My dad said it first, "I love both my bikes, but in different ways." He was referring to his Yamaha RoadStar 1600 and his 1996 Honda Helix. I now feel the same way about my 2006 DL650 and my 2004 CN250 Honda Helix. I feel so damned optimal and efficient (70mpg or 70mph, but not at the same time) when I am commuting on the Helix or running errands. Perfection...almost.

I am 6'4" and with the stock seat it was difficult for me to fold my legs up to get my feet on the floor boards. That put strain on my back that, in turn, limited seat time, and the handlebars hit my knees preventing anything close to a full-lock turn.

The handlebars are an odd design that would have required major mods for anything like risers, but I was able to rotate them up so they easily clear my knees. That didn't work with a new taller windshield. So, I worked with a local plastics guy to notch the screen so as to clear the right controls and brake reservoir.



As to the seat height, I spent a year riding around on 2.5" of foam and an ATV seat cover - pretty ghetto looking. Being happy with my Sargent World Sport seat on the Wee, I contacted them about modifying my Helix seat. I sent it in for them to add 3" foam, lengthen the rider area, and widen and dish the rider area as much as they thought appropriate. Got the seat back and took it for its first spin over the weekend.

The seat:


On the bike:


With rider:


I still won't be doing any iron-butt runs as the angle of my legs at my hips still puts too much strain on my back (no lowering pegs for a scoot), but I wouldn't hesitate to ride it anywhere (paved) within 100 miles of the house. For its intended use, it is damned near perfection.

To do:
New front brakes, lines, rotors - I didn't understand what "wooden" meant with respect to brakes until I got this bike. I can slow it down faster with my mind.

Datel voltmeter - I think the Oxford heated grips put a strain on the electrical system in the winter. I usually cut them off a couple miles before work. I want to monitor the charging more closely.

Suspension upgrades - my 225+lbs pretty much maxes out the suspension just sitting on it. I plan on getting custom sprung shocks front and rear. I think there are two shock-like things on the front.

Yup, I love both my bikes, just in different ways.

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1985 Honda CB450SC (AUG04 - SEP09)
2004 Honda CN250 Helix (NOV09 - )
2006 Suzuki DL650 (MAR07 - )

Lordsmoke, still refusing to obey the voices!