Day 2: Two Honda Trail CT125's take on the Smokey Mountain 500 to prep for the Trans America Trail

[@SomeGuyRides]

If you enjoyed this video please support the channel by subscribing. Thank you! tinyurl.com/SomeGuyRidesSubscribe

[@user-ot1dv6ri4f]

this bike is changing the way I view motorcycling and this video is just what I want to be doing

[@garysouthwell5762]

Love your understated comments about how gnarly the track was!!!! You'ld make an Aussie Proud!!!

[@gregnutter4658]

Great video. I had a bike just like that when I was 12. Im 63 now. Mine was a 110. Lots of good memories made with this bike. Thanks for the video.

[@SomeGuyRides]

I had a Trail 70 when I was a kid. That's a big reason why I had to grab this little bike.

[@skptxrok]

Ditto. Had a 70s Yamaha 100 Enduro when I was around 10-11. Dad bought it for me one weekend morning when we were out garage-sale'ing. Am 45 now and dad is gone. This video kicked up so many great memories. Love the narration.

[@marcoluoma3770]

Same here: I learned to ride on my Uncle Jim's Trail 90 and then save up to get my own Honda SL125 when I was 12 (I’m 62 now). What great memories the video brings back.

[@findingneutral]

Awesome terrain. Where we all wish we could go ride. Love you guys are keeping the bikes stock 100%. A true test of the Trail125.

[@mrgold1964]

Long time enduro/woods racer here. Don't look too long at objects in your line. It's kinda a weird phenomenon, but the longer you look at the object, the more you will be drawn to it. Take a quick glance at it and adjust accordingly. Stare at it too long and you WILL hit it.

[@SomeGuyRides]

This makes total sense to me. I've done it. Thanks!

[@sman222222]

So jealous!!! I’ve had mine since January and all I’ve done is ride it around my cookie cutter neighborhood here in Florida. Beautiful ride!

[@devonshire56]

Thank you so very much for putting this KZbin post together. Love the ride, choice of motorbike and music. I really needed that serene feeling you added with the music. I also enjoyed the Ed March reference because after all he's been a big part of why this style of riding has become so popular. No BMW's in my future, I will be looking into getting one of those sweet Honda 125's. You guys are legends for sharing this as they say down under...thanks again !!!

[@carlarthur4442]

Agree with your comments as well , this looks more fun and that's what Motorcycles are all about . Think I'll sell my old B M W for a deposit, but these Happy little Hondas haven't arrived in the U K yet and I'm wondering if they ever will . Happy riding whatever you ride .

[@raywite6665]

All the rave about GSs and this is what would be absolute fun. These were to go to run around in the 60s .

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for another great video. The videography is top notch, and the informative yet low-key commentary is just right.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@Madmamba458]

rare too see Two trails together that thats almost like seeing a unicorn very rare happy trail fellas

[@veiledallegory]

Words of advice for when you do the TAT, do not set a goal for the day. Just wait and find a place when you get tired. If you set a fixed agenda, you will be rushing through and will miss the ride. When I plan a trip, I pick the direction I’m going to go and see how far I make it before needing to head back home. If it’s an out and back I start heading back a day earlier than half way! For example on a 30 day trip I would turn around on day 14.

[@nuikoputai8534]

Such lovely looking country

[@SomeGuyRides]

Come for a visit!

[@mikeandrews1899]

"Is my saw going to come in handy ?! " 😳 .... Awesome witty sarcasm at it's best!!! 👍😂🤣

[@KtotheL]

this day you were the bandit. need to get some shinkos... will i ever learn ? took me 4 crashes b4 i got it on my ebike (but this is 2x the speeds) so i better figure it out fast 1 dump was already $$$ and theres plenty more to come. the news tonight inspired me when that man was rescued from the avalanche... if it wasnt for his friend he woulda been toast ( was under 15' of snow fer 10 mins but course we are talking snow mobiles ) thanks for the videos man its much appreciated thanks moreso for sharing :) your commentary and music as well ( which isnt ez ) went real well ! the trails were tough but its a learning experience.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Thank you! I love the shinkos - they've been great.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Excellent video. Found this from watching Itchy boots. I have no idea what this smokey mountians 500 is about. You should have all your battery equipment being charged off of the bike so it never goes dead. I started on this on first. Now I will have to watch number one. I would love to do this at my old age. I miss this type of riding. thanks.😁🤪

[@stephengreen2898]

this thing Has KICK START TOO

[@jimross9429]

I have watched Long Way Round, Down, Up, Over and what ever else they put out and have to say I enjoyed your video more. You are riding bikes that almost anyone can afford and are having far more fun with much less drama. The bad part is now I want to follow in your tracks and give this run a try. The only problem is I don't have a bike at the moment but that is fixable.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Thx! It's a great route - definitely recommend...

[@glizbane]

I just watched your first video in this series earlier tonight, and now I'm watching this one. I've made up my mind. I'm buying a CT125 and I'm going to ride the Smoky Mountain 500. I live all the way in California, so it'll be a hell of a ride just to get out there, but this is absolutely something that I need to do at some point in my life.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Thx for watching! I just rode it from Asheville, NC to the Pacific. Maybe ship it out here, do the SM500 and then ride the Trans America Trail back. That would be epic.

[@glizbane]

@@SomeGuyRides That's not a bad idea. I'll need to get some practice riding dirt trails before I go, but maybe I could attempt it next summer. I'm really hoping someone has a good manual clutch conversion kit for the CT125 before then though, I'd like to have a little more control than the semi auto transmission offers.

[@John-rw2zf]

Thank you very much for that fun ride. The CT125 is a great bike. I think you guys pushed the upper limits of those bikes on those rocky off road sections. I know they are well built bikes but would not want to see you crack a frame tube or pop a fork seal or something like that. Especially out in the middle of nowhere. I would have taken the same basic ride but stuck to the county blacktop. Very well done. Thanks again.

[@Propelled]

I sure wish they’d put the low range transmission back on these. That aside, riding a small bike into the rough sure seems more fun than a big heavy one!

[@smartassist9700]

You need to change out your sprocket sizes. “”Ride with Warro” videos…. Had same issue/changed out sprockets…. Now has the power to get through all terrain! And he shows and talks about it in his video. You need to look at all videos of his tan color 150 and you will be glad you watched them. He is a good fella AND smart.

[@jont8707]

Was cool to watch this I'm from Knox county I knew a lot of these places 👍

[@carlarthur4442]

At least you can pick it up if you drop it that's for sure , I ride a 34 years old B M W and it's heavy , think I need a change go back in time to where I started off , seems more fun .

[@terryallemann2654]

I know this is older post but have to agree I have an 83 110 great shape still and runs great love the low range for going through woods and bad rock areas.

[@bookooc5605]

Living in GA, I have spent a lot of time riding around Suches. TWO Wheels is a very popular place to stop, or camp.

[@The9meister]

To get over fallen trees, approach standing up, push down on the forks and accelerate on the rebound, and the bike will jump over it, only weighs 89kg.

[@wheeliewadethiesen2946]

This just came up for me I got to get back to work I’m going to have to watch this later, looks like you did a good job editing beautiful scenery you need to come back around the First week in November when the leaves are at peak. I moved down here six years ago from Northwest Indiana so most of the ground you’re covering i have road I don’t have GPS or a phone signal and ride alone most of the time so I’ve got lost on a lot of these mountain roads but now I’m getting pretty familiar with them, I’ll check out the video later thanks for posting👍🏻

[@bennetthasty7886]

This Smokies ride is gorgeous 🎉❤

[@technoprat]

If you're not laying on the floor, you're not above your skill level. Great job guys.

[@brucegroom1929]

Looks amazing guys. Cheers from UK 🇬🇧

[@TheProCut17]

sweet ride for sure, hope to check it out for myself soon.

[@GiorgosC-rp5ms]

i need a relaxing and fun trip away like that,im in indiana i wish i was closer

[@thall6076]

Probably purchase a new trail 125 in few days where did you get your front rack goes over your front light.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Hey TH - search the channel for accessories- in that description is a link to where I got all the stuff. It's a bit of a leap of faith to deal with them - but they are great and the stuff is solid. wait- here's the link to it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIaqc2qdfL17i5o

[@jbplemons]

Best SM 500 videos on KZbin. Keep it up, cant wait for the TAT.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Thanks a ton!

[@Pmz604]

Looks really fun, please post more :)

[@MrCaptainCrazy]

Hell yeah!!! Love small off road bikes! Looks like fun!!!

[@Liberty4Ever]

Loving this, and your TAT trip. Thanks for posting the videos. I'm thinking very seriously about doing the Smokey Mountain 500, maybe in a month, but before the cool rainy fall weather settles in. I'm in central Kentucky, so I have a day of back roads on the way down and again on the way back, so it's a five day trip for me. It lools ideal for an old man adventure on my G310GS.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Ideal for sure! It’s an amazing route.

[@xaviillas615]

28:24 Why is this fun? My friend, that’s the BIG question. It runs on our bloodstream, forever. -We, the adventure motorcyclists.

[@mollygrubber]

@23:55 that's called target fixation, and it's no joke. You need to learn to identify a threat, and then fixate on the safe way around it. If you stare at the threat, 9 times out of 10 you'll hit it.

[@SomeGuyRides]

I've learned that this is absolutely true. Having a name for it is helpful for some reason.

[@donallmccrudden4812]

It's like going around corner.you look where your want to go and you naturally go around the corner without really thinking

[@vandyreinaker5896]

Great ride guys. Looking forward to your TAT ride. The videos and commentary is great also.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Thanks! 👍

[@chuckbayman]

Excellent video

[@mikedenton6485]

I think the bikes are great and the TAT will be an adventure, but I'm not sure you'll make the whole tat in 30 days but I am rooting for you that's for sure.

[@joemartinez4591]

This is just plain awesome .. The TAT will be awesome !

[@stephengreen2898]

Does TAT mean THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL?

[@veiledallegory]

You need to draw where you are heading in the map Ed March style if you know what I mean. Two round abouts and a big out and back!

[@SomeGuyRides]

Ha!

[@robbcollins3727]

Looks like great ride, thanks for sharing...

[@SomeGuyRides]

It was!

[@737T1C130]

Cool vid. After doing the big ADV bike long haul thing, I'm really starting to appreciate these smaller bikes. Trying to decide between the 125 and 250 size.

[@marcoluoma3770]

After riding my 1200 GS on part of the MABDR, I decided I was too old to wrestle it around and got a Yamaha WR250R. Made all the difference and am doing the 500 on it soon. YMMV.

[@coolstoryroy5800]

Loved the "home fry" story.

[@Mpp31provo]

That front box is a great space to lay in a solar recharge panel.

[@brandonr.klrcrazy]

LOL....1 minute in ...."was gonna go take time to find that dog".....sounds like something I'd say!

[@poppyclypsenoir9156]

Don't concentrate on the obstacle, concentrate on your path.

[@andyr4609]

Awesome videos.. Thank you..

[@janeg4706]

Great video, guys. Hopefully Mr Honda will bring these awesome little bikes to the European market before too long. Very envious of the trails you can ride over there - we don't have anything like your access to off roading here in the UK.

[@josephk4807]

Of course, Honda's Rule!

[@ZPDSurvival]

Great Ride. Liked and Subscribed. Loaded up and Truckin, We gonna do what they said can't be done. Cheers!

[@SomeGuyRides]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jschimiz]

Best off road videos of the Trail 125 I've seen yet; looking forward to the TAT videos.

[@SomeGuyRides]

thanks!

[@Max_Marz]

I have 3k miles on mine, I *love* the stock tires too, everyone rags on them but they are the stickiest tires on the road, you can lay the bike completely flat in corners and it loves it.

[@smartassist9700]

What country/state you in? USA?

[@brentwall6959]

Cool ride boys !!

[@tomcat6933]

"Oh mother". Luv it

[@ToddRussellHall]

Great video!

[@Terry_1111]

Beautiful bike, video, and music! Exactly what I needed to watch this morning. Happy to be a new subscriber! Safe travels to you.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Welcome aboard!

[@chiefkirk]

Another good one.

[@STho205]

So the SM500 Telico Plains to Suches takes you past Ai, Flat Branch (me) and around Ellijay before spitting you East to Dial and Suches? That's interesting.... i should get a map. I know the TAT in my area but never considered the SM500. Paved route, down Tn68 to Copperhill/McCayesville to Ga60 to Suches is about 120 miles and quite scenic. The wild ride sounds fun though.

[@scable-eq7bp]

Very cool video, nice camera work and the editing is really good. I have been studying this bike for a up and coming trip, also been looking at the KTM Duke 200, the Honda well probably win out....

[@stephengreen2898]

You CAN’t get a Honda 125 …. Go ahead and try… It is easier to get Hunter Biden’s Lap Top or Jeffry Epstein’s client list from the FBI

[@stephengreen2898]

why not just call it “SHIT”…. since that seems to be a a favorite noun of yours… Or “JESUS”…. everytime you get up Shit Creek, you seem to say “JESUS!!!”

[@stephengreen2898]

Why not call it “Mohamed” or “ Hara Krishna” or Allah?? be an equal opportunity profaner?

[@garygoldsmith1738]

I’m thinking you might want to slow down when you get to those rough spots.👌🏽

[@markodiorne1211]

"Why is this fun?" That had me rolling! The 'angry bulldozer' was a close second. Thanks for the video and trip report. I also have a Himalayan - about to do a MABDR with it. Looking forward to your TAT trip on the Trail 125.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Let me know how the MABDR goes with that bike. I went for a ride today on the REH and found some rough dirt -and I didn't feel very confident on that heavy bike. It's definitely not as forgiving as the CT125. But man, I love that bike though...

[@evergeendata]

Ang let’s plan the MABDR next spring on the REH’s

[@Road_Rash1]

Nice video! Can't wait to ride the Smokey Mountain 500. I've been playing around using the GAIA app on my phone. It's popular amongst jeepers for overlanding. I've used it a couple of times now, used on the first 3 sections of the MABDR. I'm pleased with it. You can download maps along your route in case you have no signal.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Have fun!

[@MrLMJohnson]

Hey, really enjoying your videos. I've been intrigued by the 125 and TAT for abount a month now. I'm courios as to why you say the bike is not so good on the pavement. Is it lack of power. Would it be perfect as a 145, which I've seen another youtuber do to their bike?

[@SomeGuyRides]

It's not that it isn't good, it's just fine on the pavement. The problem is when you're on a 55mph or above road. It's just slow as hell... The only time the lack of power got us was in the passes (see the TAT videos...)

[@smartassist9700]

Oh, a top quality chain makes huge difference.

[@Max_Marz]

Just put a 428VX on mine, SO QUIET and smooooooth, love the hell out of it.

[@smartassist9700]

I’m saving money to buy one….. it’s hard to do living on Social Security. Barely paying utilities. Grrr. Warro’s we upgrades will run some money also, BUT nice to have most of them asi would use allof them! Especially the spare gas tank! Lol. I wish I could do a “go fund me and raise the money. Lol. I never took charity my entire life but always helped others with grocery shopping, clothes, etc,.

[@TheKasmir65]

WHY IS IT FUN? BECAUSE IT'S A CHALLANGE!!

[@ខ្មែរអង្គរ-ន6ប]

which is better for long ride between Honda CT VS Honda Super 1265cc bro?

[@bennetthasty7886]

Never heard of Ed March I’ve only seen your trail 125 adventures 😂

[@SomeGuyRides]

Definately check out Ed's channel - @c90adventures . Ed is an inspiration and funny as hell.

[@skydiver6711]

Buy a Garmin Zumo GPS. They are great. Sam Correro that made up the TAT uses that one and I talked to him about it and he just loves it and so do I.

[@gator1984atcomcast]

Beautiful music as usual. I would like to hear music from your band even if that long ago. What instrument did you play. My guess is drums.

[@SomeGuyRides]

I was the singer/songwriter/guitar player. Search spotify (or whichever platform) for Treadmill Trackstar. There's also solo stuff under Angelo Gianni. Check it out!

[@fancynuggets]

Awesome video! Any way to get these routes on Google Maps? I've been to the ADV forum with the SM500 routes, but they're just images of the map. Keep the vids coming!

[@SomeGuyRides]

You can get them as gpx files on ADV Rider - just go there and search Smokey Mountain 500. The link is probably in the description too. Google is probably not the best app for this sort of ride - look into Gaia - I think there's a free version... Thx for checking the vids out!

[@smartassist9700]

Did you customize your sprockets and a few engine parts? Also totally replace tires that are best for off road but good with paved?

[@SomeGuyRides]

All stock. Put Shinko 244's on it halfway through the TAT... Much better.

[@smartassist9700]

Check out my friend. Best to view “”all”” videos as he rides 125 then makes upgrades. At the end, he had it awesome. Also new engine, he and I always put rare earth magnets on oil plug. Change every 500 miles. It takes out metal filings from engine manufacturing. Retired he bought other bikes, sold 125 and missed it so much… he bought a 2nd 125. He kept all upgrade parts from other bike. He just has to put upgrades to his new 125. Here is main video giving all upgrades: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYeWiH2JjduSpsU. Still pick out the tan 125 all videos to learn what each upgrade adds performance after test riding in different terrains. Warro is awesome! Oh there is an Aussie - friend of Warros to. I think he swapped out larger piston and head on his…. I will look for his name/videos. It’s fun to see what people do differently to their 125.

[@smartassist9700]

There is a South Korean who totally changes new bike to a SUPER CUSTOM. THAT CUSTOM IS SO BEAUTIFUL! Cannot identify what original bike was! You need to see that voided if you like 150s. I’ll get it. If not…. Remind me here. Alton

[@monocogenit1]

gear is all good?? what about the bike?? lol just kidding. those look like fun.good luck on your adventure. better to take it slow and enjoy it at a comfortable pace, then to rush it the whole way and miss the sights along the way.

[@chuongtrungvuong9480]

look nice. where did you get the tool box that at the front headlight? any modification to make it fit? Thanks.

[@SomeGuyRides]

It's just a small apache case from harbor freight.

[@Theophilus1968]

I'm kind of a portly guy (5'10'' & 230 lbs). Do you think the ct125 can handle my weight? Lol. Falling in love with it as I watch your vids. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. The exhaust note along with the music is very satisfying.

[@SomeGuyRides]

I think it could handle it for sure.

[@steveconway11]

“Why is this fun? “ Had to laugh.

[@jakejaekels7991]

Home Fry, go for it!

[@braapaholics3572]

He bud I enjoy the videos can you tell be how you got the maps for the sm500 I'm having a hard time finding it

[@SomeGuyRides]

Check the description...

[@braapaholics3572]

@@SomeGuyRides thanks man I did see it in your description..

[@stevendatko3819]

Do you have a second light on the front wondering what that is in the camera. Thanks

[@evergeendata]

it's a waterproof box which holds the drone and controller

[@evergeendata]

Ang can launch it and land it in his hand it without getting off the bike

[@Matty.S]

WHy you not stop & pull that log off the trail or is someone paid to do that?

[@mikebike626]

great video -- glad you blurred your tags..... do you also cover them at restaurants and campgrounds :D

[@nakedlakedip57]

Well. Two kiwis ,husband and wife did the TAT on Honda groms........ should be a walk in the park.

[@veiledallegory]

Home Fry it is!!!

[@stevemoore5433]

What brought all of those trees down on the mountain top road? Great videos.

[@willyjimmy8881]

There was some pretty rough weather near the end of winter. Probably not a lot of trail maintenance between the and May.

[@jimbeck553]

What is the box blue thing above the headlight

[@OldMotorcycleAdventures]

Love the video, looks like awesome fun on those things! I have 2 questions: #1, what mic are you using in your helmet, and #2, what editing software do you use to blur the license plates? Thanks!

[@SomeGuyRides]

Check the channel for a vid about my gear... KZbin has a blur feature- but it's a hassle. I stopped bothering with it after the sm500 vids...

[@OldMotorcycleAdventures]

@@SomeGuyRides thanks!

[@74antipop]

I can't wait to do this... just got my 2022

[@robertodebeers2551]

Interesting choice of motorcycle. How'd you arrive at choosing the CT125s???

[@SomeGuyRides]

Had a trail 70 as a kid. nostalgia.

[@Dirtpoorhomesteader]

Awesome videos! What was your source for navigating the Smokey mtn 500?

[@SomeGuyRides]

Search ADV Rider for Smokey mountain 500 and you’ll find a thread with all the gpx files and other info. There’s a good fb page too.

[@MrMaxBoivin]

Those little bikes look like a ton of fun, but I'm too heavy for them. I'm significantly heavier than they are.

[@SomeGuyRides]

It handle's about 260 with me and my full long trip pack. Probably would handle more.

[@tristan6509]

No you're not. I grew up in a family of 4 and all 4 of us used to commute on my dad's 110cc yamaha Jupiter Z before he was able to buy his own car. I've seen up to 7 people riding these things.

[@willyjimmy8881]

Im 280 and have a super cub. Pretty much the same bike. I dont get the top speed of a smaller rider but it carries me pretty easy.

[@TheJosesantiago123]

I’m 280 and I ride a 1978 Honda ct 90 no problem, but I’m in Flatrida (Florida ).

[@sandmanbub]

@Whoop!

[@0214Bub]

Great scenery. I do have a bike question, some of those hills looked really steep, at any time did you worry about the bike stalling out? I assume on some of those technical sections you were running first gear.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Yup in first some. Did fine on this route overall. But - the Colorado passes on the TAT adventure were a different story...

[@douglasrodrigues8361]

No low range would be difficult to ride in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Let's see some hill climbing ability?

[@RemedyTalon]

I don't know if you mention it in any of your videos but what kind of gas mileage were you guys seeing?

[@SomeGuyRides]

I've gotten 165 to a tank twice. 1.1 gal. Not sure how that's possible, but it happened.

[@jeffmckie7300]

Look where you want to go not at what you want to avoid. The bike tends to go where you are looking. May explain why you are hitting the only rock sticking up in the road.

[@lordofthestrings_heritage]

My bile is called "Habousha", sorry, you can't use that name. There's only one!

[@Happycamper1998]

What type of riding gears are you using (jacket, pants, etc.)? Awesome editing, thank you for sharing.👍

[@SomeGuyRides]

I'm using some crappy stuff I bought almost 10 years ago on Amazon. But I like it fine - it's mesh and nice and cool - but has padding that seems fairly protective. Doesn't look like they make it anymore. I'm the one in black. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085YOIW4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I'm not sure what John's stuff is - I'll let him reply on that...

[@evergeendata]

My gear was all very old so I had to shop for new stuff. Because of COVID it was hard finding things in stock and I did a lot of trying on gear and exchanging it to find things that fit and I liked. I ended up with the Oxford Montreal 3.0 jacket and pants (mismatched colors actually) which are waterproof and seem like they will be warm but I’m kind of worried too hot for some of the sections of the TAT in July. I should point out I’m starting out west and meeting Ang around NM/CO border skipping the east half. I tried to buy the same Gaerne trials boots I had before in the past but the ones I hit are the Pro-Tec model and I don’t like them as much as my old pair, they are much stiffer. Also I bought a lower cost (Bilt) modular helmet and we didn’t discuss it on these videos but it started falling apart on this ride and I had to repair it twice. I might get the same Scorpion helmet Ang has instead, I like how much larger the visor is. Anyway I might pack some lighter more breathable gear as well if we get in high heat possibly in Moab or Nevada/westernUT

[@Max_Marz]

high beam life

[@SomeGuyRides]

That's a leftover from when I was 17 going through a green light on a Honda Shadow and someone coming the other way turned left right in front of me. My bike and body totaled their car. Said they didn't see me. And with this little bitty thing - it makes me nervous!

[@wesm3915]

No way that's rough, those bikes don't compare to the Original CT 90's 110's

[@italRotty]

are you guys beyond the weight limits with gear and all ?, i ask because i weigh more than the max weight capacity of this unit lol

[@SomeGuyRides]

Just barely under. I think...

[@petergunn9149]

How about call the bike Mr Ed👍