Listed in the back of the 1986 Honda Elite Scooter brochure under optional accessories was this little item: "AM/FM stereo audio system includes twin flush mounted speakers and a four-function handlebar mounted remote control with five station pre-sets. An optional power booster is also available."

This stereo add-on was a big item in the mid-80s. Initially intended for the CN250 Honda Helix and adapted for the CH250 as P/N #0811S-KM1-00, the Hondaline Kenwood stereo listed for $399 not including dealer installation costs. Also available was the 20x20 watt Kenwood (KAM-100H)booster for an additional $80. Order sheets from Honda dealers indicated that the unit could be factory installed when the scooter was ordered and included the booster. Since the average suggested retail price of a 1986 Honda CH250 was about $3200, the stereo represented a sizeable addition to the price of the scooter! Numbers are not available but few of these stereos were actually seen as OEM equipment.

The five-watt Kenwood tuner (KRM-100H), featured seek and scan push button tuning and a lighted display. Five AM presets and five FM were controlled by the handle bar mounted remote control. The tuner, with its separate amplifier which was mounted in the scooter locking glove box with the booster, displayed the AM/FM band, station frequency or time, stereo indicator and preset channel. The handlebar remote controlled the volume, tuning, AM/FM band and preset channels. The three-inch Kenwood speakers (KSM-251H) were rated at 10 watts. At highway speeds without the added booster, extended volume was needed for listening which increased the sound distortion. The 20 watt booster helped somewhat, but realistic listening enjoyment was attained at lower highway speeds.

Although not listed in brochure literature, there were actually three different Kenwood stereo sets available: radio and speakers, radio and helmet adapter (for helmet headset) and radio and speakers and amp.

Each of the Kenwood stereo components plugged into each other easily. This plug-in type modular design with their features and functions and compactness made the stereo unique for its day. Although underpowered by today's standards, its novelty as a desired option still exists.

For operation instructions of the Kenwood AM/FM stereo see:

http://www.geocities.com/honda_helix/Setting_clock.html

Randy Pozzi (Rev. 5/2006)