Need Lighter Scooter for Touring Recap

skipper20 · Post by **skipper20** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:19 pm

My sincere thanks to all of you who responded to my initial inquiry. Your remarks definitely helped me to put the subject in a whole new perspective, namely: (1) lighter scooter weight would be counter-productive at freeway speeds recognizing the effects of wind buffeting from passing traffic and (2) I need to spend more time in the gym building up my leg and upper body strength so I can feel more confident putting my leg/legs down when coming to a stop on my 350 lb. Honda Helix. Economically, this would certainly make more sense than dumping the Helix and buying something lighter. And, as far as cruising goes, yes, the back roads are a far safer alternative. AAA could probably help me do some back road trip planning and I suspect there are MC mount GPS units that can be programmed to keep me off of the Interstates. Certainly far cheaper than the scooter sell/buy scenario. I much prefer the back roads anyway.
Again, thanks to all of you. This is truly a great group.

Bill in Seattle

'12 170i Italia "The Olive Pit"
'87 Honda Helix 250 "Big Red"

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 6:40 pm

Skipper,

One thing that might help is to give us your dimensions.

For instance, I'm super short inseam 30", and stand a whopping 5'7"

I'm a bit out of shape these days, but I would consider myself to have far above average leg strength (just not joint integrity!).

The helix always looked super comfy to me

.

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 7:02 pm

Skipper, do you have the Utopia backrest? It might help to have something to brace your back against when holding the scoot at a stop. They're kinda pricey, but well worth it.

If you would like to see if a backrest helps before spending the money, you can jury-rig a mockup with some bungie cords and a roll-bag or appropriately-sized package of something soft, but resilient. Believe it or not, a large size pack of "Depends" works pretty well. Not trying to be funny, but I used to lash them behind me when bringing them to the nursing home for my Mom. Embarassing, but comfy.

skipper20 · Post by **skipper20** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:07 pm

charlie55 wrote:Skipper, do you have the Utopia backrest? It might help to have something to brace your back against when holding the scoot at a stop. They're kinda pricey, but well worth it.

If you would like to see if a backrest helps before spending the money, you can jury-rig a mockup with some bungie cords and a roll-bag or appropriately-sized package of something soft, but resilient. Believe it or not, a large size pack of "Depends" works pretty well. Not trying to be funny, but I used to lash them behind me when bringing them to the nursing home for my Mom. Embarassing, but comfy.

Yes, I do have the Utopia backrest and another reason for keeping the Helix as it makes you want to ride, ride and ride some more. For any Helix riders on this forum, it's just about the best investment you can make in riding comfort.
In response to an earlier question re. my so-called "dimensions", my inseam is 32", waist size 36", height an even 6' and this AM I weighed in at 170.6 lbs dripping wet. And, I'm a single guy (widower) so if any eligible ladies are reading this, I am accepting applications for a GF. But, only from the low maintenance and financially secure types! Cheers,

Bill in Seattle

'12 170i Italia 'The Olive Pit"
'87 Honda Helix 250 "Big Red"

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:48 pm

This is a follow on to a previous thread for those who missed the background.

topic24766.html

peabody99 · Post by **peabody99** » Sat May 11, 2013 10:49 pm

I love Helix's and think Morpheus' are alright as well. Otherwise i cant get into any of the other barcha lounger scoots AT ALL. I mean no way. For some reason the helix is so ugly its kind of funky and cool. Anyway,I made an offer on a Helix today, but we couldn't work out a deal. Which might be a good thing because i couldnt part with the buddy or gts...and do I really need 3 scooters? Ok yes, it would be alright. I absolutely LOVE the low seat. I was able to move easily when parking which is so much easier than the GTS which is top heavy and I'm on tip toes. I also thought it was pretty fun, although odd to drive. I imagine it would have pretty good wind protection.

Oh well, back to my regularly scheduled obsessing for the genuine cruiser.

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Sun May 12, 2013 3:45 pm

peabody99 wrote:I love Helix's and think Morpheus' are alright as well. Otherwise i cant get into any of the other barcha lounger scoots AT ALL. I mean no way. For some reason the helix is so ugly its kind of funky and cool. Anyway,I made an offer on a Helix today, but we couldn't work out a deal. Which might be a good thing because i couldnt part with the buddy or gts...and do I really need 3 scooters? Ok yes, it would be alright. I absolutely LOVE the low seat. I was able to move easily when parking which is so much easier than the GTS which is top heavy and I'm on tip toes. I also thought it was pretty fun, although odd to drive. I imagine it would have pretty good wind protection.

Oh well, back to my regularly scheduled obsessing for the genuine cruiser.

The degree of wind protection on the Helix varies with rider height. I'm 6'0" and find that the stock windshield directs air flow just under the edge of my helmet. Good for keeping cool, but not so good for noise and buffeting. Taller aftermarket windscreens are available, but they tend to catch crosswinds more easily, making steering slightly more challenging.

The Morphous is mechanically excellent, but is a bit of a whale, coming in at just over 400 lbs. The stock windshield is a joke, and while there are numerous storage areas, each individual area tends to be small and of limited utility.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sun May 12, 2013 7:28 pm

peabody99 wrote: do I really need 3 scooters?

YES!

SYMbionic Duo · Post by **SYMbionic Duo** » Sun May 12, 2013 7:43 pm

BuddyRaton wrote:
peabody99 wrote: do I really need 3 scooters?

YES!

+1

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Mon May 13, 2013 3:34 am

There was a period of time when I had a Buddy 125, a Yamaha Majesty 400 and an MP3 250. I rode them all and enjoyed them all. Each one handled differently.

So I would agree that there's nothing wrong with having 3 (or more) scooters, if you will ride them all.

Also, there's nothing wrong with having several so you don't put all the miles on one.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Mon May 13, 2013 5:43 am

What? Three scooters at one time? Outrageous! Unless, of course, they are all cool and fun to ride.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Tue May 14, 2013 1:03 am

Dooglas wrote:What? Three scooters at one time? Outrageous! Unless, of course, they are all cool and fun to ride.

Um....guess I still DO have 3 scooters at one time....

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Tue May 14, 2013 7:07 pm

For those wondering if a Helix or similar scooter is too small for touring and/or highway use, you should check out this thread on ADV Rider written by a rider in our club and a friend of mine, Stan. He rode over 6000 miles in 39 days. He wrote a nice ride report with a lot of nice pics. The bike did eventually die before he got home, but it was still quite an effort.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=874739

Howard