook average retail (excellent condition) for an '05 GT200 in the Phoenix area is $2460. That doesn't mean that is what you will see as an asking price on the next CL listing of course, but it does mean that $3200 is outside the ballpark. Don't hesitate to look a little further afield if you don't see what you want in town. It isn't difficult to pick up a bike using a rental trailer or whatever.

Agreed. I'm even watching SDG's I've got too many scoots thread on MV!

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 12:47 am

Syd wrote:
Dooglas wrote:
Syd wrote:there are the occasional GT / GTSs on CL, but in year-round riding Phoenix, the prices are above my comfort level. For Example, $3200 for an '05 GT seems tooo high.
The Kelly Bluebook average retail (excellent condition) for an '05 GT200 in the Phoenix area is $2460. That doesn't mean that is what you will see as an asking price on the next CL listing of course, but it does mean that $3200 is outside the ballpark. Don't hesitate to look a little further afield if you don't see what you want in town. It isn't difficult to pick up a bike using a rental trailer or whatever.
Agreed. I'm even watching SDG's I've got too many scoots thread on MV!

Oh, is he clearing out scooters?

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 4:37 am

ericalm wrote:
Syd wrote:
Dooglas wrote: The Kelly Bluebook average retail (excellent condition) for an '05 GT200 in the Phoenix area is $2460. That doesn't mean that is what you will see as an asking price on the next CL listing of course, but it does mean that $3200 is outside the ballpark. Don't hesitate to look a little further afield if you don't see what you want in town. It isn't difficult to pick up a bike using a rental trailer or whatever.
Agreed. I'm even watching SDG's I've got too many scoots thread on MV!
Oh, is he clearing out scooters?

He mentioned that with 20 scoots he couldn't fit a vintage car in the garage!

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:45 am

Syd wrote:
ericalm wrote:
Syd wrote:Agreed. I'm even watching SDG's I've got too many scoots thread on MV!
Oh, is he clearing out scooters?
He mentioned that with 20 scoots he couldn't fit a vintage car in the garage!

Ah, the fine and subtle art of the humblebrag.

Modern Buddy

[NBR] All things considered, which would you choose?

[NBR] All things considered, which would you choose?

Re: [NBR] All things considered, which would you choose?

Re: [NBR] All things considered, which would you choose?