Tech Tips by Randy Pozzi

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Tech Tips By Randy Pozzi
CH250 - Helix Interchange
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#1 Breather Separator
#2 Drive Belt & Pulley Weight Rollers
#3 Startability & Driveability Problems
#4 CH250 Performance Upgrades
#5 CH250 Valve Adjustment
#6 Decals
#7 Pilot Screw Adjustment & Fix
#8 CH250 Driven Pulley/Clutch Repair
#9 Final Drive Oil Change
#10 Storing Your CH250 in Winter
#11 Hondaline Kenwood AM/FM Stereo
#12 Front Bumper Protector & Lower Cover Repair
#13 How To Buy A Good 1985-88 CH250
#14 Tires For The Honda CH 250
#15 CH250 Keihin Carb Float Valve Repair
#16 The Honda CH250: An Overview
#17 Honda CH250 Color Crossovers
#18 Honda CH250 Clock
#19 Keihin CV Carburetor Tuning
#20 Honda CH250 Oil Change
#21 Backfiring On Deceleration
#22 Parts Bin--What To Hoard For Your CH250
#23 Honda CH250 Maintenance
#24 So Your Honda Scooter Won't Start?
#25 How To Buy A Battery For Your CH250
#26 Honda CB350 Shocks To The Honda CH250
#27 1985-88 Honda CH250 Speedo Maintenance
#28 Honda CH-250 Antifreeze/Coolant Service
#29 CH250 Charging System Checks
#30  Final Reduction and Wheel Bearing Maintenance

#22 Parts Bin--What To Hoard For Your CH250
Hello Group,

The Honda Elite CH 250 was a milestone scooter when it bowed in 1985. 
Up to that time, the Elite CH 125 was Honda’s biggest scooter. With the CH 
250, Honda used its 250 cc fishbone frame as a platform as the fastest and 
nimblest commuter scooter made. This platform developed into the CN 250 
Helix touring class the following year. Others have followed with 
bigger displacement scooters but none with the Honda heritage. But those 
initial CH250s--those made from 1985 to1988-- are approaching 20-years old. Many 
of them are still in use today with some have toured around the world on 
adventures.

How do you keep a 20-something scooter running? What parts are still 
available? What should an owner consider stockpiling to keep it running 
well into the future? Here is a guide.

We all know the Honda CN 250 Helix shares many mechanical components 
with the CH 250. The Helix, twice removed from extinction by Honda, has 
resurrected itself in 2004 and will provide future valuable parts for 
the CH 250. The autobystarter, for example, long ago discontinued by Honda for 
the CH 250, is available as a Helix part and, with minor modifications, 
will adapt to the CH 250.

Auction house ebay has been selling scooter parts for awhile now. Some 
integral CH 250 parts have gone reasonably, others not so. 
Additionally, local motorcycle  salvagers have been appearing on ebay selling parts. 
Now is the time to stock your parts bins with certain parts that can save 
you big money at replacement time. Here are a few. (Note: parts for the 
years and models listed only)

Carburetors: The Keihin Constant Velocity (CV) carburetor was used 
exclusively on the CH/CN 250 with very little differences. The carbs 
and internal parts are interchangeable. A new carburetor from Honda is 
about $293. The air cut-off valve, a prime suspect in deceleration 
backfiring, is $73 alone. Some used carbs on ebay have been running at a fraction of 
the new cost. Every CH 250 owner should have a extra carburetor for parts 
or a rebuilt one handy.

Clutch Assembly: All of the Helix and Elite clutch assemblies are 
identical. The parts alone to rebuild the clutch assembly will cost you $300. Add 
Honda’s labor and it will severely dent your wallet. Some low mileage 
Helix clutch assemblies have gone for $20 on ebay. Although durable, the 
bearings and the shoes do wear. Keep a good rebuilt clutch on hand so your scoot 
is not “down” several weeks while the Honda mechanics figure out how to 
rebuild it.

ICM: The ICM is the Ignition Control Module. This is the electronic 
brain box which controls spark advance and coil firing. Your scoot won’t run 
without one. Honda charges $119 for a new one. Find one from the 
1985-88 CH 250 or 1986-87 Helix with the designation KM1 448 on it.

Rectifier/Regulator:  This item steps down the voltage from the 
alternator/pulse generator. This one is BIG bucks from Honda! Like 
about $216 if replaced. Honda used the 12v Shindengen SH532-12 on the CH 250 
and SH532A-12 on the 1986 Helix. Keep one handy. Your wallet will 
appreciate it.

Starters: Honda used the Mitsuba SM-8 starter on the 1985-88 CH250 and 
1986-87 CN250 Helix. This one is a whopping $325 from Honda new. 
Several good used starters have gone for $20 on ebay. It’s a good idea to parts 
bin one of those just in case.


Mufflers: Although not high on my must-have list, a new muffler from 
Honda is $307. I don’t usually see rusted out and rotted mufflers on most 
driven scooters. Nonetheless, an extra in the parts bin won’t hurt.

Speedo Clusters: Invariably, some day the gauge or speedometer will 
malfunction on your CH 250. If your a purest, you’ll want to fix it. 
Especially if you need a fuel or temp gauge. New from Honda, they’ll 
run about $490. Nice to have a used speedo cluster from ebay at a fraction 
of that. Particularly, if it’s the digital cluster from 1985-86.

Seat: The seat on the CH 250 is an expendable item. Eventually, the sun 
and ultraviolet light will destroy it. Rips will appear. It will look 
crappy. New seats from Honda are $225. Having yours reupholstered will run more 
than that. Get an extra for the parts bin on ebay for about $65.

Any Honda Kenwood Stereo Component: Sooner or later you’ll want to add 
a stereo to your CH 250. Not too may new scoots have them and the novelty 
of one is unique. Honda’s proprietary plug-and-play components of their 
AM/FM Radio Kit #08118-KM110 available from 1985-90 is exclusive in its 
adaptation, design and fit of the CH 250. Many of the same components 
also come from the CN 250 Helix, such as tuners, handlebar controls, and 
boosters. Many single components have gone reasonably on ebay. 
Authorized Kenwood repair and parts are available.

Randy Pozzi (Rev. 01/2005)


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