View source for Honda CN250

{{Infobox Motorcycle
|name             = Honda CN250
|image            = [[File:Honda Helix CN250.jpg|frameless|upright=1.1]]
|aka              = Helix, Fusion, Spazio
|manufacturer     = [[Honda]]
|parent_company   =
|production       = 1986-2007
|model_year       =
|predecessor      = Honda CH250 Elite 250
|successor        =
|class            = Maxi-scooter
|engine           = {{convert|244|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[Radiator (engine cooling)|liquid-cooled]] [[overhead camshaft|SOHC]] [[single-cylinder engine|single]]
|transmission     = V-Matic [[continuously variable transmission]]
|suspension       = '''Front:''' [[Motorcycle fork#Trailing link|trailing link fork]]<br />'''Rear:''' [[swingarm]]
|brakes           = '''Front:''' [[Disc brake|disc]]<br />'''Rear:''' [[Drum brake|drum]]
|tires            = '''Front:''' 110/100-12<br />'''Rear:''' 120/90-10
|rake_trail       = 28°_{{convert|90|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|wheelbase        = {{convert|1625|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|length           = {{convert|2265|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|width            = {{convert|745|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|height           = {{convert|1355|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|seat_height      = {{convert|665|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|dry_weight       = {{convert|157|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
|wet_weight       =
|fuel_capacity    = {{convert|12|L|abbr=on}}
|oil_capacity     =
|fuel_consumption =
|turning_radius   =
|climbing_ability =
|related          =
}}
The '''Honda CN250''' is a [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooter]] introduced by [[Honda]] to the United States market in 1986.  It was marketed in the US as the ''Helix'' and in other parts of the world as the ''Fusion'' or ''Spazio''.
== Background ==
In the early 1980s, Honda introduced a line of scooters known as the CH series, comprising the CH50, 80, 125, 150, and 250 models.  In the US, these were known as "Elite" scooters but overseas they were marketed under the "Spacy" name.  The [[Honda CH250|CH250]] could reach highway speeds and be used for long-range touring.
Honda then introduced the CN250 or Helix. This model lengthened the CH250 by {{convert|14|in|mm}}, placed an integrated trunk in the rear of the machine and lowered the seat. The added length allowed a [[Feet forward motorcycle|feet forward]] seating position<ref>{{citation|newspaper=[[The Scotsman]]|date=December 1996|url=http://www.arthurlea.com/Helix.htm|author=Arthur Lea|title=Honda Helix CN250}}</ref> and a smoother ride than that of previous models. The top speed of the machine was limited to 70-75&nbsp;mph (about 113–121&nbsp;km/h) but the [[Powertrain|drivetrain]] was of an under-stressed design allowing extended running at or near top speed.
== History ==
The Fusion CN250 found instant popularity in Japan. In Europe, the Japanese put Italian makers under pressure to improve their scooters' capabilities and reliability. In the U.S., the Helix was a hit with middle-aged and older people. The Helix attracted customers that desired long-range touring capabilities, but did not want to shift, were unable to shift, or did not want a large, heavy conventional [[motorcycle]]. The CN250 was a capable machine complete with trip [[odometer]], fuel and temperature gauges, glove compartment, and trunk.
The Helix was in its last year in 2001 and was to be replaced by the [[Honda NSS250|NSS250]]. The NSS250 was marketed in the U.S. as the Reflex and in other countries as the Forza. The Reflex handled better and had a higher top speed than the Helix, but some Helix fans argued that there was a trade-off in seating comfort and ride.  In the Japanese market the Helix had an aftermarket and cult following with the younger generation, not unlike sport bikes in America. Honda returned the CN250 (Helix) to all markets in 2004 as the customer base was still there. In the U.S., the Helix and the Reflex were discontinued with the 2007 model.
== Versions and variations ==
Honda made very few changes to the Helix through its 20-year run.  Aluminum rims replaced steel wheels in the early 90s, and a few emission controls were added to the engine.  Apart from those changes, the machine stayed the same right down to its 1980s-style, multi-colored digital [[Dashboard#Dashboard items|gauge]]s.
The CN250 was also manufactured and sold within Canada as the "Helix" as the first "maxiscooter" of its kind to be offered in that country. However, production within Canada was halted after the initial production year of 1986. Canadian citizens could still purchase a Helix as an import from the U.S., and a majority of Honda dealerships in Canada did not even stock a "floor model" for display. Additionally, the purchaser will often be required to pay or finance upfront for their purchase, sight unseen.
It was the Japanese scooter "scene" that saved the Honda Helix/Fusion. Honda had intended to discontinue production in the late 1990s in favor of the "Reflex" and went so far as to cease production at one point. However, pressure from the members of Japan's now-outraged multitude of Fusion riding groups and modification enthusiasts pressured Honda into reinstating production with an announcement to that effect in February 2003,<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2003/2030221-fusion.html |language=ja | date= 21 February 2003 | title = Product News: Honda Fusion | publisher= Honda Japan | access-date= 14 October 2012}}</ref> to begin production once again for the 2005 production year.
==References==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
{{commons category|Honda Helix}}
* [http://search.dmoz.org/cgi-bin/search?search=Honda+Helix+OR+Honda+Reflex&all=no&cat=&t=b Honda Helix/Reflex]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} at the [[Open Directory Project]]
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[[Category:Honda motorcycles|CN250]]
[[Category:Motor scooters]]
[[Category:Feet forwards motorcycles]]