Jaz wrote: Thu Oct 15, 2020 2:03 am

Pandrop wrote: Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:50 am I just read Jaz' comment about there may be only being about 40 Helix scooters in the UK in Jim's Helix model thread and wondered if anyone knows a way to find out exactly how many are actually left on the road in the UK, it would be interesting to know from a rarity point of view.

Yeah, it's howmanyleft.co.uk. The trouble with this is that the DVLA routinely didn't record model details on V5 documents. So, all you will see on there are CN-250L and M models. The Ls are the official imports that arrived here between 1989-92; all of which were dark red when they got here. We current have 31 250Ls and 5 250Ms taxed and MOTd. But that's only part of the story - there are 91 250Ls on SORN (one of mine in there!) and 12 250Ms.

Then you have to consider the others: grey imports from the states and further afield - these often had nothing in the 'model' field, and as such don't get counted. US imports post-1992 are relatively common; this is how dealers satisfied the (tiny) demand for the machine after official imports were curtailed. Some - like my 1986 Fusion - made it here as 'container fillers' from Japan as part of consignments of more mainstream machines. I know of two other Fusions registered in the UK; I'd love to know if mine was the oldest! There's no way of knowing, sadly.

Jimo wrote: Tue Nov 17, 2020 6:47 pm Today I’ve collected my Helix from my repairer, I gave him a box full of parts including the replacement crankshaft, new engine hanger unit, new set of HAGON shocks for back and front and other pieces on 28 October.
He contacted me yesterday to say the job was completed......the upshot of the work being that after test riding the bike and noting the tremendous vibration he doubted that the crankshaft was the cause and turned his attention to the engine hanger which was found well mashed about. With new hanger, bushes and O rings fitted, the HAGON shocks were fitted as well as a replacement carburettor adapter (made from resin instead of the original rubber). Riding the bike away from the repairer was a complete joy, the old vibrations are completely gone and the ride is really good especially with the new shocks, almost like having a new bike after 18 months languishing in the garage riding has become a real pleasure again.

Jim

Pandrop wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 9:12 am Cheers for that info there Jaz, I saw one on fleabay a week or so ago, complete wreck, all sunburnt, no keys , rotten seat etc so thats another one gone . Would it be an idea to creat our own UK 'register' of known Helix/ Fusions so that we can track them?

Jaz wrote: Fri Nov 20, 2020 8:36 pm

Pandrop wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 9:12 am Cheers for that info there Jaz, I saw one on fleabay a week or so ago, complete wreck, all sunburnt, no keys , rotten seat etc so thats another one gone . Would it be an idea to creat our own UK 'register' of known Helix/ Fusions so that we can track them?

Was that the one with the scabby scooter blanket, odd coloured rear wing and a mixture of US red and UK burgundy panels with, as you say, sunburn patina? If it was then I'm pretty sure it was bought by someone I know

A register would be a nice idea given that there are only 50 or so roadworthy survivors. I know of a handful of Fusions that made it to the UK, but only one that survives (besides my one) and none as old as mine.

Tartan Cobbler wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 1:18 pm 125 Lead.... That brings back memories, my mum had one brand new in 1986, I was a couple of months away of being old enough for my first moped, Dad had a GL 500 Silverwing and loved nipping around on mums scoot