Wheelman Razor-Sharp Reflex (Stupid-Big Pics Fixed)

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

O'Reilly's auto parts supplied the holder tool.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

There are advantages to buying a Honda. Honda is Big. When they roll out a model, usually the homework is done. Engines don't leak, they get enough oil, and fairings do protect the rider. When Honda says "Wind tunnel designed and tested", it's because they can afford a full-sized wind tunnel. The Reflex fairing is a model of airflow management in stock form. The stock shield was fine if I leaned forward ever so slightly and pretended I was 5 foot 5. But adopting full Regal Wheelman posture, an unpleasant buffetting surrounded my Harley-Davidson skid lid. This simply will not Do. Enter Givi, with their gift for improving on Perfection.

WShields2Resize.jpg (351.89 KiB) Viewed 6532 times

Fit and finish were perfect. A check ride on a cold Yellarosa morning revealed I could fire up and smoke a Cohiba Churchill without the dreaded diagonal burn. For a bit more than half of what Honda-san wants for a stocker, Givi is da Bomb.

[ped]

Hi wheelman. Looks real nice.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Thanks Ped! I'll post some full-frontal scootity pics soon.

Meanwhile the price of the aftermarket stuff for this thing is easily TWICE what a given part might cost for your Elite. That meant that the Polini and Malossi variators met with Ms. Wheelperson's Veto. Not to worry, fEeBay vendor in Pipples Republik of Kalifornia was selling the coveted Big Ruck (CH250) variator for a mere fifty bucks:

ReflexBigRuckVarios_resized_1.jpg (464.27 KiB) Viewed 6476 times

Despite the fact that my Reflex has but 3200 miles on its clock, this one actually appeared to be in BETTER shape than mine! Even the 6 26-gram rollers were unscuffed.

An observant person would not the key differences: The Big Ruck (on the right) has six equal-length channels just like the Elite's but with giant 23 x 18 mm rollers. Meanwhile, Honda-san got a LEETLE too cute with the Reflex design (left). 3 very short ramps inside the variator with light (in this crowd...) 21-gram rollers, and 3 full-length channels with massive 31-gram items. You can really feel the early "upshift" right off the line, presumably due the the inside weights squeezing the variator halfway closed at low RPM. This made for a poky 25-40 MPH acceleration. A feller named Kohler popularized the simple omission of the 3 black 21-gram weights, reportedly with beneficial effect upon the low-end and midrange acceleration, albeit with an over-rev situation at top speeds.

However this means that only 3 rollers are fighting the Contra spring, and one would assume this means the would wear out more quickly. The Big Ruck setup makes it easier to get right around 100-120 grams equally divided into 6 channels, and early rides suggest a much more linear acceleration rate from 0 all the way to the indicated 76 MPH top speed without exceeding the 8500-RPM redline. Nice, cheap and best of all - Already mine!

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Nope. Me Wheelman. Me simple-brainded. Me know how crack too-smoke motor. Me no wanna deal wit splitting camchain, icky watercooling, cam timing an valve lashes. Me make Reflex stockum. Go plenty fast, you bet. Also don suck a gallon costly Avgas goin' to Chuck-E-Cheezie's.

[ped]

hi wheelman. The variators look slightly different. Are they the same face size?
I always thought they were. but could be an upgraded design on reflex.
Honda like to save money by using same parts here and there.

top speed on reflex should be around 80 mph. that's been my experience.

[ped]

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

The pic makes the Reflex look bigger, but I think they're the same diameter. I will measure next time I get a chance. If the Ruck is smaller, it will show in top speed. Might have to re-think.

[ped]

Hi wheelman. I don't think is going to make a big difference in top speed.
you should be fine with either one. Good score on the variator

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Further thoughts... They both use the same outer fixed pulley sheave, so it should be the same face diameter.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Sourced a Malossi Delta clutch with Malossi bell for GoldenBoy:. Since I was swapping gears on Flash, I had my Polini clutch handy to compare:

Clutches_resized_1.jpg (404.71 KiB) Viewed 6641 times

What I can't figure out is why oh. WHY Honda-san didn't make the Reflex clutch a whole lot bigger? See how the Elite at least matches the pulley diameter? The Reflex pulleys are at least an inch bigger in diameter than the Bell you see in the pic. Maybe it's for esthetics, but the stock clutch on my example is overwhelmed by the midrange torque and slips audibly. It's simply too small. Hopefully Signore Malossi's Magic will make it grip despite the same-as-stock diameter. In case you're wondering, that oval cut-out is 2mm bigger than the Elite's. The Bell splines are bigger, even the stupid NUT is 2mm bigger. Sheesh! I would LOVE to have a bigger clutch on Flash too.

[ped]

Hi wheelman. you should see a big difference with the Malossi clutch.

the reflex clutch has the same problem as the helix. Too small. and don't last long for a honda part.

you should be happy with the Malossi.
May I ask, Where did you pick it up from?
Thanks.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Forum vendors RedEft and Graphite9 both carry/can get. I stumbled into a 1-off open-box private sale with a price I could afford, otherwise they have the best deals.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

First semi-sunny days since New Year's Day here in Deepinnaharta, Texas. Errands to run, Yay! Oh, the wrenching Angst of choice...

ReFlashRear.jpg (93.47 KiB) Viewed 6476 times

Does this scooter make my butt look big? GoldenBoy's stern dwarfing that of Flash 7. Low-revving, laid-back GoldenBoy gets about double the gas mileage of Flash, despite its 375-pound heft and 250 four-stroke ccs.

ReFlashLft.jpg (178.95 KiB) Viewed 6476 times

No need to tuck on GoldenBoy, either, unless the crosswinds are strong.On the other hand, you can see how the small frontal area

ReFlashFrnt.jpg (96.95 KiB) Viewed 6476 times

gives Flash the advantage in top speed - they are nearly identical, only GoldenBoy can keep 70-ish for about 200 miles with its 3.5-gallon tank and frugal consumption.

[ped]

hi wheelman. the scooters look good. if it wasn't 20 below I would be riding.

check your top speed on the reflux with a GPS.I think it should be closer to 80.

There's something wrong with my 65 inch l e d smart bluetooth monitor I can't fit this photo?