Honda CT90 Detailed Tour | What makes the Trail 90 so SPECIAL?

[@sjensen8310]

As an old Trail 90’s guy from back in the day, I can tell you that the rotating handlebars was because many people traveled with these bikes on bumper racks on the the back of pickup campers etc. Not designed so they could be fit in a closet. 😀

[@ReMotorcycle]

It’s true, you’re right. Mine has hidden in some tight spaces so a closet seems cool!

[@tauncfester3022]

I've owned a lot of Trail 90's, 4 to be exact. The first one was a 1965 CT 200, the Hunter Trail Cub 90 with the 87cc pushrod OHV all cast Iron top end. It was probably about a half horsepower down compared to the '71, also no dual range shifter. You had an additional large sprocket that you removed from the hub carrier and bolted over the top of the small sprocket. And the typical old Honda Earl's leading link suspension. Nice bike and a real glutton for punishment, 60K miles of urban riding. The next one was a 1971 in yellow, but like yours otherwise. Didn't really bond with it like the CT200. So the next one was a 1968 CT90 in red with the Earl's fork again but the OHC engine and 4X4 transmission I kept that bike for a few years and did a lot of local trail riding, and commuting. I actually like the Earl's forked Trails. In between the '68 and the following Trail 90 I owned a few 2 stroke "trail bikes" The 1969 Yamaha LT5-A which was Yamaha's version of the Trail bike, much like the Trail 90 except no semiauto clutch. And the PO had bored it out to a 125 cc and mounted plastic high mount fender. It had a 3X3 transmission and that little engine was really torquey, especially in 1st low. Also electric start and 12 volts. Then a Hodaka Road Toad 100, probably the best overall road and trail capable small 100 cc enduro style bike. Also like the Yamaha, a really wide torque curve so great for trailing on single tracks. My last trail 90 was a '70 in yellow that the PO had Powroll do a 125 cc stroker kit on. It was very high compression and you had to kick start it like an old British 500 cc single otherwise the clutch would slip. Also demanded 100 Avgas or racing fuel. The only near stock trail 90 that could easily cruise at 60 mph. The power delivery was a bit like a light switch, which made using the low range a bit of a wheelie fest. Needed some careful throttle control.

[@ReMotorcycle]

Sounds like a lifetime of adventure!

[@noseeum6385]

Interesting Rode my first Honda 50 back in the early 1960’s. Bought a ‘76 Orange CT 90 today in very good shape. Looking forward to some age appropriate, 74, riding.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Love these little trail bikes. Mine is the original with the auto clutch and extra links to switch from street to trail sprockets. The later ones like your has the lever to switch

[@ReMotorcycle]

So yours is a CT200 with the trailing link front end? Such awesome machines!!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Yep, someday get a 64 C200 hopefully

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

I was reading up on the history of these bikes today. The first 1964 CT200 was with the adjustable handle bars. Earlier models had the metal framing like the front forks. The bars look so much better. Like I said before though I want the street version 1964 C200 too.

[@doconwheels-c5m]

Nice bike, I have a 68 that requires re commissioning, look forward to riding it. Interesting set up for your lights.

[@ReMotorcycle]

Thanks! I’ve since removed the 12v adapter and lights (they always killed the battery which killed ignition). I got the Pardue led for the OEM globe which has been awesome.

[@tedecker3792]

There is a group of guys from Colorado who are trail 90 geeks, don’t know if their group has a name. They all run the little square led lights on the sides of their forks. They occasionally load the 90s into a container and ship it to whatever country they want to explore next.

[@ReMotorcycle]

That sounds awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@lawrencefranck9417]

Same motor as the ATC 90’s and 110’s of the late 70’ and 80’s. The handle bar feature is for stacking them on a front or back rack of a motor home.

[@tauncfester3022]

So actually the ATC 90 and 110 used the original's 1968 designed engine.

[@donsoule6411]

Just because it has a “snorkel” for air intake to the air box and filter doesn’t mean the bike can be run through a body of water up to the seat. There is a crankcase vent path that exits from the left stator cover just a bit back from the shifter shaft. There is also a small passage to atmosphere behind the points cover. So any water level higher than the bottom of the cylinder or higher than the stator cover will find it’s way into the engine!

[@ReMotorcycle]

The plug will short too but it’s fun to dream. Thanks for watching!

[@tauncfester3022]

If you've had the engine out of the frame of these bikes there is a breather tube that comes off the upper back of the transmission, hidden up inside the stamped steel frame. I'm not sure what engine your bike has but on the original, the alternator/stator cover on these is sealed with a big O ring and you can seal up the drain in the points cover with RTV. I know someone who put an PVC valve in his breather tube to prevent water ingress, tied it up higher and he does do shallow water crossings with his.

[@RC44E]

Very cool motorcycle. It's in great shape. Watched your first start video. Curious what all you did to clean it up before the first start in 17 years. I'm looking at buying a 81 CT110 that hasn't been started in the same amount of time.

[@ReMotorcycle]

You probably figured it out by now but it's really all about the carb. If the air filter is not dust, just clean up the carb really perfectly. Let it idle up fast and adjust the air screw until you get max idle rpm. Then turn the idle speed down until it's calm. If you lack spark or fuel there are lots of resources for the ignition and fuel system.

[@chuckcafiero4546]

looks cool, you ever going to ride it?

[@ReMotorcycle]

It’s a fair question. I put 1100 miles on it before my KZbin channel started. Lots of adventures. Then I restored it to museum quality and I’m not sure what to do.

[@benkanobe7500]

What was your source for the tires? Were they listed as CT90 or did you purchase based on tire size?

[@ReMotorcycle]

About the only good choice is the Shinko 241 "Golden Boy". RevZilla and others have them. 2.75 x 17 will fit. 3" will not. Happy shopping!

[@michaeljones0007]

Pemby where did you get that cool light kit conversion? I've got a 69 ct90 and an 81 ct110. They are both 6v. I think this would be a great addition to the bikes.

[@ReMotorcycle]

6v to 12v transformer I found on Amazon

[@sscbkr48]

@@ReMotorcycle that's a great idea, I'd like to do the same. I could then use a 12v trickle charger. 👍👍

[@keithcastleberry3224]

I would like the source on your lights and 6/12v transformer. Please.

[@ReMotorcycle]

6v to 12v transformer I found on Amazon

[@benkanobe7500]

What battery are you using?

[@ReMotorcycle]

Battery is in here. www.dratvinc.com/category/ct90-electrical?page=2

[@TwostrokePuchwizard]

I would like to see more videos with Puch mopeds

[@ReMotorcycle]

So would I

[@boathemian7694]

Wow my 1978 transmission is 4 up.

[@ReMotorcycle]

In 1974 they had to change to new US rules which included a standard shift pattern, kill switch, and turn signals among other things. Thanks for watching!