Honda Trail 125 vs Honda Trail 90 : I bought a new motorcycle and it’s not what you think

[@johnwebb4191]

I just turned 76 and had a Honda 55 in 1963. Last summer I found a 1968 90 with 427 total miles and in immaculate condition for $3000 which was well worth it. It is now my little time machine. Even had original tires still on it and it was yellow which was different. I now have 1200 miles on it and enjoy every minute of riding this wonderful machine.

[@chrismackay8314]

Replace the old tires..

[@johnwebb4191]

Yes I did replace the tires after a couple hundred miles. It is quite the machine.@@chrismackay8314

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I sure hope you went ocer the entire thing 427 is too few theres definetly problems I have more than than on my 2024 trail 125 and its brand new and ive only had it like 2 weeks

[@copisetic1104]

I’m 73, have owned many bikes in my life. Just bought a 1975 CT 90. The most fun I’ve had in years. Screw the big bores.

[@leegilbert9130]

I agree I am 73 as well, love my small Honda's CT 90 Trail and a 110, I have the same opnion of the big thumpers as you Regards

[@AlanpittsS2a]

I dug two of these out of a shed the other day. One a 1967 the other is a 79. They both were running in a couple hours. Incredibly cool little bikes

[@ensidfkgnur]

It's the perfect LAST bike, for me. Started with a 350, 900, 1000, 1300, 1800, then got a Trail 125 and realized I'd missed an important step. Pure fun. Got wife a Super Cub 125 and life is good. Thanks for the nice vid!

[@kgbear3662]

Well written commentary and delivery. I’m old , I read , I know. Good job young man.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Thank you.

[@NitwitMN]

Superb! Quick paced-info packed. So much to savor. The classic is beyond gorgeous. Amazing pairing. So cool. Congratulations!

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Yeah...I like the old and new. It's fun to have them both in the garage.

[@BT4EVER]

Lol at Grins per Mile! Now that comment made my day! Thanks Bud! ✌🏿

[@mannyg4492]

Having purchased my trail 125 earlier this year I really enjoyed your way of comparing the two. 👍🏼

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Glad you like the videos. We are having a blast both riding and sharing some of the rides. The small bike community is awesome.

[@wesm3915]

The CT 90, 110 and the 125 do NOT have a semi automatic transmission, it is a clutchless manual transmission. I'm a vendor at sports shows, motorcycle shows and overland shows all over the US, almost every single person that has bought one of the new 125 have been very disappointed the off road capabilities of it mainly because of the lack of the low range. They all have immediately sold the 125's then went out and purchased a CT90 or CT110 for a fraction of the cost and some cases have bought two for less than the cost of the 125 allowing them to take there a family member or friend. It's a shame that Honda has not listed to the years of pleading to bring back the CT bikescan with all of the features that we have loved for over 50 years. I hear the same story over and over again for the past 30 years, "If Honda would just bring back the CT Trail 110 but make it a 250cc fuel injectioned engine with both kick and electric start, with low range, a five speed transmission with the same clutchless manual transmission, wider tires and disk brakes front and rear" if Honda would have done this 30 years ago they would dominated the market for a lightweight dual sport bike. It's a shame the Japanese don't listen or ask what the American consumer what's before they design, build and ship it to the US. It amazes my as to how much money they leave on the table. It's just a matter of time before one of the other manufacturers figure this out and the new CT Trail 125 will be nothing more than afterthought in motorcycle history.

[@cubgsan]

Good morning to you! I am Cross Cub grandpa from Japan and sharing Cross Cub video. The video is great ! Have a nice day friend !

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Thank you

[@theruffiankj4164]

Superbly eloquent and comprehensive overview...

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@XenoSlayer]

The heat shield on the CT90 is on backwards. 6 slots in the front, 4 in the back. That's why you have a gap in the shielding.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Thanks...appreciate the help. My first Honda Trail....both old and new.

[@mikeells]

I appreciate your comparison. I also have a 78 Trail 90, and really looked forward to upgrading to a CT125. My issue is they model and market this bike as just that upgrade, but most of the features that make the CT90 distinctive have been omitted from the 125. From the dual range transmission, the folding handlebars, the auxiliary gas tank to passenger pegs, these features defined the Trail 90. A typical trip for me is putting the 90 on the tongue of my travel trailer with bars folded to fit, camping with rough trail riding in low range, carrying extra fuel to get back to camp. All things the 125 can't do. This seems like a Grom with a high pipe and under seat gastank, missing most of the distinct features that defined the CT series.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

They are a bit different. I have not used them enough to know if going from 7 horsepower of the 89cc engine to almost 10 horses on the 124cc engine is enough to negate the need for a hi/lo. My feeling is that the CT125 has a slightly more street biased than the old CT90. I did just take the 90 out for a 100K trip that encompassed everything from 55mph highway to single track. I’ll have that video up this week. The plan will be to do the same trip on the 125 coming up. I figure those are long enough trips for me to get a good idea of how they stack up. Stay tuned.

[@spaghettiopizza8686]

it really is just a grom/monkey but with a classic trail 90/110 style frame and stuff i mean it’s still a really good bike with the avg. 100 miles per gallon and highway-compliant speed and price, but it still doesn’t live up to the original trail 90 i do think

[@123edwardzpad]

@@spaghettiopizza8686 Time will tell. I am asking myself which one of these would be better for a EMP blast. There's no school, like the old school. I'm looking forward to the upcoming videos. I have found a 1975 CT90 for $1695 with 6400 original miles. It appears to be an excellent shave except for missing the passenger seat. I hope the carb is the original with the high altitude button. Is calling the guy today.

[@findingneutral]

I LOVE mine. I hope they bring back that gorgeous yellow color of yours and the very cool Mars Orange.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I'd love to have a 125 in yellow. I'd be so in on one if those

[@MikeLepley]

They have a sweet looking Khaki. Sadly it's not available in the US.

[@findingneutral]

@@BestoftheBackroads Check this teaser out 😲. Not ONLY in the sweet yellow 💛 but possibly in a 150cc. As we all know these days will it happen and if so which markets will be the recipient's? Its nice to dream though. Your story here hits home for me. I had gotten out of biking for 10 years due to a near death accident(note to self - if you ever see a roadside jogger bare in mind they all could have brought their UNLEASHED 🐕 along whose hidden from plain sight, you know, dogs that just love to chase motorcycles like were rabbits on a greyhound track). This particular dog popped out of nowhere and rocketed into the front wheel of my then DRZ400SM in full chase mode. One dead dog and 62k in medical bills later I gave up bikes. Had to for the family. Fast forward to 2019. I always missed riding. Told myself maybe I could start really small with something to just putz around with. I've always loved the early retro vintage looking bikes. Being poorer growing up all I could afford was a Suzuki FS50 with my dish washer earnings, but it had the most awesome add on mesh white metal basket up front so I was cool 😎 👌. After deciding to givexriding another go browsing Craigslist I came across something I had never heard of, a Honda Ct90. It was a very very used 1970's model. The old guy had it running, crappily but running, and on the looks scale it was about a 4 out 10. It was red, which I later discovered was really a painted over Mars Orange! My refurb mission began. Bike was $1,500. I scoured ebay and found loads of NOS parts. I got her looking like Christine after about $2,000 more. Then it was determined it was just drinking oil. Fouling plugs and started smoking out the exhaust after only riding it a total of 500 miles in-between its lodging st the repair shop. I have zero mechanical skills nor could I find another shop who seemed remotely interested in me paying enough to put their kid through college just to redo the top end. I was crushed. Then literally as I gave up I saw on the Honda Motor Expo that year the concept Ct125 🙁🤯😲🤑. Sold Christine at a massive loss. Pre-ordered a Trail125 tgen waited like 8 months and have loved and accessorized the hell out of it since. You mentioned this being a great starter for your wife? If so I would encourage you guys not to trade this up or out. As completely dumb as this next part sounds, I did just that with mine. Got a Honda CB500X because now that I had my feet wet of course that guy instinct kicked in of MUST HAVE MORE POWER. Love it and all, but immediately felt sellers remorse for my Trail125. There is just something very special about the history and vintage simplicity of that design and that bike that hooks you. Mine sat on the showroom about 5 months. The dealership had it priced over the top because I had accessorized it so no one would bite. Finally, I could not take it anymore and hauled butt back to the dealership on a Friday at 5pm and said I want 'my' bike back! Yes I lost my ass selling it as a trade in.... then I lost whatever ass remnants I still had bonding Christine 2.0 out of jail. Now I have the Trail125, Honda Monkey 125, and a 2021 CB500X. Guess which bike would be the last one my old butt will sit upon when the riding days for me expire😉. I know this some long winded story, but I just wanted to share it in case she gets bored quick with it limitations. They are so hard to come by and LITERALLY the day after I grabbed mine back a bunch of people who had been tire kicking expecting the dealer to go down in price were calling wanting it. Can't help but think it was meant to be for me and it was a huge and expensive learning experience. In my humble opinion bigger is not always more satisfying, dependingon what your doing albeit. This is why dealerships don't offer test rides I bet. But isn't it amazing being able to put hands on your yellow CT 💛 and then its future self. I wish Honda would have just done the engine tweaks but have left the infamous chrome rear rack, high-low gear, folding handle bars, all metal pressed rear fender section and so forth. You guys got the best if both era's there. I look forward to seeing you both cruising together on these sweet rides. Bless you for what you do my for those dogs too by the way. Would be a very cool video to see you both loaded down with the dog goods pulling up together. 🤙 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpakimuXiZudp7M

[@findingneutral]

@@MikeLepley Yes, the Fresco Brown. My intention was to just wait for that color, but alas we see how all thats going. I think eventually Honda will give us some more color schemes. I love the earlier CT yellow and Mars Orange. How sweet it would be to have one of every flavor 😛

[@BestoftheBackroads]

@@findingneutral Thanks for sharing your story. We've got some plans for the little Honda bikes coming up! I'm thinking we will end up keeping the 125 even if she wants a bit bigger bike. The little trails are so much fun

[@pauldean3271]

I managed to snag a 2021 ct125 and loved it for commuting in dc. Now in South Dakota looking for trails

[@leegilbert9130]

A great video, I am have a Honda CT 90 trail and a110, love em both, greetings from Canberra Australia

[@Dixie3bass]

Mike. Fantastic video! Not too long and very well said! Was considering sending you a test to see how things were yesterday.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

All is good here and we are having fun on the little bikes. Text anytime.

[@jacobwilson9099]

remember slow stuff fast is way more fun than fast stuff slow also the older ones look better in my opinion

[@sman222222]

Love my 125!! Congrats 🎉

[@HappyHands.]

Great video! I was thinking about making my trailmaster street legal.. but i might just get a Honda trail.

[@jackvliet]

I'd love to get one of these to tool around on for my first bike! Or one of Honda's other mini-motos

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I ride lots of different bikes and the little Honda is great. The Trail, Monkey and SuperCub are perhaps just a little more beginner friendly with the semi automatic gears out of Hondas minis. The Grom adds a clutch. I think they all make great first bikes.

[@jackvliet]

@@BestoftheBackroads the monkey is semi-auto as well? That might sway my decision towards that.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Opps..I led you wrong. It's a five speed manual.

[@jackvliet]

@@BestoftheBackroads well, I think I could learn quick 😁

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

Best of the backroads I love your channel. Most respectfully I suggest andI think; a comparison with the CT110 vs. CT125. would have been would have been fair, as you skip a generation by doing this comparison. The CT90 is happy doing 35 miles an hour. CT110 is happy doing 45 miles an hour. The CT110 stock goes 85 km per hour or 52, and a very small plus miles an hour. I might not have seen the most recent of your uploads, but my understanding is that you've decided: that 90 wouldn't keep up with the new bike, and you are still in the selection process for to go riding together? ❤ It is kinda like 5 versus 7 versus 9 horsepower. Lol I just think it's super cool you' 2 are doing this together, and Syd is passionate about her Cub Trail 125.

[@tauncfester3022]

Those are much easier to kickstart when you have it in neutral, I mean you can kickstart them like that if you don't mind the bike lurching forward. BTW I owned the original CT125 a 1970 CT90 with a Powroll rebuilt performance stroker engine. It probably made about 14 hp.

[@batyaraizel5255]

I know I'm probably supposed to like the new bike, but the vintage one is cooler. If they were going for aesthetics, I wonder why they got rid of the chrome rack?

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Old skool is cool.

[@andyallen7509]

I learned to ride as a 3rd grader on a 1968 trail 90. I loved the chrome rack but it was very heavy. The round bars were perfect for dragging the bike around or over large logs, stumps, etc. If I remember correctly it was rated at 4.9 hp. At that time a kid with a learners license could ride legally anything under 5 hp. Awesome bike. I will likely have one of the new 125’s if I can ever find one. I’m now 64 and can’t wait to ride some of the abundant forest service roads near here (Blairsville, GA).

[@eugeneteo9664]

grin /miles is a good quote.

[@boathemian7694]

I just got a 78 a few days ago

[@Dave-sw2dm]

I bought a Van Van 200 before Honda brought out the Trail 125. I am really enjoying the Van Van 200, and it is only 20 lbs heavier than the Trail 125. But, other than fuel injection the Van Van 200 can easily be mistaken for a 1970s motorcycle.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I absolutely like the look of the Van Van. I have a buddy that runs one and loves it as well. Great bike!

[@123edwardzpad]

@@BestoftheBackroads Suzuki Van Van 200 is really sweet. It shares a common geometry metry with TW 200, in my opinion. I think the Van Van is is superior. The Van Van has a very groovy retroclassic styling. Happy trails and safe journey's! 🛵

[@mjay7238]

Old ones are nice but how often they don’t start ima have to stick to the 2023🎉

[@G-probo]

Hey I have recently started to restore my ‘66 cm91 and all I am waiting for is the carburetor and working out little kinks but it should be on the road too. The funny thing is that as my girlfriend and I were watching the video we started to notice more and more land marks. We actually live right next to tech and I am %90 sure I have said sick bike. Anyways awesome content and maybe we could all potentially go riding!

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Absolutely we should. I'd love to see your cm91. Bike projects are awesome. Drop me a line sometime at [e-mail]

[@wowbiyahenisandytv7214]

I love the comparison. Wish to have one of that. Either of the 2. I have a Honda also but lower cc. Honda wave 110.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Thank you

[@Frank-vo9xo]

How could you not mention that it has a snorkel on it just like the it's predecessors and can go to and a 1/2 feet and water without stopping

[@johnrickards1908]

Great review man, thanks :~)

[@MattMorris481]

I would love to have both this and the super cub!

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I love both the Trail125 and CT90. I would love to try a supercub...and Monkey...though my next small cc bike would probably be a Grom. The bottomline is I just like bikes!

[@mikeconnelly5029]

I see a lot of comparisons between the 125 and Trail 90’s. How about comparing the 125 against the CT110 w/ Hi/Lo gearing.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I’d love to…if I find someone with a 110 I’ll give it a go. I just haven’t picked one up.

[@DoItAfterSmoking]

The nostalgia of calling it a winker.... I love it. Cherry ontop of a great video.

[@rhllnm]

Wish they had a bigger version (more able to carry luggage) with the 300cc engine from the Rally.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

It’ll carry lots…it just won’t carry it fast :)

[@wes326]

I just saw a CT 110 for sale around here for $4000.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Prices have gone up but 4k sounds like a bit of wishful thinking.

[@pauldub5767]

Did you drag race?? What was the outcome???

[@bartgonsoulin831]

I am surprised at the difference in capacity of the rear rack between old vs new.

[@kewkew2]

I'm debating on which one to get. I'm a handy person, I could probably find a used one for $800. Not sure if I should buy new upgraded one or go for the old one? What do u recommend are the upgrades might and day?

[@BestoftheBackroads]

The new Trail 125 hands down performs better than the older model. It’s hard to beat fuel injection, modern shocks, and 35 more cc’s. Electric start, 12 volt electronics and much brighter lighting are superior as well. The cockpit is slightly larger on the newer version so it feels more comfortable. The new one travels at about 10 miles per hour over the the older version in any situation. However, I absolutely loved being on the vintage machine. It had way more style …and kickstarting a bike old school is just fun. Also in your situation where you can snag one a vintage model for $800 I might do that. If you get it running/riding good you can easily sell it in the neighborhood of $2K if you hate it. The new Trial 125’s are running north of $4K even on the used market.

[@BillySBC]

It's about being able to step off the bike, kick up the kickstand, and walk with it for miles because it's light and easy to handle. The original motorcycles were motor-BIKES, and that's what this is.

[@crappyatlife]

Maybe so but my 78 kz650 has never left me pushing it

[@lam1991hahaha]

The Japan version has passenger foot pegs, the Thai version dont, Japan version also have an extra heat shield on the pipe for the passenger

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Good to know. Thanks,

[@123edwardzpad]

Even though the debate seems to have already been settled, I for one think that CT 110 would have been a much better choice than the CT 90.

[@findingneutral]

Do you think the spare fuel cannister mount and the actual cannister will fit on the Trail125? I'd love to get one for mine. Thus far just seeing a mount for it on Webike. No cannister though.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

You can but would have to drill into the fender in order for a way to fix the mount on the bike. It might need to be placed slightly further back than on my CT90 due to the tool kit. or removing the tool kit box would give you a proper mount point. Sid had designs on my little cannister but I've managed to talk her out of it by arguing that the lock matches the CT90 ignition key. She is now thinking of going with a modern Rotopacck

[@findingneutral]

@@BestoftheBackroads Thanks for the information. The mount on Webike has the tool kit removed and its installed there. It looks awesome on your bike. Rotopack would be more modern and easier all the way around. That gas canteen still looks the best though. You've done great refurbishing the CT90. Looking forward to seeing the down tube install. 🙂👍

[@md.moinulislam9467]

Just awesome......

[@richardbrown6762]

Why do everyone say first bike I've been riding for 50 years and I would love to have one of just basic transportation

[@ssilva9510]

the ct 125 is in my top 5

[@marcelroche5141]

Have the 125 cc a hight and low gear like the 110cc and 90 cc

[@BestoftheBackroads]

It does not. However, I have owned both and never really used the low gear except for the heck of it. I will say you can tell quite a bit of difference in the cc power uphill between the CT90 and 125.

[@gsxr419]

I still don't understand why people think it necessary to kick start the new trail when you can simply push a button. I know it was comparative but a lot of people are fixated on it. I'm pushing the button whenever I can.

[@j.875]

Sure, it's good for beginners, but many experienced riders have one parked next to their other bikes!

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I am loving the Trail 125! My wife did get it as her first bike but I often grab it for a quick grocery or errand run around town. It is indeed a good addition to the garage.

[@bartgonsoulin831]

I am lucky enough to have picked up a 74 model CT90 for $100. With a little work cleaning the carb and brushing the points and a $10 battery it was running. Fun little bike, not perfect but pretty good.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Thats a great price on a CT90. They are wonderful little bikes. It's great when the bikes return to live after sitting for some. Fantastic another one is on the road!

[@earlyculyer4103]

What you pay for the yellow one?

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Prices on used vintage bikes like the 1978 CT90 vary based on condition, location and if they have a title and current registration. Running and in good shape with title and current registration are selling between $2000 and $2500 in my area.

[@bobhunt3197]

My first bike was a Honda 55 trail, it had a larger sprocket and a length of chain for low range.

[@Enrique-peralta]

Crazy part is the trail 90 is worth more

[@61Slughi]

3:13 I guess you'll turn left eventually

[@PhillyHippy]

Grins per mile :)

[@modelmode8]

Wear glasses. A bee in the eye is an eye with a bee inside.

[@lr882027]

Snore