Seaside Scoot: Nicola Manca’s custom Honda Helix
I’ve only visited Sardinia once, but it was enough for the Mediterranean island to leave an indelible mark on me. Loaded with scenic mountains and beaches, and with more twisty roads than you can shake a stick at, it’s a motorcyclist’s paradise. And it’s the perfect backdrop for this quirky, surfboard-carrying moped.
We had trouble placing exactly what make and model it is?until the builder, Nicola Manca, filled us in. It’s actually a 1980s Honda CN250: a stretched scooter with 80s jet ski styling, that was also known as the Honda Helix in the USA. But thanks to a heavy restyle, it’s shed its retro-futuristic looks for a vintage beach cruiser vibe.
Nicola’s a pretty fascinating guy; he holds multiple degrees, works as business advisor in the aerospace industry, and organizes various charity-related motorcycle events. He’s also the founder of MAAN Motocicli Audaci?a custom workshop that’s actually more of a space for friends to hang out and tinker. The Helix cost Nicola just ?300, but the motor was shot. So he stripped off all of the bodywork, sold it for ?350, and set about rebuilding the motor. ?So I got ?50 and the frame of a Honda Helix,? he quips. ?What good luck!?
With the global pandemic sending Italy into lockdown, Nicola had plenty of time to overhaul the Helix. That not only saved him money on the engine rebuild, but also gave him the opportunity to pay attention to every last detail.
?I wanted to apply a ...
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