Honda Helix clone!!!

Subject: "Honda Helix clone!!!"

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Thunderturd
Member since Mar-31-05
74 posts

Aug-21-05, 11:12 AM (EDT)

"Honda Helix clone!!!"

I received my new issue of ScooterWorld Magazine yesterday. (Great issue by the way!) In it, there's a full page ad for Linhai (or is it CFMOTO(?) or is it GQF?) One of the small photos in the lower right of the page has a busty pig-tailed babe sitting on a Honda Helix clone! It's refered to as CF250T-V5. Gotta love those model names.

I checked the website for Sunright International, "exclusive importer." The website was about as badly laid out as their ad. I found a photo of the CF250T-V5 but that's all there was. Very little specific info.

The ad lists distributors U.S. distributors as:
X-Power
Transnational Outdoor Sports
Ventura Motorsports
and Vito Motors San Juan, Puerto Rico

Given that it's Sunday (and I'm not going to call Puerto Rico) does anyone have any dirt on this? Twist and Go magazine spoke rather favorably of the Helix clone. I believe they gave it "best value" rating or something like that. In a sort of ironic way I've always had a soft spot for the Battlestar Galactica-like styling of the Helix. Maybe I was too old to play with Transformers when they were the big toy in the 80s? It was such a novel mode of transport, very Japanese. Now new ones can be had for cheap? Is it true?

By the way, is that model on the scooter dressed for the Battlestar Galactica convention?

Dave

Bryce Ludwig
Member since Dec-21-03
4441 posts

Aug-21-05, 08:18 PM (EDT)

1. "RE: Honda Helix clone!!!"
In response to message #0

LAST EDITED ON Aug-21-05 AT 08:19 PM (EDT)

How much of a clone is it though? Is it truly identical to the original? Are the plastics and metals of the same grade? Are the welds as good? Are parts made off the original tooling, or something else? Seemingly small changes don't seem to be uncommon with Chinese scooter makers. And while those changes might seem small, they could have a large impact. Lower quality grades of plastic or metal will affect the longevity, performance, reliability and safety of the scooter. Whatever it is, it's not actually a Honda. It wouldn't hurt to check out their DOT, EPA and CARB legality also. I have my doubts that Honda would allow somebody to legally sell a knock off of a product they are selling here for more.

- Bryce Ludwig

Rod Built

unregistered user

Aug-22-05, 12:07 PM (EDT)

2. "RE: Honda Helix clone!!!"
In response to message #1

Honda has been selling the Helix here in the USA for twenty years. I've seen many good clean roadable Helii for under $2000. What's the MSRP of these new knock-offs, and is there really an inadequate supply of used real-Hondas?

Rod

Thunderturd
Member since Mar-31-05
74 posts

Aug-22-05, 05:44 PM (EDT)

3. "RE: Honda Helix clone!!!"
In response to message #2

My interest in this probably just stems from one of my primary interest in scooters in general. I like oddities. I'm not proposing running out and buying one. Like Rod said a used Helix is probably a better deal. I've heard of people in Portland picking them up for $800. I'm just fishing for more information on the scooter. It's an interesting oddity. I'd like to see one in real life. I was just hoping someone might know something about the importer and their plans.

Like I said, TAG magazine reviewed the Helix clone. Their conclusion was that it was a very good value. Cheap transportation for a new vehicle.

Best,
Dave

Bandit Scoots
Member since Aug-7-05
99 posts

Aug-23-05, 00:54 AM (EDT)

4. "RE: Honda Helix clone!!!"
In response to message #3

CF Moto's Helix Clone and new V5 are two different models. Is your interest in the V5 because it's design is basically a std motorcycle?

You can find more info on CF Moto's website. It's not a Linhai product...

Or are you interested in the CF250T-VIP (Helix Clone) merely for it's level of 'cloniness'? It's a very close clone from what I understand... most parts go across to the Honda... or back.

Jim J...
Bandit MotorSports