CSC Wolf 125 VS Honda Trail 125 - Which is BETTER?

Can it be better than Honda? CSC Motorcycles just announced pricing for the Wolf 125 due out this Fall as a 2025 model. In this video, we compare it to the Honda Trail 125 to determine which is the better option for your next adventure. Watch as we break down the features, performance, and overall value of each bike to help you make an informed decision.
Trying something a little different with this video and Ineeded an excuse to use my new Shure MV7+ and Rode PSA1+. I'm happy with them so far. If only I was at this KZbin thing.
I'm wearing ‪@c90adventures‬ merch, in case you were wondering.
#trail125 #honda #csc #motorcycle #ct125 #moto

[@baldrider]

My wife just saw this video and said 'Absolutely Not' If you want to support the channel and maybe help convince her otherwise, feel free to follow any of these affiliate links for equipment used to film this video Lumix S5iiX: amzn.to/49REvJh Tiffen Black Pro Mist Filter: amzn.to/3JL0bf1 Amaran 60dS COB light: amzn.to/3T07J2P Aputure Softbox: amzn.to/3T07J2P Smallrig Light Desk Mount: amzn.to/3SZKfe3 Rode PSA1+: amzn.to/3ULFp5a Shure MV7+: amzn.to/4do3Dd5

[@bdp-racing]

I was all for getting a Honda Trail 125 until I went to buy one and everyone had them marked up nearly $2,000 over MSRP. I kind of forgot that they existed... maybe it's time to get a CSC Wolf.

[@baldrider]

I gave up trying to find a deal after 2 years and just bought one anyway. I don't regret it but if CSC had this out 2 years ago, I would likely not have bought the Trail.

[@thegreatoutthere]

The Honda "made in Thailand" isn't the full story. ALL manufacturers (Japanese, American, and European) are dependent on China for many basic parts like rims and cables, and most electronics (EFI, chips, wiring harnesses, etc.) Is the Honda motor better? Zongshen actually builds more engines than Honda, although most are sold under "private-label" brand names. Most of these 125cc engines will never see any maintenance in 3rd world markets. The MOST that these scooter/motorcycle/tuktuk owners will do is top off the oil once a year. In other parts of the world, a 125cc cycle/scooter is the primary transportation - not a toy, like in the U.S. If these engines can survive the extreme conditions around the world, it will do just fine here. At half the price of a new Honda CT125 - I will buy TWO! AND - this doesn't include the half price accessories that CSC is also providing (which will likely fit the CT125, too!)

[@baldrider]

That is true. This was only a short video and I just wanted to spread word that this bike even exists and is coming to the States. I have no doubt the the engine will perform just fine. Fit and finish of the rest of it might not be so great but, after you thrash it around, does that matter so much? I plan on making another video about the stigma against Chinese bikes at some point. I don't personally own one, though.

[@DaveZee01]

I'd even opt for a lower maintenance rear drum brake as some say 70% of braking is done by the front brake and besides, this isn't a sport bike.

[@baldrider]

@@DaveZee01 I use the rear brake a lot on the Trail. I would be a little concerned about drum brake fade on the hilly parts but I don’t live in a flat area.

[@tauncfester3022]

The thing is; the bikes that get the most use in 3rd world conditions are the Honda/Lifan CG125 to 200 cc vertical cylinder engined (pizza-bikes..) with the OHV engines, ( not overhead cam..).. The brilliance of these older Honda designed clones is that their oil maintenance schedules are really tolerant of low and contaminated oils. Mainly because there isn't a chain and it's plastic guides driving the camshaft and they have a very effective oil filtering system. In an ideal world, the perfect trail-bike would be the 150cc or 200cc 5 speed CG Honda clone adapted to a horizontal cylinder design. Honda made this decades ago with the C-105-T 55cc and CT200 87cc models. As limited in power as they were. The camshaft ran in the crankcase where it was liberally splash lubricated and it was gear driven, the opposite end of it drove a little dribble of oil up to the rocker arms and valves and it was sufficient to keep the top end well oiled and somewhat cooler. And the oil was centrifugally filtered inside the clutch basket, something Honda continued to use through the 1980s with all of their smaller 4 stroke air-cooled motorcycles. These are timeless and novel designs that Honda came up with to allow their little transportation bikes the toughness to last with sporadic maintenance in their use life.

[@Desertkevin]

This is going to be my next bike. Can’t wait to see how it handles the desert trails around me.

[@baldrider]

It might come with better desert tires that the Trail does. I haven’t asked CSC what they are stock.

[@jonneet2126]

I'm now 70 years old. My first motorcycle was a mid sixties Honda Trail 90, and I was just ten years old. I'm considering buying, most likely, my last motorcycle or scooter, in a long line of over 25. I now live on the big island of Hawaii near Hilo. Originally from the Seattle Tacoma area. I have been aware of CSC for years. When I read about the new Wolf, I became very interested. Lots of rough roads here in the Puna District. Seems fitting to end my motorcycle riding with essentially the same bike I started on. Most of my bikes have been dual sports, but still a number of street bikes thrown in. Come on, CSC, get em comin!

[@baldrider]

I don't know what the cost of shipping to Hawaii would be. I'm sure everything is expensive so it would scale similarly. If you find out from CSC, I'd love to know!

[@jonneet2126]

CSC has quoted me around $1000 to ship to me near Hilo.

[@baldrider]

@@jonneet2126 how does that compare to what local dealerships charge for freight on motorcycles?

[@TinyTJ04]

I have the same disease. Thus far, I am surviving thanks to a changing and varied supply of motorcycles and a very understanding wife.

[@lflcoast]

I really hope you'll get move views. Your videos are top notch

[@baldrider]

Thank you for the support. I've still got a long way to go but getting better. Tell your friends!

[@MrMoneyHelper]

Thank you for this information. I didn't know about it. In 2017 I bought an SSR Razkull 125 mini moto. It looked like a miniature Ducati Monster. All I did was use it for commuting to work and the grocery stores. I didn't own a car. It was fun but slow. A motorcycle magazine test recommended them over the Honda, Kawasaki, and KYMCO 125 motorcycles that were similar. It was a mistake because the SSR made in China motorcycle was low quality. The muffler was rusting at one year. The horn wire and clutch interlock switch wire broke from just turning the handlebars. The six strands of copper were so thin that they were hard to see or manipulate. The clutch was burning out and it was popped only about five times in one year; two times by my friend when I let him try it. It was kept indoors at night. I rode it in the sub zero Montana weather. When it went in for an oil change there was water in the oil. They asked me if I had been riding in rain or snow. The answer was not much. Somehow condensation happens in engines. I doubt that water was leaking into the motor from anywhere; but the dealership wanted to blame me for that water. As soon as it was out of warranty it was traded for a KYMCO Agility 125 scooter. The KYMCO has been rattling apart, but no engine problems yet at 7000 miles. I'm leery of Chinese made things, though my scooter was made in China by a Taiwanese company. If Chinese Honda clones are really capable of lasting as long as original Hondas, then I would buy an ST 70 clone made by Ice Bear (Loncin) with a 125 cc engine for $1299. There is a dealer within riding distance that sells them. I stopped there once and saw a Honda Gorilla clone (basically a Z50A type with a taller seat and very tall fuel tank). The lock for the tank wouldn't work and other parts on other clones weren't quite right. Which makes me think that the engine quality would probably be bad too. On the same video page as their advertisement, was a video of an engine that locked up because the electric starter chain broke. Who makes CSC engines?

[@baldrider]

I have another video in the queue about all things China so I won’t go into too much here. There are varying levels of quality coming out of that country, just like everywhere else. To answer your question, since this is basically a rebadged Zongshen, I can only assume Zongshen makes the engine.

[@LiftinUpInFifth420]

6500 miles on my ssr razkull with none of those problems at all. First thing I did was get an exhaust, smr clutch and stiffer springs, and a keihin pwk 24 carb. 6500 trouble free miles.

[@LAWRENCESYSTEMS]

I am very skeptical of the engine on the CSC Wolf. The big issues with many of the China based engines was highlighted in Ryan F9's "Which Motorcycle Manufacturer is Best? [Laboratory Test]" video. But there are some companies such as Janus Motorcycles who have found ways to work with and find a quality engine from a China based company. Time will tell if they have quality or not.

[@baldrider]

Zhongshen makes a lot of engines and this one isn’t particularly complex. People associate China with garbage for a lot of reasons and avoid them for political reasons, as well. As long as the EFI isn’t terrible, I don’t see how this bike could be a worse buy than getting something used with unknown history. We’ll see

[@libraeotequever3pointoh95]

CSC is using engines cloned and scaled-up from a Honda engine intended for third-world markets. Might not be perfect, but the tolerance for low maintenance seemed like a good feature to have. Especially if I maintain my bike properly and don't abuse that tolerance.

[@tauncfester3022]

I own a 1969 Honda C-102 that I've shoehorned in an off brand "Jumpster" pitbike engine. It now has over 20K miles on it, doesn't use any oil, the gears and engine still run like it did after break-in finished. It been a very brilliant conversion, especially that it's electric system is much better than the original's with more power available and it keeps the battery well charged. This conversion was completed back in 2011 and it was really evident that the little, ( I think it's a Dong-Feng..?) 125 cc square bore and stroke engine is made to go the distance. Also the gear spread is wider than most of the Chinese sourced 125 horizontal Honda clones. This actually makes this bike a pretty good trail bike with limited ground clearance. The engine has a good spread of torque and can push to close to 50 mph.

[@c.demircan8078]

i love this design and concept....So i appriciate CSC Motorcycles giving the opportunity to have this kind of bike when you can't have a Honda....Even if you have enough money to buy a Honda you can still go with the Wolf, so you can save money....And i think it won' t disappoint you even if if it is not at the high end of quality....i think it will worth its money....

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Always go with the bike made in Thailand. ;-)

[@baldrider]

I know. I know. Everything is better in Thailand lol I’m seriously considering buying this one just to see if it can genuinely compete. There isn’t much to an air-cooled single like this. If I thought it was possible, I’d ask CSC for a long term loaner.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

I am shocked at the price of the CT in the US and that there is a waiting list for them. I can go into any Honda dealership in Thailand right now and leave the same day with a CT125 for less than $2500.

[@baldrider]

It is painful.

[@wideglide1313]

Don't believe the hype . In the south ( USA) they are plentiful. Many 2022 & 23 left overs around at dealers . Bought a left over 2022 in Jan 2024 $ 3250 out the door

[@terrykeil6751]

Yes, I paid $2600 in Thailand including tax, registration and ins.

[@sgtshultz13]

Bidenomics

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

"most people in their right minds aren't touring on this bike..." True. But the most interesting KZbinrs are not in their right mind. (Looking forward to your 1000 mile day on the Trail 125.)

[@baldrider]

I am trying to get the Trail up and going again in the next week. We're getting close to 1k subs so I've got to get on the ball.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Aussie outback trip on my CT 110. I'm definately not in my right mind!

[@BlakesPipes]

Sorry, already been subbed. As far as buying a wolf 125, sounds perfect for me. Sounds like it's 2000 dollars less then the Honda after taxes and stuff. Seriously thinking about this, as I can get a Honda near me, as Norfolk, honda was sitting on three last month. They even have a 2022 model, or at least they say they do. Anyways, I also see that China is coming out with a 190 made by a company that starts with an L, but I can't remember it. That to is to be a competitor. But will it come to America. I heard about that bike on biker bits podcast.

[@baldrider]

@@BlakesPipes I saw that bike. It looks interesting with a CVT. I want all of them

[@libraeotequever3pointoh95]

I just purchased a used CSC San Gabriel SG-250 "cafe' racer". It's my first motorcycle. The CSC Wolf looks wonderful and like it would be a lot of fun and provide economical transportation. Best of all, it is "available", compared with the Honda Trail and Super-Cub. That, is huge. The competitive price doesn't hurt, either. The only reason I didn't pick a Wolf is because I want to be able to go slightly faster. If the Wolf were equipped with an engine and drive-train capable of 65+ miles per hour, my decision process would've been more difficult. :-) But, the 125cc class of engines on the Honda Trail and Super Cub and the CSC Wolf are not intended for breaking the speed limit on interstate highways. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. It's a viable solution to a different set of criteria. It's nice to have variety and options for buyers to choose from.

[@baldrider]

I am constantly looking at the TT250 but think I need to diversify my hp a bit more. I wish the rider triangle wasn’t so tight on the RX4

[@libraeotequever3pointoh95]

@@baldrider I have short legs. So I want the 26 inch seat height that the SG-250 provides.

[@Elite.customs_479]

I love my 2023 125, I would love cheaper add ons and better power. Good tires out of the gate would be nice and also my Honda dealership wouldn’t order any of the Honda extras like the racks. I had to get that all myself. My #1 gripe about the 125 is the shitty skid plate/ “engine cover” made of tin cans. #2 would be power I just wish it didn’t bog from 55 to 45 going up a slight incline on the roads

[@baldrider]

I'm likely going to upgrade the plate after my 1k attempt but leaving the extra weight off for now.

[@adrien_iller]

Man i had no odea this was coming out. And I gotta say, that same csc dealship is just close enough to temp me over the ct i have a deposit on. Dang it lol.

[@baldrider]

There's only one so it is convenient to some of us. It is very tempting

[@UguysRnuts]

I'm a walkaway from both for now. Too much money for the TC and don't get the CSC here. I came very close to buying the Honda this year but decided there wasn't enough engine, the unbreakable rep was hype and I wasn't likely to realize any economy riding one, but mostly it was the stupid red colour. So I bought a boat.

[@1960ARC]

Wonder how it compares with the Yamaha pg1?

[@baldrider]

Good question. Given the success of the Trail in the US, maybe Yamaha will bring it stateside and we can find out.

[@bajapreruneddie]

I'm going to get one. I was ready to pull the trigger on a yellow Honda, it was there ready for me...but $$$ is tight right now. I want to ride around Indio, CA/ Joshua tree area. The last time I was on a motorcycle was 15 years ago. I think this might be the better option for me -since I'm going to "lay it down" a few times" and scratch it up. The price I got at Honda was $5800 out the door (including taxes and Cali registration) vs. the $2800 out the door the guy at CSS was estimating for me-(including taxes and Cali registration)-I still need to buy gear, a tow hitch carrier, and tools, etc. If I don't like it, I can sell it and I won't lose that much $$$

[@baldrider]

I paid a little more for my Trail. With this now being an option, I'm not sure it is worth it. Chinese bikes do generally lose a ton of value for resale but this might be the exception.

[@bajapreruneddie]

​@@baldrider I already have my route planned up to Big Bear! It is 46.6% pavement and 56.4% dirt! maps.app.goo.gl/P2esB5gQ5V1NT2BT8

[@Ct125dude]

I freaking love my ct125! I still think this new motorcycle is a great option for people who arent willing to pay 4300 for a 125cc bike

[@samanimeguy23]

I was going to buy the Trail125 back in 2021...but got a Supercub instead 😅😅😅

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Sadly, without dual channel abs it won't be available here in Oz. We lost a lot of good small bikes due to govt regs, including the CT125 trail...

[@baldrider]

There should be an exemption for small displacement bikes or something over there. The brakes on these bikes are already pretty soft. I think you'd have to try really hard to lose traction by braking.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@@baldrider it's crazy, manufacturers don't want the added expense of dual abs on small cap bikes with low purchase prices. The Grom, Monkey, Supercub, XR190, CB125E & CT125 were lost along with many others.

[@garygullikson6349]

I wonder why so many young folks are CT90 fans . Seems that most want them to go faster for freeway and highway travel. A few more cubes and you have a more versatile vehicle that can keep up with city traffic, without strain. I have owned a '65 pushrod CT-200 ( $385 new) and still have an old "68 KO with bad transmission, wanna buy my '48 Indian Chief?

[@baldrider]

I guess that depends on what you consider young. I don't think I have the skills or patience to deal with a '48 Chief. I resort to hammers way too often.

[@garygullikson6349]

I wonder about getting service, repair and parts for Chinese motorcycles with political and shipping problems. If you are an experienced DIY Honda CT-90 mechanic, with special tools, and Wolf parts remain available, you may do okay with the Wolf.

[@baldrider]

CSC generally keeps parts onshore for the bikes they sell. I don't see this is being any different. Completely different issue but if I can get parts for my Ural after all the drama in Russia, I don't see logistics for parts from China being worse than that. If we do see that level of disruption, I imagine we'll have bigger problems to worry about given how many things come out of China.

[@Raykenn1]

Could the CSC handle a 230# rider?

[@baldrider]

I would assume so. The shocks would probably be the biggest issue as they aren't adjustable at all (I don't think). The CSC is about 40lbs lighter than the Trail and the Trail carries my 230lb self around just fine.

[@user-lw5il2bw2j]

@@baldrider Wow, 40 lbs less? I wonder where they saved all that weight? I hope not with thinner frame materials.

[@thegreatoutthere]

IMPORTANT NEWS UPDATE: The introduction of the CSC Wolf has been DELAYED indefinitely! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2iZfX19qa2Gr6Msi=9Z3UdJ8-5y3NHmtJ

[@soothingmeow22]

Where do I buy one

[@baldrider]

The won’t be available until later this year but you can put a deposit down at cscmotorcycles.com

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

You need to add $900 to wolf for freight and setup.

[@baldrider]

@@MichaelAllen-td1uu my numbers included everything

[@ShahryarSaigol]

The Wolf125 will easily break into this overpriced minimoto market. I suggest you order one (or two) immediately because CSC in California will jack up the prices once their current stock is sold. Quality should not be an issue since CSC Lifan etc are OEM parts suppliers to Honda. Rust however, is an issue with Chinese bikes. So just keep it clean and lubed (fluid film, Rust-Oleum etc)

[@baldrider]

Russian bikes have a rust issue, too. And they are a lot more expensive.

[@texlee1640]

What happened to your Trail?

[@baldrider]

I talk about it in my Out Of Gas video kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3SrqWppnb56ndEsi=xRMTnT3ePZirf9BN

[@elwood62]

If price is the only concern then this video is kind of a waste. If theft of intellectual property and outright copying other products bothers you in the slightest then it seems that Honda is the way to go. When you showed the picture I wasn’t thinking that the Wolf looked like the Zonsen, I was thinking it looked like a Trail 125.

[@bmartin863]

Slave labor has its benefits. But that being said . I’d only buy one if I were looking for something that I wouldn’t be putting lots of miles on it . The Trail on the other hand I own it. I needed one for everyday use in the city . Yes I do own the H,Trail but only after weeks of research for the perfect city ride that offered all the pluses with none of the minuses.

[@johnd.5601]

It's probably about the same mechanically. The difference is you don't have to get screwed by the stealership! Motorcycle dealerships are all owned by the same person so they know the customers don't have any choice to avoid dealers that treat you like garbage! I will never buy another bike from a dealership. I will be buying a Chinese bike so I can avoid the dealership!

[@baldrider]

I'm disappointed that nobody had registered one for the 2025 Scooter Cannonball. Maybe that's just because they aren't available yet. I hope one does it.

[@jtec99]

Better? No! Equal for less money? Very possibly

[@46GarageUSA]

For $2800 buy a used Yamaha TW200

[@baldrider]

Not where I live.

[@Vynzent]

All used bikes in my area are sold at near MSRP ever since COVID. There are NO "cheap used bikes" near me. So a brand new cheap bike is the only option.

[@Rayle1993]

Man i wish! Around here in Michigan people are wanting $4k~ for a used TW200! Wanted to get one for my sister since shes on the short side but wants to ride trails with us. Cant even touch a used one under $4k. May as well buy it new for $1k more. I really don't get what the resellers are thinking, but since theyre all around that price I assume people must actually be buying at that price

[@kristomat]

Your intro noise is ear jarring.