Honda Motor Scooters
Background
The Honda CN250 was first introduced in the US in 1986 as the Helix. It was so successful that, as of 2007, it is still in production. The CH50, 80, 125, 150, and 250 models were the first models introduced in the U.S. However, these were known as "Elite" scooters but overseas they were marketed under the "Spacy" name. They were useful as "scooters", but, their were mainly usefull on short trips. The CH250 though could reach highway speeds and be used for long-range touring. The touring of scooters of scooters (that is, the CH250) was mainly confined to the United States. Even with the Elite 250 writing a new definition of the word scooter, it still suffered from: limited storage, small wheelbase, small size and not good enough for extended riding.
History
In the U.S., though not elsewhere, the Helix was a hit with middle-aged and older people. People who no longer wished to or were unable to shift or hold up a large conventional motorcycle yet wanted long-range touring capabilities bought the Helix. The CN250 was a deceptively capable machine complete with trip odometer, fuel and temperature gauges, glove compartment and trunk. The understressed 250 cc liquid- cooled single cylinder engine could take the machine on 1000 mile tours with no problems. There are many stories of extended touring with the Helix with the only concern being the limited rear tire life of around 5000 miles, a consequence of small-diameter (10 inch / 25.4 cm) wheels.
The Helix last year was 2001 and was replaced NSS250. The NSS250 was marketed, in the U.S., as the Reflex. The Reflex handled well and had a higher top speed than the Helix. But some felt it was not as comfortable. The Helix, after 2001, was still popular overseas. So, seeing that the customer base for the Helix was still strong , the Helix was reintroduced in 2004.