Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Honda Reflex Group Digest Number 4833

Messages In This Digest (20 Messages)

Messages

1a.

Re: Rear Shock Pre-Load Setting and Rider Weight

Posted by: "Chris" Chris@BarkingDawg.com   riverside_instructor

Mon May 17, 2010 6:13 am (PDT)




Couple of options for the shock adjustment. I found the included one was difficult to use. I own and have used both of these:

1) Visit a bicycle shop and ask to see the Park Tool Catalog (or their display if they are a large shop) You are looking for part HCW-5.

2) Visit Brownells and get an M16 Stock wrench like:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=12782/Product/AR_15_M16_CARBINE_STOCK_WRENCH

The tool is perfectly legal for anyone to own. Both tools do a MUCH better job of turning the shock adjuster. While the bike shop one is probably easier to find and cheaper to get, nothing beats the look you get when you inform people that you use "Machine Gun Tools" to work on your scooter. (^_^)

As for a setting, I've cranked mine all the way and leave it there. I had initially done it when I really loaded up the scoot, but found that even if its just me, it rides fine.

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Messages in this topic (16)
2a.

Re: Front-end shimmy

Posted by: "freddhardeng" imtlog@gmail.com   freddhardeng

Mon May 17, 2010 6:57 am (PDT)





I'd say you're experiencing a 'normal' amount of shimmy for a Reflex. I've ridden many miles on my Reflex without touching the handlebars at all and have noticed the same SMALL amount of shimmy at certain SLOW speeds, but never any over 30 mph or so. The particular speed you encounter shimmy will depend on the loading of the scoot, tire pressures, road conditions, etc, but should NEVER amount to a great amount. Shimmy dampening is the reason that some bikes have weights installed in the ends of the handlebars.

Don't sweat a small amount of shimmy if you can stop it with a light touch.

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "donedeal999" <pal996@...> wrote:
>
> I noticed that if I remove my hands from the handle bars while coasting to a stop my Reflex experiences a small amount of front-end shimmy starting at 35 mph and ending at 25 mph.
>
> There is no noticable shimmy above 35 or below 25 mph.
>
> There is no noticable shimmy if at least one hand is on the handle bar.
>
> I checked the tire air pressure and play between handle bars and front wheel and all was OK.
>
> Is this normal and if not, what else should I check?
>

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Messages in this topic (13)
2b.

Re: Front-end shimmy

Posted by: "Joe Barnhart" flaboye@gmail.com   jtbgnsv

Mon May 17, 2010 7:17 am (PDT)



My reflex will do the same thing, only in a certain range and at slow
speed. The silverwing doesn't do this, so it's something about the reflex.

Both of them have balanced tires (new) and the reflex does it with new or
worn out tires on it, so it's not a balance issue.

I don't make it a practice to ride withouit hands, but I have done it on
occasion just so I don't panic about it if I ever have to remove one or two
hands in some situation that may arise.

Joe

On Mon, May 17, 2010 at 9:55 AM, freddhardeng <imtlog@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
>
>
> I'd say you're experiencing a 'normal' amount of shimmy for a Reflex. I've
> ridden many miles on my Reflex without touching the handlebars at all and
> have noticed the same SMALL amount of shimmy at certain SLOW speeds, but
> never any over 30 mph or so. The particular speed you encounter shimmy will
> depend on the loading of the scoot, tire pressures, road conditions, etc,
> but should NEVER amount to a great amount. Shimmy dampening is the reason
> that some bikes have weights installed in the ends of the handlebars.
>
> Don't sweat a small amount of shimmy if you can stop it with a light touch.
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com<hondareflexowners%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "donedeal999" <pal996@...> wrote:
> >
> > I noticed that if I remove my hands from the handle bars while coasting
> to a stop my Reflex experiences a small amount of front-end shimmy starting
> at 35 mph and ending at 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy above 35 or below 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy if at least one hand is on the handle bar.
> >
> > I checked the tire air pressure and play between handle bars and front
> wheel and all was OK.
> >
> > Is this normal and if not, what else should I check?
> >
>
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Messages in this topic (13)
2c.

Re: Front-end shimmy

Posted by: "Ed" dunkkizing@yahoo.com   dunkkizing

Mon May 17, 2010 7:20 am (PDT)



I agree with freddhardeng
I also have a big wheel scooter and the shimmy on it gets worse
as the tire wears. On the Reflex the shimmy is a lot less and I
do not even have to balance the tire on the front. I had a wee bit
of shimmy on the reflex but went away with tire change.

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "freddhardeng" <imtlog@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> I'd say you're experiencing a 'normal' amount of shimmy for a Reflex. I've ridden many miles on my Reflex without touching the handlebars at all and have noticed the same SMALL amount of shimmy at certain SLOW speeds, but never any over 30 mph or so. The particular speed you encounter shimmy will depend on the loading of the scoot, tire pressures, road conditions, etc, but should NEVER amount to a great amount. Shimmy dampening is the reason that some bikes have weights installed in the ends of the handlebars.
>
> Don't sweat a small amount of shimmy if you can stop it with a light touch.
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "donedeal999" <pal996@> wrote:
> >
> > I noticed that if I remove my hands from the handle bars while coasting to a stop my Reflex experiences a small amount of front-end shimmy starting at 35 mph and ending at 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy above 35 or below 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy if at least one hand is on the handle bar.
> >
> > I checked the tire air pressure and play between handle bars and front wheel and all was OK.
> >
> > Is this normal and if not, what else should I check?
> >
>

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Messages in this topic (13)
2d.

Re: Front-end shimmy

Posted by: "Richard Brunner" brunneraa1p@comcast.net   berlindresdenmichelstadt

Mon May 17, 2010 9:23 am (PDT)



Shimmy is a normal condition for scooters and motorcycles depending on
geometry and weight distribution. I've heard of it occurring on Vespas,
and some motorcycles have it bad. As noted, adding weights to the ends
of the handlebars can be used for damping.

Richard
>
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "donedeal999" <pal996@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > I noticed that if I remove my hands from the handle bars while
> coasting to a stop my Reflex experiences a small amount of front-end
> shimmy starting at 35 mph and ending at 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy above 35 or below 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy if at least one hand is on the handle
> bar.
> >
> > I checked the tire air pressure and play between handle bars and
> front wheel and all was OK.
> >
> > Is this normal and if not, what else should I check?
> >
>
>
>
>
>

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2e.

Re: Front-end shimmy

Posted by: "wingit3611@aol.com" wingit3611@aol.com   wingit3611

Mon May 17, 2010 9:41 am (PDT)



A lot of the shimmy is made worse by cupped tires. Some older bikers would
even tieghten the fork bearings a tad to reduce it. Rick in KY



Shimmy is a normal condition for scooters and motorcycles depending on
geometry and weight distribution. I've heard of it occurring on Vespas,
and some motorcycles have it bad. As noted, adding weights to the ends
of the handlebars can be used for damping.

Richard

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Messages in this topic (13)
2f.

Re: Front-end shimmy

Posted by: "BruceK" bruce@aplusservices.com   bruceakoehler

Mon May 17, 2010 11:44 am (PDT)



My most terrifying moment on a scooter was riding a Mustang Scooter back in the 60's down hill - it went into a shimmy that increased to where I couldn't steer. Fortunately that scooter had a foot pedal that operated the rear brake, and I managed to slow to an uneventful stop.

So I would NEVER dismiss any kind of front-end shimmy on a cycle!

It is most likely that the front tire is out of round / cupped. The tire may be able to be trued. Spin it on the centerstand with an object very close to the tread as a point of reference to check it. Also check the tire surface for irregularities (cupping, etc).

Also, run the front tire into a curb corner to hold it stable, then check for any looseness. Also put it on the centerstand and check for play in the steering (fork) bearings and wheel bearings, etc.

Failing all that, get it balanced (but balance usually causes vibration, not shimmy).

Hope that helps

Bruce Koehler - the Koehlerizer
Santa Cruz, CA

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "donedeal999" <pal996@...> wrote:
>
> I noticed that if I remove my hands from the handle bars while coasting to a stop my Reflex experiences a small amount of front-end shimmy starting at 35 mph and ending at 25 mph.
>
> There is no noticable shimmy above 35 or below 25 mph.
>
> There is no noticable shimmy if at least one hand is on the handle bar.
>
> I checked the tire air pressure and play between handle bars and front wheel and all was OK.
>
> Is this normal and if not, what else should I check?
>

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Messages in this topic (13)
2g.

Re: Front-end shimmy

Posted by: "rvtips" rvtips@yahoo.com   rvtips

Mon May 17, 2010 11:17 pm (PDT)



Bruce,
Did your Mustang scooter have spoke wheels or solid ones?
I had the cheap model,it had the solid wheels,it was a great bike.
Phillip

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "BruceK" <bruce@...> wrote:
>
> My most terrifying moment on a scooter was riding a Mustang Scooter back in the 60's down hill - it went into a shimmy that increased to where I couldn't steer. Fortunately that scooter had a foot pedal that operated the rear brake, and I managed to slow to an uneventful stop.
>
> So I would NEVER dismiss any kind of front-end shimmy on a cycle!
>
> It is most likely that the front tire is out of round / cupped. The tire may be able to be trued. Spin it on the centerstand with an object very close to the tread as a point of reference to check it. Also check the tire surface for irregularities (cupping, etc).
>
> Also, run the front tire into a curb corner to hold it stable, then check for any looseness. Also put it on the centerstand and check for play in the steering (fork) bearings and wheel bearings, etc.
>
> Failing all that, get it balanced (but balance usually causes vibration, not shimmy).
>
> Hope that helps
>
> Bruce Koehler - the Koehlerizer
> Santa Cruz, CA
>
>
>
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "donedeal999" <pal996@> wrote:
> >
> > I noticed that if I remove my hands from the handle bars while coasting to a stop my Reflex experiences a small amount of front-end shimmy starting at 35 mph and ending at 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy above 35 or below 25 mph.
> >
> > There is no noticable shimmy if at least one hand is on the handle bar.
> >
> > I checked the tire air pressure and play between handle bars and front wheel and all was OK.
> >
> > Is this normal and if not, what else should I check?
> >
>

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Messages in this topic (13)
3a.

Re: Rear Brake Caliber Mounting Bolts

Posted by: "BruceK" bruce@aplusservices.com   bruceakoehler

Mon May 17, 2010 11:34 am (PDT)



Replacing caliper mounting bolts has become "best practice" in automotive repair - and the logical (lawyer - CYA - motivated) transition was to apply it to cycles as well. If either of the bolts break during riding, the caliper could jam against the disk and lock the wheel.

I can only recommend that you follow manufacturer's recommendations.

I examine the bolt - and if it looks normal (not off-color, crystallized, damaged threads, etc.) I do not do it myself.

Bruce

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "daverymnd" <daverymnd@...> wrote:
>
> I notice that the Service Manual for my Reflex calls for replacing the Rear Caliber Mounting Bolts each time the Caliber is removed. Anyone know why this is a requirement?
>
>
> Dave
>

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Messages in this topic (3)
4a.

Re: Still hope for a new larger Honda scooter

Posted by: "BruceK" bruce@aplusservices.com   bruceakoehler

Mon May 17, 2010 11:47 am (PDT)



Why does this represent hope for a large scooter?

It looks like they have dropped the Silverwing from the 2011 scooter offerings too...

Bruce

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "thebubblepuppy2004" <bubblepuppy@...> wrote:
>
> http://powersports.honda.com/2011/pcx.aspx
>

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Messages in this topic (7)
4b.

Re: Still hope for a new larger Honda scooter

Posted by: "thebubblepuppy2004" bubblepuppy@dejazzd.com   thebubblepuppy2004

Mon May 17, 2010 5:41 pm (PDT)





I think the time has come for Honda to give the U.S. a crack at more modern (larger & smaller) maxi class scooters. The Reflex is a fine specimen for what it is (and THAT would be...a great 15 year old design).

In the evolution of any manufacturing process, successes are built upon & failures are learned from & omitted. Me thinks any freeway-ready bike needs larger wheels to manage the highly variable conditions of U.S. roadways. A more refined front-end suspension would nicely complement them, & poor cold starting on warm days would be aptly addressed by EFI.

The basic drive train is bulletproof, as is the engine itself. The CBS is something that makes a very fine alternative to ABS (even though ABS also has CBS). Notably, the PCX is so equipped too. CBS simply rocks. One thing I will say for ol' Flexie is that the brakes have NEVER left me wanting for more. I have NON-ABS.

The fact that Honda put 14" wheels on a 125cc bike states that they "get it". Can't personally imagine them ever following up with smaller wheels on any future re-design. Larger is the way of the future, both comfort-wise & design-wise. Little wheels looks dinky, larger wheels looks more motorcycle-ish.

For that matter, the step-through design of the Reflex resembles the typical "girls bike" too much, IMO (did I just say that out LOUD?). Perhaps some of you old-timers may prefer it, but the tunnel gap probably deters more sporty-minded folks (men) from ever considering a scooter.

Clearly, Honda engineering wanted to milk the old machines (SWing & Reflex) for all they were worth, in America. Perhaps they have now been forced to compete with the OTHERS. End result will be a WIN for all of us who are anxious & ready for MORE.

Any company willing to market a BIG RUCKUS in the U.S. certainly isn't afraid to push the collective imagination, and the people are ready! The DN-01 is NOT the answer.

The PCX is a fine looking scooter. I have to believe those standoff turn signals will be a moneymaker for Honda Parts, as they will be easily broken off (judging by the looks of the photos). Otherwise, the 14" wheels give it a more traditional look. I hope it sells well, as a reward for bringing something new to this side of the planet.

Bring on the 250/400/600cc scooters baby!

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "BruceK" <bruce@...> wrote:
>
> Why does this represent hope for a large scooter?
>
> It looks like they have dropped the Silverwing from the 2011 scooter offerings too...
>
>
> Bruce
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "thebubblepuppy2004" <bubblepuppy@> wrote:
> >
> > http://powersports.honda.com/2011/pcx.aspx
> >
>

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Messages in this topic (7)
4c.

Re: Still hope for a new larger Honda scooter

Posted by: "Jonathan Vaughn" spotchicus@yahoo.com   spotchicus

Mon May 17, 2010 8:59 pm (PDT)



I don't have much of a problem with 14" wheels, but it's important to remember that the bigger the wheels, the more the gyroscopic effect and the less 'nimble' the bike will feel (all else being equal). Larger wheels may be better on bumps and distance touring, but around town I'm quite happy with smallish (12-13~ inch) wheels.

________________________________
From: thebubblepuppy2004 <bubblepuppy@dejazzd.com>
To: hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, May 17, 2010 8:38:54 PM
Subject: Honda Reflex Group Re: Still hope for a new larger Honda scooter

I think the time has come for Honda to give the U.S. a crack at more modern (larger & smaller) maxi class scooters. The Reflex is a fine specimen for what it is (and THAT would be...a great 15 year old design).

In the evolution of any manufacturing process, successes are built upon & failures are learned from & omitted. Me thinks any freeway-ready bike needs larger wheels to manage the highly variable conditions of U.S. roadways. A more refined front-end suspension would nicely complement them, & poor cold starting on warm days would be aptly addressed by EFI.

The basic drive train is bulletproof, as is the engine itself. The CBS is something that makes a very fine alternative to ABS (even though ABS also has CBS). Notably, the PCX is so equipped too. CBS simply rocks. One thing I will say for ol' Flexie is that the brakes have NEVER left me wanting for more. I have NON-ABS.

The fact that Honda put 14" wheels on a 125cc bike states that they "get it". Can't personally imagine them ever following up with smaller wheels on any future re-design. Larger is the way of the future, both comfort-wise & design-wise. Little wheels looks dinky, larger wheels looks more motorcycle-ish.

For that matter, the step-through design of the Reflex resembles the typical "girls bike" too much, IMO (did I just say that out LOUD?). Perhaps some of you old-timers may prefer it, but the tunnel gap probably deters more sporty-minded folks (men) from ever considering a scooter.

Clearly, Honda engineering wanted to milk the old machines (SWing & Reflex) for all they were worth, in America. Perhaps they have now been forced to compete with the OTHERS. End result will be a WIN for all of us who are anxious & ready for MORE.

Any company willing to market a BIG RUCKUS in the U.S. certainly isn't afraid to push the collective imagination, and the people are ready! The DN-01 is NOT the answer.

The PCX is a fine looking scooter. I have to believe those standoff turn signals will be a moneymaker for Honda Parts, as they will be easily broken off (judging by the looks of the photos). Otherwise, the 14" wheels give it a more traditional look. I hope it sells well, as a reward for bringing something new to this side of the planet.

Bring on the 250/400/600cc scooters baby!

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "BruceK" <bruce@...> wrote:
>
> Why does this represent hope for a large scooter?
>
> It looks like they have dropped the Silverwing from the 2011 scooter offerings too...
>
>
> Bruce
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "thebubblepuppy2004" <bubblepuppy@> wrote:
> >
> > http://powersports.honda.com/2011/pcx.aspx
> >
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Messages in this topic (7)
5.1.

Re: Reflex not starting up, help...

Posted by: "konradodoc" konrado@fuse.net   konradodoc

Mon May 17, 2010 12:08 pm (PDT)



After new head gasket installed by dealer, I am still getting antifreeze in the back of the air cleaner housing. This happens after the engine is warmed up after having been ridden for a while. Enough antifreeze is in the area to fill the clear tube at the back of the air cleaner. Dealer can't find the cause of the leak. Mechanic says could be hole in the engine somewhere. The body is off the back of the scooter. The next test will be to warm the engine and see if they can find the leak. If this doesn't solve it, it's time to get aniother engine to put in the Reflex.
Konrad o

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "konradodoc" <konrado@...> wrote:
>
> I have a 2005 Reflex with the same problem. I took it to my mechanic who cleaned the carb. It ran fine for a while but it developed a problem with antifreeze being sucked into the air cleaner. The scooter would stall and white smoke would come out of the exhaust. This was intermittent. Scooter is in shop again.
> Will know when I get my Reflex back next week if it is fixed. I wonder if this is a problem with this vintage scooter. 2004-2005?
> Bruce K. said my mechanic hooked up my antifreeze line wrong. Will see when I get my Reflex back.
>
> Konrad O
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "Carlos Moran" <losmoran@> wrote:
> >
> > Maybe so... But then I'll post my success after riding J
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

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Messages in this topic (33)
5.2.

Re: Reflex not starting up, help...

Posted by: "BruceK" bruce@aplusservices.com   bruceakoehler

Mon May 17, 2010 12:20 pm (PDT)



Konrad,

Have them disconnect the small hoses carrying COOLANT to the CARBURETOR HEATER - connect them together with a small piece of tubing - or plug them both.

Then test ride it (it will have NO EFFECT on engine cooling).

I am convinced that the CARB HEATER is the ONLY way COOLANT could get into the AIR CLEANER HOUSING.

Bruce

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "konradodoc" <konrado@...> wrote:
>
> After new head gasket installed by dealer, I am still getting antifreeze in the back of the air cleaner housing. This happens after the engine is warmed up after having been ridden for a while. Enough antifreeze is in the area to fill the clear tube at the back of the air cleaner. Dealer can't find the cause of the leak. Mechanic says could be hole in the engine somewhere. The body is off the back of the scooter. The next test will be to warm the engine and see if they can find the leak. If this doesn't solve it, it's time to get aniother engine to put in the Reflex.
> Konrad o
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "konradodoc" <konrado@> wrote:
> >
> > I have a 2005 Reflex with the same problem. I took it to my mechanic who cleaned the carb. It ran fine for a while but it developed a problem with antifreeze being sucked into the air cleaner. The scooter would stall and white smoke would come out of the exhaust. This was intermittent. Scooter is in shop again.
> > Will know when I get my Reflex back next week if it is fixed. I wonder if this is a problem with this vintage scooter. 2004-2005?
> > Bruce K. said my mechanic hooked up my antifreeze line wrong. Will see when I get my Reflex back.
> >
> > Konrad O
> >
> > --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "Carlos Moran" <losmoran@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Maybe so... But then I'll post my success after riding J
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>

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Messages in this topic (33)
6a.

Honda Reflex 250 vs. Honda Helix 250

Posted by: "badams6456" badams6456@yahoo.com   badams6456

Mon May 17, 2010 1:07 pm (PDT)



Ignoring the looks (they couldn't be more different), for those of you who have owned and ridden both, which one have you liked the best and why? I currently have an '02 Reflex with about 2,300 orig. miles which I bought from a local Honda dealer just about a year ago and have really enjoyed it. Except, for some strange reason I can't explain, I'm just not all that crazy about the Reflex's cookie cutter MC sport bike design and shape. Maybe I just like things to be different which is why I'm drawn to the funky style and shape of the Helix. As has been written on more than one occasion, "a Barcalounger on two wheels". Now here's the problem. The same dealer I bought my Reflex from last year, now has an '06 Helix on their lot. Clean as a pin but with a few more miles, 5,000 to be exact. I just can't get that damn bike out of my mind. Every time I go by the dealer's, it seems to be crying out to me: "Buy me, buy me". Even when I'm not driving by, I can hear it calling. Should I heed its call, stop in with my Reflex and arrange a trade-in or just forget the whole thing and learn to love my Reflex's cookie cutter looks and design? Help!

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6b.

Re: Honda Reflex 250 vs. Honda Helix 250

Posted by: "Ed" dunkkizing@yahoo.com   dunkkizing

Mon May 17, 2010 3:24 pm (PDT)



I do agree with reflex looks. There is no brand recognition for the reflex because of so many clones. I had problems deciding between the
Helix and Reflex and rode both and decided on reflex due to larger
wheels.
Buy the Helix but do not sale the Reflex.
Ride both and then decide which one to sale.
Sounds good right, wrong I have two scooter and can not
decide which one to keep I do enjoy both. Depends on the ride which one I ride.

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "badams6456" <badams6456@...> wrote:
>
> Ignoring the looks (they couldn't be more different), for those of you who have owned and ridden both, which one have you liked the best and why? I currently have an '02 Reflex with about 2,300 orig. miles which I bought from a local Honda dealer just about a year ago and have really enjoyed it. Except, for some strange reason I can't explain, I'm just not all that crazy about the Reflex's cookie cutter MC sport bike design and shape. Maybe I just like things to be different which is why I'm drawn to the funky style and shape of the Helix. As has been written on more than one occasion, "a Barcalounger on two wheels". Now here's the problem. The same dealer I bought my Reflex from last year, now has an '06 Helix on their lot. Clean as a pin but with a few more miles, 5,000 to be exact. I just can't get that damn bike out of my mind. Every time I go by the dealer's, it seems to be crying out to me: "Buy me, buy me". Even when I'm not driving by, I can hear it calling. Should I heed its call, stop in with my Reflex and arrange a trade-in or just forget the whole thing and learn to love my Reflex's cookie cutter looks and design? Help!
>

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6c.

Re: Honda Reflex 250 vs. Honda Helix 250

Posted by: "hawgman94" hawgman94@yahoo.com   hawgman94

Mon May 17, 2010 10:08 pm (PDT)





--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "Ed" <dunkkizing@...> wrote:
>
> I do agree with reflex looks. There is no brand recognition for the reflex because of so many clones. I had problems deciding between the
> Helix and Reflex and rode both and decided on reflex due to larger
> wheels.
> Buy the Helix but do not sale the Reflex.
> Ride both and then decide which one to sale.
> Sounds good right, wrong I have two scooter and can not
> decide which one to keep I do enjoy both. Depends on the ride which one I ride.
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "badams6456" <badams6456@> wrote:
> >
> > Ignoring the looks (they couldn't be more different), for those of you who have owned and ridden both, which one have you liked the best and why? I currently have an '02 Reflex with about 2,300 orig. miles which I bought from a local Honda dealer just about a year ago and have really enjoyed it. Except, for some strange reason I can't explain, I'm just not all that crazy about the Reflex's cookie cutter MC sport bike design and shape. Maybe I just like things to be different which is why I'm drawn to the funky style and shape of the Helix. As has been written on more than one occasion, "a Barcalounger on two wheels". Now here's the problem. The same dealer I bought my Reflex from last year, now has an '06 Helix on their lot. Clean as a pin but with a few more miles, 5,000 to be exact. I just can't get that damn bike out of my mind. Every time I go by the dealer's, it seems to be crying out to me: "Buy me, buy me". Even when I'm not driving by, I can hear it calling. Should I heed its call, stop in with my Reflex and arrange a trade-in or just forget the whole thing and learn to love my Reflex's cookie cutter looks and design? Help!
> >
>
I own a 2001 Reflex and a 2001 Helix. Love 'em both !!! If you had the Helix seat & ergonomics...ok and dash combined with the speed,handling,and style of the Reflex....That would be a kick butt ride! My wife rides the Helix, but she doesn't go on the freeway. I have taken the Helix on the interstate,but I don't feel nearly as confident as I do with the Reflex. The Helix is by far more comfy, but the Reflex outshines it on performance. I will never sell either one. Maybe some day I will add a Silverwing if I find the right deal ?

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6d.

Re: Honda Reflex 250 vs. Honda Helix 250

Posted by: "Michael" mbr987@comcast.net   bandito_two

Mon May 17, 2010 11:17 pm (PDT)



--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "badams6456" <badams6456@...> wrote:
>
> Ignoring the looks (they couldn't be more different), for those of
> you who have owned and ridden both, which one have you liked the
> best and why? I currently have an '02 Reflex with about 2,300 orig.
> miles which I bought from a local Honda dealer just about a year
> ago and have really enjoyed it. Except, for some strange reason I
> can't explain, I'm just not all that crazy about the Reflex's
> cookie cutter MC sport bike design and shape. Maybe I just like
> things to be different which is why I'm drawn to the funky style
> and shape of the Helix. As has been written on more than one
> occasion, "a Barcalounger on two wheels". Now here's the problem.
> The same dealer I bought my Reflex from last year, now has an '06
> Helix on their lot. Clean as a pin but with a few more miles, 5,000
> to be exact. I just can't get that damn bike out of my mind. Every
> time I go by the dealer's, it seems to be crying out to me: "Buy
> me, buy me". Even when I'm not driving by, I can hear it calling.
> Should I heed its call, stop in with my Reflex and arrange a trade-
> in or just forget the whole thing and learn to love my Reflex's
> cookie cutter looks and design? Help!
>
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Not to besmirch us Reflex owners/riders, but why is it that a lot of
us that have a Reflex also have another bike? ...... Because one bike
can not provide all the pleasures and utility that we want and need.
We have different needs at different times. A (relatively) smaller
vehicle in the form of a scooter is just the thing for local
commuting and navigating the close quarters of city driving, but is
not as well suited to long distance/expressway cruising like a much
bigger bike.

In the realm of scooters, The Reflex is capable in both arenas, but
IMO is not outstanding in either and more of a compromise in each. I
have owned a Helix at one time and yes it is a very comfortable ride,
but not as capable for slab riding as the Reflex. It has a slightly
smaller engine and smaller wheels making it feel just a little bit
squirrely WFO. (which is just enough to get close to expressway speed
limits depending on which way the wind happens to be blowing at the
time) The Reflex is better at that but not by much.

If you are not in a hurry and most of your riding would be 55 MPH and
less, then I would say get a Helix. If, on the other hand, a
significant amount of your riding is at or above 55 MPH, then stick
with the Reflex. Makes me wonder about the Yamaha Majesty(400cc
single, EFI, same size Wheels/tires as the Honda Sliverwing, but only
weighs about 40 pounds less than the S-wing.) To me, the ideal scoot
would be a 350cc twin, EFI, S-wing size wheels/tires, near 400 pounds
in weight with the distinctively cushy seating like the Helix. THAT
would be the only bike I would need. Alas, no such creature exists to
my current knowledge.

...Um... I'm sorry, what was the question again? ...Oh,.... right. If
you have the wherewithal and room for a 2nd bike, then go for it. But
I think they are too similar to justify that sort of extravagance and
the cushy/comfy seating of the Helix is not enough to overcome its
lack of horsepower and wheel size that the Reflex does have IMO, even
if you were just going to have only one scoot.(can't put a car tire
on a Helix either) BUT, do as you will.

BTW, "Looks" are nice, but they won't pay the rent if you know what I
mean. Just because it looks ->insert your attribute here<- doesn't
mean that it is.

Mike B.

(Rochester Hills Michigan Double Dark Side Rider)
(2007 Honda NSS250S Reflex Sport "Scarlet")

(2006 Honda FSC600A Silverwing "Jester")
____again being considered for sale____

"Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein

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Messages in this topic (4)
7a.

Re: Tire pressure indicators - from the S/Wing forum

Posted by: "saavedrajohn" saavedra@mindspring.com   saavedrajohn

Mon May 17, 2010 3:58 pm (PDT)





I have used these for some time now with no problems. They do the job well, and they have never leaked. Cheap insurance.

http://www.accupressurecaps.com/

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "brian_cirulnick" <techrat@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "freddhardeng" <imtlog@> wrote:
> >
> > Needless to say, those damn pressure indicators have been removed from both the Reflex and S/Wing and a pressure gauge now hangs around the throttles that has to be removed to ride. Using the 'remove before flight' checklist idea.
> >
>
> -------------
>
> #1) Don't trust your life to anything sold at Walmart. Cheap chinese-made crap. If you're going to do that, sell me your Reflex, and you can buy the Chinese-made knock-off with brakes that fail after 1000 miles.
>
> #2) I don't know if it's this group or another motorcycle group I'm on, but I've heard this story before -- turns out those "guages" that replace the valve-stem cover are made out of 100% pure, genuine garbage, and sooner or later the internals "pop out" from the air pressure, and there goes all your air... leaving you with a complete flat.
>

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Messages in this topic (4)
8a.

Re: Parts

Posted by: "GeoB" gab16@sbcglobal.net   negrekboshlinov

Mon May 17, 2010 5:50 pm (PDT)



> Anyone know of an aftermarket source for the 'clips' that hold most of our scooter together?

I bought 2 and paid around $5 to Honda.

Later, my neice had a motorcycle shop. I was helping in the shop assembling bikes when I saw they had an entire parts drawer full of them, different drawrs with different sizes. He says he paid about $0.15 each. I went to a motorcycle accessories store and bought a hand full for a buck or so.

Probably get them on line for $0.05 a piece (with $10 shipping!!) :-)

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