Restoring A Honda Trail 90 In 12 Minutes!

[@j45acp69]

The inverted forks on a CT90 got me laughing out loud! Very nice craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you! I wanted to have a bit of fun with this build and had those forks laying around for a while, so figured they'd be good to do something different! Very happy with how the whole build turned out on this one. Thank you for taking the time to comment! 😁

[@Nygle123]

Nice build dude.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your support and taking the time to comment! Very happy to hear you liked the build! 😁

[@RantzBizGroup]

What a beautiful restoration. I had that same bike 51 years ago and miss it the most of all my motorcycles. That's artwork!!!

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️ These little bikes seem to leave a positive impression with everyone that's owned one. And I definitely understand why! 😁

[@RantzBizGroup]

@@TheBadIdeaBros so many baby boomers had one!!!

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Haha, and they've been widely adopted by every generation since! There's a reason Honda are still making essentially the same bike still to this day! 😁

[@JacobWillits]

​@@RantzBizGroup since I bought my trail 125 3 days ago every day 1 boomer comes up and tells me they used to have a 90 or something. love it. Incredible history behind the trail series of bikes. People call it a scooter I actually call it the donkey of motorcycles. It can haul some luggage its a donkey. Gassed out at top speed making a lot of noise 😂 Ive had an msf course. Msf bikes are legendary bikes. You see how theyre so much more capable than a harley streetglide for example or a gold wing. Those are impressive bikes indeed esspecially for going the distance on the interstate and riding down rhe highways but let me tell you the 125 150 250 cc bikes are very real motorcycles you can kill yourself on them just as easily if you arent paying attention. The trail 125 is a real msf worthy motorcycle one of the legends like the honda nighthawk250. Tw200 is also an msf legend. These are real motorcycles they actually set the standard. You dont want to do the dmv test course on a thunderstroke 111. If youre doing an msf course its a 3 day course starting for a few hours late at night friday and then early morning until end of day saturday is learning and practice. Then sunday its practice again and then final course test. So you dont want a bug motorcycle a motorcycle that you want to use all day long young or old needs to be so ligjt you can pick it upright one handed as a woman. Honda grom is also an msf legend now honestly. Hasmt been around a legend like the Tdub since the 80s the tw200 is a better bike than the grom in ways. In my opinion the trail 125 is better than the tw and grom in ways. The grom is better than either in uts own ways also. These are all legendary bikes that you cant go wrong with except if you buy a nighthawk 250 these days its likely going to he a restoration project its going to be like a classic art piece. They dont make them anymore. The trail t200 grom. Great bikes to use for msf course

[@RantzBizGroup]

@@JacobWillits excellent info!!!

[@fredburris5428]

I, just got a 71, ready for restoration, that wiring harness work was impressive.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your support! I won't lie, the wiring was something I was apprehensive about! I just took my time and was methodical with all the circuits. There were some breaks that needed some work, but overall it went okay. Thank goodness. 😆

[@charlesrainey6830]

Just picked up 3 ct90's for a 100 bucks. A 66, 2 67. Have not been cranked in over 30 years. Was in a barn.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Sounds like an awesome find and a load of fun to me! 😁

[@chrisstone6271]

Superb work my friend !

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your support! ❤️

[@azorianification]

Just picked up a Mara orange 74 trail 90. I want to do a restomod like this but it’s in such good condition. This is how you end up with too many bikes 😅

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Haha, I feel your pain! My original plan for this one was to just clear coat over the patina.. As you can tell, the build spiraled into a full-blown resto mod. 🤣 No regrets though, it's a real head turner now!

[@jeffferguson899]

cool build. you might want to try using paint stripper instead of sanding the next time, much less work

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Jeff! Yes, stripper absolutely would have been easier, but I used what I had and wanted to see how the sanding would go. Safe to say, laborious and tedious. 😅 Thank you for taking the time to comment. ✌🏻

[@MethuselahMusic]

Restoring a CT90 in 12 weeks, working 12 hr days, lol! Great job! Choice upgrades too. Kudos.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support! This was definitely a pretty wild build, a lot of lessons were learned and a lot of fun was had! I'd definitely do another, no question about it. 😁

[@JacobWillits]

Thank you for your service bro I dont buy them i would but I dont habe the kind of tools to attempt such a thing u just bought a trail 125 instead brand new. But man i hear these people saying theyre restoring old ones itll be cool to see my new one next to an old one at some point

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Old or new, they're both fantastic bikes! The passion is still there in the new bikes, in my opinion! Enjoy and ride safe bro!

[@dropshot_outdoors]

Man I almost scored a 1970 Trail 90 today for 150 bucks, needed work but for that price I'll take the rolling frame. My Grandpa had a 1974 ct90 i rode and loved and I have been wanting one. I'm sure another good deal will come by soon though on a bike. I have never had a project bike but I'm gonna change that soon.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Sounds like that would have been a sweet deal! These bikes are such special little things, it seems that everyone has a story or memories of these! 😁 The CT90 would be a superb first project bike, they're simple to work on and there's an almost endless source of spares and knowledgeable people out there to draw inspiration and information from! Best of luck with it all! ✌🏻

[@dropshot_outdoors]

​@@TheBadIdeaBrosthank you, have a great day man

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you, you too! 😁

[@schmiddy1473]

Great job on the restoration, sweet bike as well

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Shmiddy! A lot of work went into this wee 90, but I'm definitely happy with the end result! 😁

[@jkalberer]

Came here expecting a restoration. You've done more of a renovation or restomod. It did come out great, though, and I still enjoyed it. Good work!

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your kind words Jake! This build did originally start as a restoration, I was even just going to clear coat over the patina, but it spiraled into what you now see before you after finding a few unexpected surprises. There is a whole build series for this little CT on my channel if you're interested, it will help explain how this project evolved. Thank you for taking the time to comment. 😊

[@jkalberer]

@@TheBadIdeaBros I think I will check it out, I love a good ct90 series

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

It's a quick series, as I built this whole project on a super tight schedule for a small bike event here in Christchurch called Syd's Run. The plan is for there to be some more content of this wee bike in the not too distant future though, so I'm excited to bring that to the channel. 😊 Thank you again for taking an interest!

[@BenjaMin-ju4ji]

Sick results, looks so good

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your support! Definitely happy with how this bike turned out. 😁

[@mountainsmith4716]

I have four of these in my shop I'm currently working on.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

They're such a great bike and tend to turn into a bit of an addiction! I've done a few of these now, normally just tidy up's, but this one was definitely one of the more custom ones! Thank you for taking the time to comment. 😁

[@yorkshiretink3188]

That's one top notch restoration 👌👌👌.....Well done 👍🍺🍻

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you John! I have to admit that I'm quite happy with the end result. 😁 I hope to do a few more builds in the near future, so you will likely be seeing some more old junk being brought back to life. 😆

[@mikeneeley1836]

Absolutely awesome.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Mike! ✌🏻

[@codyreilly1366]

Great project and awesome end result. Looking to make mine into a machine to head up the volcanos in Washington, back country hunting. Keep posting great stuff. That bike looks great.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much Cody! It's always humbling to hear when someone enjoys my content, so thank you! 😁 The CT90 will be great for that, you won't get anywhere quickly, but you'll get there quietly and confidently and that'll be perfect for back country hunting! Ride safe bro! ✌🏻

[@MsJhook]

Nice

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thankyou for your support! ✌🏻

[@anaru5643]

looks fab, nicely done

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Anaru! I'm definitely happy with the end result, it turned into a bigger project than expected. 😆

[@peterdawson7775]

That's a great result !🎅

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Peter! A lot of effort went into this thing (as I'm sure you saw with the build series) but I'm happy with how it turned out. 😁

[@nmartin5551]

Wow! I just want to get mine running…..

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support! I am definitely very happy with this build and how it turned out. The CT90's can be a bit particular to get running, but they're a simple motor so I'm sure you'll be fine. Best of luck! 😊

[@codyreilly1366]

Just got a 70. Runs great. Where can I find a wire diagram. Everything is cracked and broken. Even insulation on break and throttle cables. And direction to find these parts or cables that are not 50 years old?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Hi Cody, my recommendation for the wiring diagram would be Pardue Brothers in Sarasota. Jon is a wealth of knowledge and sorted me out with the diagrams for the CT90. They also do a bunch of neat custom parts for the early Honda bikes. As for the cables etc, those are reasonably generic and can br found online without too much trouble. Hope this helps!

[@rockbay79]

Very nice! I love the front fender modification.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your support! I had a lot of fun with this build, keep your eye on the channel, I have a few more builds coming up. 😊 Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@MotoSoloPH]

Well done bro!👍restoration success!

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you bro! I'm definitely happy with how the CT90 build turned out. 😁

[@josephsliger3308]

Very nice.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Joseph!

[@lawrencefranck9417]

I’m wondering how mounting the fender to the fixed sliders tubes worked out?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Worked out for exactly as long as I needed it to. As soon as it passed its roadworthy inspection, it was off the bike. 😅

[@andyrianala]

Just beautiffull,please could you give me the tire reference cause I want to replace my old tire with more wider like that?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your support! The tyres I used on this bike were 2.75 R17. I forget the exact brand now, but they were just cheaper, generic pattern road tyres. I felt these would be adequate at the CT90 isn't exactly a speed demon of a bike. 😂 Hope this helps! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@vintagedirtchucker9022]

Looks great. One question I have is it looks like you mounted the front fender to the bottom of the upper fork tubes so when the lowers move along with the wheel won’t the wheel hit and bind up in the fender?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Correct, but I locked out the front for a roadworthy, so not enough travel to contact. (A front guard is required to pass check) as soon as that was passed it was removed as day to day this bike does not run a front guard.

[@vintagedirtchucker9022]

Haha, excellent way to beat the system, I love it!

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

@@vintagedirtchucker9022 the devil is always in the details, but so are the loop holes. 😉😆

[@rockbay79]

I currently own a 1972 Honda CT-90 that I ride mostly around my small town, to the grocery store and yard sales. At 62 years old I don't really use my bike as a "Trail" bike. More like a daily commuter. However, I'm needing to replace the tires with new ones. After watching your video again, I was interested in the type and brand of tires you installed on your bike. Could you possibly post what Brand, Model and size you went with on your bike? Thank you.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your interest! The tyres on this bike are 2.75 R17 Michelin City Pro. I have found them to grip nicely, wear well and fit the bike perfectly. I can highly recommended them if you're after a decent road tyre. The CT90 does make a fantastic bike for short trips and running around town. Hope this helps! Ride safe bro! ✌🏻

[@rockbay79]

@@TheBadIdeaBros Thank you Sir for the quick reply! I will be looking into purchasing a set of the tires you recommended. Again, I really appreciate your help and channel. Take care.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

More than welcome! Feel free to share pictures of your CT with us on our Facebook page, we love seeing peoples bikes from around the world. 😁

[@fullahead9509]

Did you put it a different wiring harness? I didn't think the 71 came with turn signals? Or are the wires still there just need the lights?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

This CT is a 1972 K4, so it had the provisions in the harness for indicators, but I had to add that portion of loom, flasher can, lights, etc. It was reasonably straightforward to be honest. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@duacot6633]

Right on!! How's the performance? Top speed? How quick to top speed? Almost finished with mine. It's a '72, frame and harness on my coffee table and engine being rebuilt on a stand on the counter top. :)

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Awesome stuff man, you'll have to share pictures with us on our Facebook page! The performance of this one isn't exactly going to set the world on fire. It's still the original hi/low ratio 90cc. But she's a Gem! We will be doing a bit more with this CT in upcoming episodes, so keep your eyes open for that. 😊 Thank you for your support! Ride safe bro. ✌🏻

[@pujabelgian]

Top speed? You've got the wrong bike. 😉

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

​@@pujabelgianyou're on the money there. These bikes aren't about speed. 😂

[@NoWayOut55]

I'm in the process of stripping down my Son's Trail 90. It sure as hell going to take me longer than 12 minutes!! But, I'm gonna try like hell!

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

They're a great bike to work on! It definitely took me more than 12 minutes! 😆 This episode squeezes about 60 hours of work into a 12 minute clip.

[@NoWayOut55]

@@TheBadIdeaBros I grew up with Yamaha 80s and the Bulltaco pursang. We had a Harley Davidson Sprint 250. I break if I drop these days. But, I have possession of my Son's Trail 90..I aim to do my part on World Climate!! Great Articles, Bros. I would LOVE to see more including tips for optimal performance! 🤜🤛🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻!

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you so much for your support and interest! There will be some more content with the CT90 this year. Possibly even an engine swap. 👌🏻

[@teds3242]

This looks great! Can you give some details on the front fork/disc brake setup?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Hi Ted, thanks for your support! Front end is originally from a 125cc pit bike - 45mm UD forks, custom brakes to suit and a bit of custom work to shoehorn it onto the standard CT frame. (Custom machined head bearings, machined steer stops, etc) I didn't want to alter the frame in any way, so made a bit more work, but I feel it was worth it. 😊

[@williamrobarge3111]

I just picked up a 72 model and it needs the same. Amazing work but out of my league. Would need help for sure

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your kind words William! I was definitely happy with how my wee CT turned out! Awesome that you also have a '72, what colour is it? Will you do a resto, or resto-mod? Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@Petemurch]

nice job, im looking at rear shocks upgrade similar to yours , interested in the bush sizes as standards on the CT110 are 16mm top ID and 10 mm ID bottom, the shocks im looking at are 12mm top and bottom did you have to change bushes ? or the shocks you have had the correct sizes any help would be great cheers

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Peter! I machined custom bush inners, to accept the ID of the CT90 mount and the OD of the rubber shock bushing. A lot of work that could have been avoided had I known there are kits available from ebay of assorted sizes. 😆 That is probably your easiest solution, unless of course you fancy a bit of custom work. 👌🏻

[@Petemurch]

Yeah found a site in USA that has some vopo brand a guy in oz put them on his for around oz trip hes doing so great test for them and very good feedback. He had similar problems with bush size, where there's a will there's a way! Cheers love the channel

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Haha, that's it man. Anything is possible with the right motivation! Best of luck with your build! Feel free to share pics on out Facebook page, always love to see builds! ✌🏻

[@zdfnhxfgjnhxfgnj]

Can you tell me what you had to do to the triple tree bearings in order to get them to fit? in the 41mm honda stem

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Hi Cam, thank you for your interest! I upgraded to some high quality SKF bearings as I wasn't sure the standard items would cope with the additional weight of the front end swap. To make this work, the bearings OD was machined to fit the standard frame, a custom pin was machined from hardened round stock to suit the frame and aftermarket triple tree. The lower plate of the triple tree also had to be machined to suit the steering stops on the CT frame. A lot of work and a bit of over-kill? Probably. 😆 But I wanted it to work first go and last. Hope this helps!

[@scootersetc3003]

Great looking build! Who did that custom triple tree?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support! I'm very happy with this build, it's a bit of a one-off. 😁 Davinci Steelcraft did the custom work for me on the head stock and bearing sleeves, the remainder of the triple tree I did myself. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@RODSCHIDDLE]

Mint bike

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you bro! A heck of a lot of time and effort went into this wee thing. I'm very happy with the end result!

[@richardlopez4608]

Dude that’s so awesome. How long and what was the cost for that rebuild

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Richard! Believe it or not, I did this build over 2 weeks with the aim of making an event here in Christchurch. You can see a full build series for this bike in the "Trail 90 Trek" playlist on the channel.

[@MrThedude333]

Awesome job. I just got a trail 90 and I’m wanting to do something similar. What kind of rear shocks did you use and what was the spring rate?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thank you for your support Kyle! The rear shocks were the original items, donated from my Keeway CR152 after I upgraded the rear suspension on that. No idea on the spring rate, but they're adjustable and seem to work well on the CT. I just anodised them to match the front forks. Sorry I can't be of more help!

[@henryreed6841]

How long did it take u from start to finish

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

I built this over two weeks, in an attempt to make an event here in Christchurch. As for actual hours, I couldn't tell you. A lot! 😆

[@henryreed6841]

My dad says ours is going to take a year for two

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Good things take time! I did a lot of pre-prew with this bike before starting the build, so I had a clear direction when starting. It also depends what type of build you guys are doing, some take longer than others! Best of luck with the build, feel free to share pics to our Facebook page!

[@FN-Swavy]

how do you even know where to start. i have a 67 and theres just not enough information online about it to be able to fix it myself

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

I know it's a cliche, but starting really is the hardest part! If you have an idea of what you're wanting from the bike and what sort of build style you want to do (restoration, resto-mod, brat, etc) then you're half way there. So just begin and the rest will happen organically. If I can do it, anyone can! 😁

[@pujabelgian]

What size person is the ct90 intended for! my 6-2 husband looks like a giraffe on a bicycle. The trail 125 appears to be physically larger. What's the real attraction of the 90 apart from hi/lo , given it has 6v, points, carburation, drum brakes.. sincere question.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

The CT90's are made for everybody! They're a global bike with a cult following. Yes, they're definitely a small bike, but they rate so highly on the fun scale that I think they can be forgiven for their lack of size! I can't speak for everyone, but the attraction for me personally is the simplicity of it. You only need a hand full of tools to completely strip and rebuild the thing. Hope this helps!

[@Jaredcs199]

The way you mounted the front fender on the forks.. wouldn't the tire hit when you go over bumps? Because the wheel travels and the fender doesn't?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

It was literally on the bike long enough to pass inspection (it's a requirement in NZ to have a front guard to pass inspection) I don't run a front guard on this bike normally.

[@Jaredcs199]

@@TheBadIdeaBros ohhh ok haha that makes sense 👌🏼 that's a sweet setup though.. what bike are the forks from? How do you like them on the trail?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Yeah man, just ticking boxes to get it legal. You know how it goes. The front end is off of a 125cc pit bike (Thumpstar or similar - I honestly don't remember now) The suspension has completely changed the feel of the bike, I love it! As for trails, this show pony is exclusively used on tarmac now. Hence the road tyres - I don't want to ruin the paint. 😆

[@kewkew2]

How fast does it go?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Still running the standard 6volt hi/low ratio 90cc, so it's not a fast bike. Engine swap coming soon though.. Keep your eye on the channel for that. 😁

[@kewkew2]

@@TheBadIdeaBros 30-40mph? There's a guy selling a local one for $900 I was thinking about tackling it for a project.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Oh yeah, no problem there, I've seen around 70km/h (45mp/h) with this bike. I'd personally say to go for it, they're a great wee bike and simple to work on. If you get hold of it, make sure to share some pictures with us on our Facebook page!

[@aaronmedina5248]

Clean looking bike man, what rear shocks did you use? And keep up the good work💪

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thanks Aaron! A lot of work went into this wee CT! The rear suspension are the factory items from my Keeway 152 (Have a look at my other videos if you're not sure what that is) they were hanging about in my workshop after I upgraded the Keeway's suspension, so I put them to use on the CT. They actually fit like factory!

[@aaronmedina5248]

@@TheBadIdeaBros nice, will do, and thanks for the response.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thanks again Aaron. 😊

[@556suppressor]

I found a 1974 model for $500. I just don't have the patience or money to restore it.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

There's still a few survivors out there, that's to be sure. That being said, I suppose they can't all be saved.

[@jimjungle1397]

I had a 1972 Trail 90 and it had the automatic clutch, along with a standard clutch lever. Here is a video of a 1973 Trail 90 with a clutch lever. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKPRq41ujN5qaNk

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Just gave it a watch, looked like a sweet wee 90! Thank you for taking the time to comment. 😊

[@timstorck7453]

Mate, seriously - if you used a sandblaster or vapour blaster - stripping the paint and rust would have been a 10 minute job. Work smarter, not harder.

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

Thanks for the suggestion Tim! Working with the tools I have available to me. Besides, I'm not scared of a bit of hard work to get the results I want. 😉

[@飯は熱いうちに食え-e9y]

front fender…？ok…?

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

I get this comment a lot, the front guard was on long enough to pass an inspection for roadworthy. (It's a requirement to have a front guard) the bike doesn't run a front guard day to day, as I prefer the look of a clean front. Tha k you for taking the time to comment!

[@飯は熱いうちに食え-e9y]

@@TheBadIdeaBros様^ ^ コメントありがとうございます😊理解しました。カラーリングがカッコいいオリジナルのバイク！

[@TheBadIdeaBros]

You're welcome! And thank you for your support, it is very much appreciated! 😊