My new (not quite) Unicorn Cruiser! Edit-with Ride Report

[PeterC]

I wonder if there's a suitable 300cc engine that could be transplanted into the Helix. We'll have that (not so) Genuine Cruiser yet!

[jrsjr]

( If I were buying, and in your neck of the woods, I'd consider $1495 a steal).

I know what you mean. After reading this thread, I'm tempted to take the bus out there, buy it, and ride it back cross country. My wife will love this plan.

With the exception of me having 3 scooters, the husband has reined me in a number of times on my kooky scooter plans, so I can relate! It's probably kept me out of a lot of trouble.

I'm thinking I could ride back along "The Great Northern," which is one of the two East-West routes from Road Trip USA that I haven't done yet by scooter. Anybody else up for a little road trip?

[peabody99]

Stop taunting us! That would be a great ride.

[jrsjr]

What could possibly be better than an completely unplanned coast-to-coast scooter run? We could call it Spontaneous Combustion, the ride for folks with, you know, a burning urge to ride.

[peabody99]

What could possibly be better than an completely unplanned coast-to-coast scooter run? We could call it Spontaneous Combustion, the ride for folks with, you know, a burning urge to ride.

And significant others that would have our bags packed....when we returned home.

[jrsjr]

What could possibly be better than an completely unplanned coast-to-coast scooter run? We could call it Spontaneous Combustion, the ride for folks with, you know, a burning urge to ride.

And significant others that would have our bags packed....when we returned home.

Yeah, there's always that to consider.

[TVB]

If you do it, I recommend the southern route thru Michigan's UP (but check status of construction on US-2; there are usually no detours available). Not that the northern route isn't great as well (e.g. Pictured Rocks), but especially for anyone who doesn't live in the Great Lakes region, the ride along Lake Michigan is a real treat.

[skully93]

My wife does that too!

"No, you can't have a Helix, or a project Buddy, OR a Vespa, unless you get rid of other bikes..."

[peabody99]

Out of room in our garage.....but ....I wonder if I could fit a moped in there? Do you think??

[az_slynch]

Everyone needs a moped. Just be sure to get a variated one!

I only have two in the home garage at the moment. Three more at the scooter club garage and two at my buddy's place. I think I have enough mopeds for a while. They are dirt-simple to work on, cheap to modify and take up little space.

[az_slynch]

I wonder if there's a suitable 300cc engine that could be transplanted into the Helix. We'll have that (not so) Genuine Cruiser yet!

There are big carbs, big valves, big cams and overbore cylinders for Helix. They can be built to over 300cc and 25hp.

Peter, do you remember the RC Aero engines I showed you before? I've found a 200cc air-cooled flat-four! Getting ever closer! Just need to find a machinist willing to make a flywheel and build a transmission case for a small frame gear stack. Still trying to figure out the rear end for a shaft drive.

[PeterC]

I wonder if there's a suitable 300cc engine that could be transplanted into the Helix. We'll have that (not so) Genuine Cruiser yet!

There are big carbs, big valves, big cams and overbore cylinders for Helix. They can be built to over 300cc and 25hp.

Peter, do you remember the RC Aero engines I showed you before? I've found a 200cc air-cooled flat-four! Getting ever closer! Just need to find a machinist willing to make a flywheel and build a transmission case for a small frame gear stack. Still trying to figure out the rear end for a shaft drive.

I finally sold the BSA, aka "The Bookend," so I now have enough cash on hand to pick up a Helix and add some performance upgrades.

[charlie55]

I finally sold the BSA, aka "The Bookend," so I now have enough cash on hand to pick up a Helix and add some performance upgrades.

Mine's available for $15,000 plus S&H. This includes the following aerodynamic/rolling friction upgrades for free:

- Scrape bugs off windscreen.
- Fill tires.

[az_slynch]

Just buy Bill's. Seattle to Tucson is a good shakedown ride:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/3901958586.html

[skipper20]

Yes, they are great scoots so why hasn't mine sold? See http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/3901958586.html
I guess I'll just have to keep dropping the price every week until it's a complete give-away. Speaking of which, mine goes to $1395 minus the roll bag and gel cushion this coming Monday. $1495 with.

Bill in Seattle
'12 170i Italia "The Olive Pit"

It's the Helix curse: when you're looking to sell, nobody's buying and when you're looking to buy, nobody's selling. Went through the same thing with my first one - practically had to give it away. Then it took me 4 months of shopping around to find my current one.

Yours is in great shape and obviously well cared for. I know that the fees on Ebay are a pain, but I'd seriously consider putting it there with a $1575 start, reserve of $1700 and a buy-it-now of $1950. You'll be reaching a much wider audience and won't be dealing with the subhumans that infest Craigslist.

( If I were buying, and in your neck of the woods, I'd consider $1495 a steal).

Sold it today, 7/9, and got my asking price of $1495. Sometimes the planets just have to be in perfect alignment for such things to happen. Or, maybe I had good karma or maybe I gave it away I'm just not sure. Now, what to replace it with? I don't need the speed or the horses as my '02 Honda Reflex 250 gives me all that. Maybe a Blur 220i or a Kymco Yager gt 200i?

Bill in Seattle
'12 170i Italia "The Olive Pit" - town bike
'12 Yamaha Zuma 125 - town and country bike
'02 Honda Reflex 250 - touring bike

[az_slynch]

Sold it today, 7/9, and got my asking price of $1495. Sometimes the planets just have to be in perfect alignment for such things to happen. Or, maybe I had good karma or maybe I gave it away I'm just not sure. Now, what to replace it with? I don't need the speed or the horses as my '02 Honda Reflex 250 gives me all that. Maybe a Blur 220i or a Kymco Yager gt 200i?

Bill in Seattle
'12 170i Italia "The Olive Pit" - town bike
'12 Yamaha Zuma 125 - town and country bike
'02 Honda Reflex 250 - touring bike

Bill, if you come back to Arizona this fall, you're welcome to borrow my Yager for a bit. I've gotten a Puig windscreen and a high-flow filter for it, but haven't fitted them yet. It's as capable as a Helix, save for the seat height.

[skipper20]

Sold it today, 7/9, and got my asking price of $1495. Sometimes the planets just have to be in perfect alignment for such things to happen. Or, maybe I had good karma or maybe I gave it away I'm just not sure. Now, what to replace it with? I don't need the speed or the horses as my '02 Honda Reflex 250 gives me all that. Maybe a Blur 220i or a Kymco Yager gt 200i?

Bill in Seattle
'12 170i Italia "The Olive Pit" - town bike
'12 Yamaha Zuma 125 - town and country bike
'02 Honda Reflex 250 - touring bike

Bill, if you come back to Arizona this fall, you're welcome to borrow my Yager for a bit. I've gotten a Puig windscreen and a high-flow filter for it, but haven't fitted them yet. It's as capable as a Helix, save for the seat height.

I just might do that and thanks for the offer. There is a Yager in Tucson on CL being sold by a "dealer" by the name of CSA. Know anything about them? Thanks again,

Bill in Seattle

[az_slynch]

I just might do that and thanks for the offer. There is a Yager in Tucson on CL being sold by a "dealer" by the name of CSA. Know anything about them? Thanks again,

Bill in Seattle

I haven't seen it in person, but friends who have told me that CSA's Yager is a bit worse for wear. I'd have to go give it a once-over to confirm that, but I trust the impressions of those who have checked it out.

One other option would be to check out the SYM RV200. It's *very* similar to the Yager in almost every dimension and specification. It is carburated, but it is also a 4-valve engine and can reach higher speeds a bit more easily. The brakes are Buell-style rim-mount rotors and offer a bit more stopping power. Just food for thought; I like the SYM, but I wouldn't give up my Yager for one.

[skipper20]

( If I were buying, and in your neck of the woods, I'd consider $1495 a steal).

I know what you mean. After reading this thread, I'm tempted to take the bus out there, buy it, and ride it back cross country. My wife will love this plan.

Tell your wife that the pressure's off as I sold the bike yesterday, Tuesday. Got my asking price of $1495 without a quibble so, yes, I probably could have realized more but I'm OK with it and the new owner seemed pleased. Now, what do I replace the Helix with? I've got a Honda Reflex 250 which is my touring bike so maybe a fun bike in the 175 to 220cc engine size?

Bill in Seattle
'12 Yamaha Zuma 125 - country & town bike
'12 Buddy 170i Italia - town bike
? 175 - 220 - fun bike
'02 Honda Reflex 250 - touring bike

[jrsjr]

( If I were buying, and in your neck of the woods, I'd consider $1495 a steal).

I know what you mean. After reading this thread, I'm tempted to take the bus out there, buy it, and ride it back cross country. My wife will love this plan.

Tell your wife that the pressure's off as I sold the bike yesterday, Tuesday. Got my asking price of $1495 without a quibble so, yes, I probably could have realized more but I'm OK with it and the new owner seemed pleased. Now, what do I replace the Helix with? I've got a Honda Reflex 250 which is my touring bike so maybe a fun bike in the 175 to 220cc engine size?

That's awesome that you got your price! Also, my wife will be thrilled not to hear any more about this plan. (I'll replace it with another evil plan ) Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to hearing what you replace your Helix with.

[peabody99]

It's always good to not go too long before evil plans, or at least hair brained ones, are unleashed. When I stared at Craiglist not long ago and said I wanted a Helix, I think my husband went all Ricky Ricardo to my Lucy.

[skipper20]

I know what you mean. After reading this thread, I'm tempted to take the bus out there, buy it, and ride it back cross country. My wife will love this plan.

Tell your wife that the pressure's off as I sold the bike yesterday, Tuesday. Got my asking price of $1495 without a quibble so, yes, I probably could have realized more but I'm OK with it and the new owner seemed pleased. Now, what do I replace the Helix with? I've got a Honda Reflex 250 which is my touring bike so maybe a fun bike in the 175 to 220cc engine size?

That's awesome that you got your price! Also, my wife will be thrilled not to hear any more about this plan. (I'll replace it with another evil plan ) Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to hearing what you replace your Helix with.

I replaced it today (7/12) with a 2011 Genuine Blur 220i purchased from a private party for $2,300. The original owner was on the short side and had the stock seat modified to fit him better but for me, it was a poor fit so I'm having it reworked by a local MC seat specialist which includes a better quality cover. Their estimate is $350 so I basically bought the scoot for $2650. Total mileage 2,250 and it includes the Blur windshield, Givi top case and an under seat bag. Except for the poorly fitting seat, the test run went well and I'm very pleased with the bike. After it comes out of the seat shop next week I'll provide a more detailed report.

Bill in Seattle

[jrsjr]

Tell your wife that the pressure's off as I sold the bike yesterday, Tuesday. Got my asking price of $1495 without a quibble so, yes, I probably could have realized more but I'm OK with it and the new owner seemed pleased. Now, what do I replace the Helix with? I've got a Honda Reflex 250 which is my touring bike so maybe a fun bike in the 175 to 220cc engine size?

That's awesome that you got your price! Also, my wife will be thrilled not to hear any more about this plan. (I'll replace it with another evil plan ) Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to hearing what you replace your Helix with.

I replaced it today (7/12) with a 2011 Genuine Blur 220i purchased from a private party for $2,300. The original owner was on the short side and had the stock seat modified to fit him better but for me, it was a poor fit so I'm having it reworked by a local MC seat specialist which includes a better quality cover. Their estimate is $350 so I basically bought the scoot for $2650. Total mileage 2,250 and it includes the Blur windshield, Givi top case and an under seat bag. Except for the poorly fitting seat, the test run went well and I'm very pleased with the bike. After it comes out of the seat shop next week I'll provide a more detailed report.

Bill in Seattle

Awesome! You gotta love the Blur 220i! Definitely post some pix, especially when you get the seat sorted. Congrats, again!

[peabody99]

Congrats. People love them!