2021 Honda Trail 125 ALL COUNTRY TEST! | Can the little CT125 actually do it all?!

[@findingneutral]

One of, if not THE best tutorial about this bike. Covers what one can truly expect they will get if they buy one.Your explanations of the clutch performance and the reason it works the way it does really lays it out and makes absolute sense. Makes one actually look at it from the engineering standpoint of what Honda set out to do and their success in doing so. Your tire analysis was extremely on point. For casual riding and intended use they seem to be great at getting the job done and giving us some long mileage tread wise on road. I too am not a fan if that seat. I think its the one thing that sucks on this bike. I've reached out to Corbin and they responded they fully intend on releasing a product for this bike so thats a DEFINITE upgrade on my list whenever they come out. Imagine the Trail125 fun factor butt with a bit of that Monkey seat magic on the butt? 😍 THAT would be dreamy. Yes pricey, BUTT worth every penny in my opinion. Something to look foreword to. Beautiful scenery and playground. What a perfect place to go enjoy this type if bike and showcase its abilities and intended use. Thanks for taking the time to share this. It does a great service to anyone considering purchasing a Trail125 👍👍

[@John5XR]

Thanks for taking the time to both watch the video (even though you already have one) and to write this amazing comment! 👏👏

[@findingneutral]

@@John5XR My pleasure. Love watching anything about this bike. And you have excellent presentations.

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

Yes exactly. A wider and cushier seat is a must!

[@findingneutral]

@@STAR-RADIANCE Corbin Seat now at least had the Trail125 on the 'to do' list. 🤞

[@JacobAnawalt]

Honda Trail - making puddles look big since 1964… J/k. Looks like a fun bike. I watched a couple crazy guys ride them across Alaska. I’m glad they fill a niche and make people happy.

[@josephrobichaud5198]

A very long time ago my first bike was a used CT 90. I beat the snot out of this little bike for many years! It developed an oil leak and I've had it run compleatly run out of oil while driving it, I'd stop, add another Qt. and keep on driving it. I sold it to a fellow that fixed the oil leak and used it almost every day to go to work for about 10 years and did nothing to it but change the oil, battery, and tires. What I would do to fill it up with gas since I had no money was to go to all the gas stations at night after they had closed and just drain the hoses into the tank. :)

[@staninjapan07]

"What I would do to fill it up with gas since I had no money was to go to all the gas stations at night after they had closed and just drain the hoses into the tank. :)" I am very impressed with that.

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

This bike sounds really quiet, just what I want for going camping. Looks like it will handle a big load of camping equipment too and get you up the trail with little effort. Great video thanks for sharing!

[@John5XR]

All of that and more!

[@jerrycurtis6888]

Just got mine, a week ago. Having a good time. Thanks, for this video.

[@John5XR]

Enjoy! Thanks for watching!

[@andrechartrand1245]

I enjoyed soooooh much that video mister ! ... thx ! I just ordered mine a few days ago... and now after seeing this, i cant stand still... I want it soooooh bad ! 😊

[@John5XR]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GE-pu8vt]

Thanks for the excellent video. It was just what I was looking for. I just wish that I could find the bike for sale from a dealer that is not price gouging.

[@XxXenosxX]

Looking forward to getting mine in, appreciate your content!

[@staninjapan07]

You did a great job with this video, thanks. A lot of bike reviewers - and we all have our likes and dislikes so fair enough - treat a bike as though it must be either what they dreamed of, or thrown away. You gave a balanced and well reasoned explanation (or at least theory) about the likely reason for the bike riding/behaving as it does. This bike, of course, is not a true off-roader, but more of an all-round off-road-styled scooter, in my opinion. It reminds me of having a 2013 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Twin (I had one from new for five years and like a fool I swapped it). That bike is not an off-road bike, nor truly an adventure bike, but it will (though not in my hands, I am strictly a paved road rider) do tracks and-the-like. The point is, it does nothing poorly. It was a superb regular road bike in my opinion, and though the two bikes have little in common, they have that point in common, and along with good reliability. I was surprised that you find the seat uncomfortable. I have not ridden this bike, though I really, really want to, but I have heard the opposite. Perhaps it is for shorter and lighter riders like myself, at a mere 5 feet 7 inches and (I have to calculate pounds...) erm... 70 kilograms. Anyway thanks for a great video. You have given me something to think on. Having a bad lower back, I do all I can to avoid bumps, so though this looks very enjoyable indeed, I have to stick to paved roads. EDIT. Liked, Subd

[@John5XR]

Thanks for taking the time to write this thoughtful reply! I appreciate that and am glad you enjoyed the video 😁

[@sscbkr48]

I wanted a 125 but there's a long waiting list stretching into next yr, so I bought a ct90. It's a real billy goat but at 6-2 it's a little snug. A Himmi is more powerful and larger but more than twice the weight of the ct90. The best part about the 125.. 12v, disc brakes and efi but no hi/lo tranny. The ct90 is 40 yrs old, easy to work on (could get tedious), it's about 1/3 the price depending on condition, has less power, is narrower, lower, about 65 lbs lighter. Since there's nothing to fix on the trail 125 you might quickly get bored. 😉

[@staninjapan07]

@@sscbkr48 As my situation has changed for a... less choice-laden one, shall we say, I will not be thinking of getting a bike like this for some time (though I will still imagine having one). It's the good old (not so old) 2015 PCX 150 work-and-back scooter for the time being and, if I am lucky enough to be able to do it, a Honda NC750X DCT in place of the 2018 Yamaha Tmax I should never have bought, but did. I will lose a lot trading in a 5-year-old Tmax with less than 2,500 kilometres (about 1800 miles?) on it, but as my commute time/distance is going to be long for a while yet, the NC 750 would be better through light traffic. Sad to say, though I would love to have both the time and space to buy old Honda scooter and tinker with them, my "fun" will remain limited to maintenance on my PCX for now. Happy Riding!

[@quahgalaxys4821]

A competent Honda is the Trail 125. A must to complete any survivor scenario. Like a Swiss Army knife of motorcycle transport.

[@cubgsan]

Good morning to you! I am Cross Cub grandpa from Japan and sharing Cross Cub video. Awesome REVIEW !! So great job ! Have a nice day friend !

[@asrowenj]

Good to see realistic off road capabilities.

[@peacefulprepper2402]

Great job on this overview of the bike. This is still one of the best bikes ever made. 100mpg is also Nice.

[@michaeldooley8744]

Clutch can be adjusted. But it's better to look up a few videos on how to, because it's a tiny adjustment. Should be able to do it with just a screw driver and basic tools.

[@happytrails125]

Thanks for the ride along!

[@John5XR]

Thanks for hanging out!

[@magiccitymike2227]

I love my trail 125 it's very capable I'm 6'3 319lb and bike just does fine I live in Florida so everything is pretty flat but I still have a great time in the trails

[@John5XR]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MrKhoadang93]

great video as always John

[@John5XR]

Thank you!!

[@realMotoDasher]

Absolutely love your channel. I put my deposit down and my Trail 125 should be here any day now. I’m a little concerned over the seat height as I’m only 5’2”. I know it has the step through style frame, but I’m hoping I’ll be able to at least somewhat stand on it without being on my toes. Doubt I’ll be able to completely flatfoot it. Some pictures the bike looks so small and others make it look tall.

[@kenfldude]

I’m 5’ 6” and I’m on the balls of my feet. The good news is you can step thru and 1 foot easily on stops. It’s light at just over 200 lbs.

[@John5XR]

J. Fox thank you!! Glad you enjoy it! You’ll be fine on the trail, my wife is on the low end of 5’ and is comfortable on the bike. Good to go!

[@realMotoDasher]

@@John5XR That’s good to know! Thanks!

[@samreh6156]

@@kenfldude Good to know. I'm same height and contemplating to carry one of these on a hitch attached bike carrier.

[@TheGraytOutdoors]

Amazing how smooth it sounds going through the woods. You must have an amazing microphone set up, love to know what it is. I need something similar for my “Monkey” trips. That’s a great area, perfect for the those bikes. Winding back roads and trails. Great video Buddy!!

[@John5XR]

Thanks!! And yes, it’s very smooth. I have a video on my mic setup a ways back on my channel, it’s called “how to get super high quality audio for motovlogging” or something like that. Lol

[@TheRealTragicallyInept]

Thank you for sharing this video and others. One other pain point for the tires, is loose sand, like beach sand. Stock tires are terrifying in deep sand. I haven't tried knobby tires yet, and I *can* navigate the beach, but that front end is hard to control.

[@kikupub71]

Mesmerizing scenery

[@alanevans5353]

I've had my trail 125 since November and I've put about 900 miles on it so far. I use it mainly for the 10 minute or so ride to work, and getting groceries and things like that. I have taken it on a 115 mile one way trip so far, and I will admit that the seat is not good for the longer distances. Cruising backroads at a leisure pace was a lot of fun though so I picked up a seat cushion and I'm gonna try that trip again to see how it feels. If I want to take it on trails I'll either need a trailer or be willing to go on longer rides since there aren't very many trails I can use near me.

[@magiccitymike2227]

Love my trail 125 the little bike is very capable best thing about it if you get stuck you just give it a push and you're out of the mud it weighs nothing

[@John5XR]

exactly, I can crab walk it out of almost everything

[@brucecatlin4036]

Great review! But shorts Too! Off road or on! Up the creek bed, OK

[@earlsmithson4749]

John, thanks for the video.

[@dougiekavanagh7508]

Needs a hand brake to stop it from rolling back when you park it on a side stand when you park it front on a hill, Check it out...

[@sprc3352]

Awesome vid !!! Wish I could find a dealer near me that actually had them ( or even 1 ) in stock so I can go see/touch one . They keep saying these bikes are unobtainable !!

[@John5XR]

Thanks! Hopefully they’ll be in better supply once the ports in CA get sorted out

[@rickstruckmeyer3754]

They can be found if you are willing to drive. I just found 2 of them within a week, one for me and one for my brother. One was found local in Orlando, I had to drive to Mississippi to pick up the 2nd one, just got back yesterday. How I found them was by calling a Honda dealer and asking them to give you a list of dealers that show it in stock in as many states as you are willing to travel to. Then call them all, if one has it, give them a deposit over the phone and it’s yours, just need to drive to wherever it is to get it. I had to spend a few hours and make 50-60 calls but I was able to find them.

[@Fireballsocal]

Hey John, is first gear ever not low enough? I used the low range subtransmission in my Trail 110 often here in the mountains of Southern Ca. I was disappointed that the Trail 125 didn't have one. It doesn't appear that you ever needed a lower first here.

[@timhudson1846]

I wondered about that.. why Honda didn't put the low range tranny in it. So ,what I've done.. I went retro.. Bought a 69 cm91 super cub. And added the old style two sprocket hub.. one sprocket for road.. one 68T for trails. Google.... Hunting with Honda 1962

[@zachsiebers5742]

The good thing about the stock tires is that they don’t seem to sling much mud when going through the thick mucky stuff like you did.

[@John5XR]

They definitely don’t throw mud around, but the grooves do pack up

[@armchairwarrior963]

Nice I want one. Now I have to buy myself a suv or truck to throw the thing onto.

[@adrianotero7963]

Had several Honda ATC's in my youth...110 and Big Red ...loved that tranny with no clutch....also has a 200x with a clutch and hated going through the mud with it.....I do have a question for you.... in your experience would this, would the bike benefit from a high and low sub transmission ? Like the early ones.....My Big Red had that option.....but I rarely used it...

[@bikerider4326]

Get a nice piece of Elk hide and redo the seat for an awesome upgrade!

[@ka509]

Nice clip. I agree with u about t seat but I felt it was more about the shape. The shape of the monkey n grom seem much more supportive.

[@John5XR]

Agreed. The monkey seat is like sitting on a couch after riding the trail

[@kraftyw1999]

Where was this trail specifically? Bradford County? It looks fantastic!!

[@MrGoodaches]

It’s all about getting the “big” mentality out of one’s head. Bigger engines mean more weight and all sorts of bigger parts throughout the machine adding up to even more weight and then needing much larger contact patches area under the tires. Probably more capability per $ than any other powered machine. Is it the best at anything? Probably not. But but capability/$ seems benchmark.

[@ganuvien]

I'm looking at the Grom or Ct125 as a mini bike, how do those 2 compare? I live in Texas so wouldn't mind some slight offroading capability.

[@sorashirogami1729]

The 2 bikes use the same engine, The Grom is a versatile little bugger, conventional clutch should let you cut on the learning time if you are already used to the transmission. If you're completely new to biking though the Trail is built from a more rugged design, is better at offroading, and is gonna turn more heads than the Grom.

[@lordofthestrings_heritage]

Have you considered the 13 tooth front sprocket? I did this and was floored with the additional torque in the bottom end. I didn't really see any drop off on the top end so I think it's a win win situation.

[@keithcarmany5502]

Where did you get the 13 tooth and specifics, if you don't sharing... Please

[@randyholloway920]

All well and good, I love the nostalgia. However, it’s 2022, no excuse for nit having a fully automatic transmission by now. The semi-automatic is still an out-dated technology that is a barrier to entry for new, contemporary riders.

[@EliTheEdgelord]

I knew these woods seemed oddly familiar… i grew up on trails in uny

[@John5XR]

What town?!

[@EliTheEdgelord]

@@John5XR grew up in nassau, close to Massachusetts but also spent a lot of summers up in warren county. So capital region/Adirondacks really. My parents home had some great trails

[@jaykay643]

What camera are you using. Amazing how steady the video is. Was your butt sore after this ride

[@CrustyBiker]

So with the auto clutch, I guess you don't get any engine braking downhill?

[@menyaZavootMuzzy]

Hm ? It definitely engine brakes.

[@arobjavan9481]

A small, 200cc quad will go places this thing could not dream of.

[@blacksquirrel4008]

And could not go anywhere by road.

[@wileecoyote5749]

Ever think of becoming a detective?

[@benjaminminty9602]

One doesn’t have anything to do with the other

[@timhudson1846]

I love the Honda ct125... But found a Yamaha TW 200.. love the TW!!

[@cryptokev1759]

Which trails are these? Love the bike!

[@athletejmv]

I wonder how long those clutch systems are good for e.g. mileage, etc.

[@four3zero430]

Where in upstate NY were you?

[@lyimoej7198]

Terrific trail

[@ka509]

Oh, 12" vs 14" radius tires... what kind of riding options do u lose with the smaller rims compared to the trail? Off road % change maybe? Thx

[@kenfldude]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I’m like you on the seat issue, but I’ve solved the problem. Bad Mother Seat pad. I got the small, perfect fit and to top that off I put a small piece of 1/4 inch packing styrofoam in between the mesh inserts. It’s like it was meant to be there. From misery to bliss.

[@John5XR]

Keith, the larger wheels don’t find the holes as easy and go through bumps better. It translates to a smoother and more controlled ride.

[@dula4552]

How would you rate the Grom vs Trail overall for off road and on road performance? I guess including mods youd add to fit out a Grom for off road/duel use?

[@John5XR]

To compare to the Trail, the Grom would need to be modded for off-road like you said. Once modded, the Grom feels much more sporty and fun off-road, but the Trail is way more stable and consistent

[@lukewalker1051]

Orginal owners of the first Trail 90 back in the 60's are credited for coining the phrase.... Up sh_t's creek without a pedal. That's is where it all began. Other famous slogan.... You meet the nicest mudders on a Honda.

[@BlueAlgon]

Helpful video. Thanks.

[@Muktic]

i like this bike thanks

[@ShreddedWheat305]

Wish this bike was the same price as the new Honda XR 150L. Can't justify paying $1000 more for this but think this would be more fun.

[@williamhudson3208]

Come on Honda bring this to the bike to the UK

[@anthonyvetrano2607]

Where are those woods, they're beautiful?

[@John5XR]

Central NY, just across the border from PA around the Delaware River

[@kernrogers7144]

If only it had a hi/lo like my old ct90 I’d buy two

[@John5XR]

Would be cool, but with the shared powertrain platform it’ll never happen

[@lawrencelawrence3920]

I live in Canada and I want one

[@williamdarico2369]

Nice backroads what state is this?

[@wileecoyote5749]

He said France

[@bradleywells696]

2022 Monkey or Trail 125? for light trail riding.

[@John5XR]

Easy, Trail 125 hands down

[@bradleywells696]

@@John5XR Me and a few buddies do a trip down to CO every year for offroading. We do trails like ophir pass, imogine stuff like that. still suggest the trail 125? It will be towed on the highways.

[@jiatongli6877]

Would anyone happen to have a recommendation for another lightweight adventure bike? I used to have Aplia Terra 150. I am really really not good at high RPM.

[@John5XR]

You should seriously consider the Honda XR150L. This is most likely going to be the ultimate lightweight adventure bike: powersports.honda.com/motorcycle/dual-sport/xr150l

[@jiatongli6877]

@@John5XR yeah! I heard about this bike. they all said it is a good deal. Thank you.

[@brucecatlin4036]

Stay on the trail?

[@rorybellamy2533]

easy change tires , very fun video

[@Toby_the_Glen]

I'm a little confused. What is this bike doing that other bikes can't do?

[@jamestkirkcameron9189]

It does what the other ones do, but for under $5k. And a lot of people seem to find them more fun.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Its easy enough to get a seat cushion

[@alive4082]

For the price just look at the xt250 and enjoy

[@John5XR]

I can’t strap a milk crate to the XT as easy though

[@jaykay643]

I can't imagine you riding that way with the Monkey?

[@John5XR]

Believe it man! Check out my other videos 😁

[@730indoorsman]

this vs monkey for off-road?

[@lornaaltemus6755]

Does this have a low range, or is first that low to pull it through that mud ?

[@DirtyMagurt]

I WANT ONE !!

[@biden_warr3nx767]

I don’t understand why these are so hyped up. Don’t get me wrong its a lovely bike but at best its not great in the dirt and surely not great on the highway/road.Maybe I’m just missing something

[@rickjensen2833]

I'll wait untill they work the bugs out and the price comes down.

[@John5XR]

What bugs? Price will never come down from dealers unless inventory builds up. Still not sure if that’s the case

[@jeffreyelliott622]

It needs the monkey's comfortable seat then it would be the PERFECT trail bike in 125 cc class !!!

[@jessiemcnemar4830]

They have a few companies that make a banana seat for the CT125.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

Tractor factor lol..!

[@richardtimbreza1733]

This Gas motor honda 2022 should,should be Electric with Pedal Assist

[@markkus1134]

Great new old style bike just too bad they’re not made in Japan quality is certainly not what it once was I have a WR250r 2008 model with 4000 miles on it I’ve seen these bikes go 70k miles with regular maintenance. Hope these new 125 are decent

[@John5XR]

I agree on the quality, but I still feel that they’re indestructible regardless of being made in Taiwan

[@markkus1134]

@@John5XR I’m sure I’d love to have one my friend just picked up a 1984 trail 110 with 36 original miles !

[@lightssirensrotors6061]

This thing sucks going up hill.

[@TM-lw8wn]

no