Stop Wondering: Your #1 Question about the Honda Trail 125

[@baldrider]

If you would like to buy something and support the channel at the same time, you can purchase through my affiliate links: Bike Stuff: Doubletake Mirrors: amzn.to/3UE3c7y Oury Grips: amzn.to/48eVwvx Rox Risers: amzn.to/48fzbhs QuadLock: amzn.to/48fBfGf Ram X-Grip: amzn.to/4bPygrd FOBO TPMS: amzn.to/48fBfGf RedLine Oil: amzn.to/4991v6m InstaCrate: amzn.to/49ty27z Shoei J-Cruise II: amzn.to/3SFqiI5 Creator stuff: GoPro 8 amzn.to/3OJAi1Q Anker 10000mAh Powerbank: amzn.to/3ODzyLW GoPro 11: amzn.to/3ODzyLW Anker 20000mAh Powerbank: amzn.to/3UAeKZt Samsung EVO MicroSD Cards: amzn.to/3HZblvO Lumix S5iiX: amzn.to/49REvJh Zoom H1N: amzn.to/42E0Gjs

[@back-engineered]

I bought mine because of how quirky and unique it is. I was sold on the snorkel, the rack and the retro look. It gets so much attention everywhere I go. Its like driving a super car or something. I also have the XR150. The XR is a great bike and much more capable, but it doesn't have the cool factor or the spirit that the 125 does. I will say I do catch some shade from haters sometimes who laugh at me and call it a scooter. I have one friend/neighbor that downright shook his head and called me gay as hell for buying it. But, then again I forget he is one of those people who are always depressed and has no hobbies at all. Just have to ignore those types of people. All that matters is the smiles per gallon.

[@pujabelgian]

Too many are in need of validation.. screw what others think, just enjoy the bike.

[@KtotheL]

soon as i applied the "trail 125" in the front that lights up ? not only did i get pulled over (was a lil scary and wasnt expecting it.. ) but the dude on the harley gave me the thumbs up LOL ! ( its actually a thumbs down but you get the point. ) aint noone gettin on the back of MY HONDA even IF you got buns hun.

[@Ct125dude]

Bro I'll validate you! I have the 2023 trail 125 bought it brand new with zero miles, I now have 3542 miles. Absolutely love this bike and you have an awesome treasure.

[@back-engineered]

@devanblake2242 update: i now have 2 Trail 125s, an 81 Trail 110 and a CRF250L. The 250L is nice and all, but I still ride the Trails way more.

[@The_Clint_Beastwood]

I get the same scooter hate when I ride around on some of my honda navis, I just leaned into it and added a "scooter trash" patch onto a vest and wear it when riding them. I'm having fun, they're not

[@GaryVonScary]

Was in the same boat when it first came out. I really wanted one but A) couldn't find one, and B) I weighed 280 at the time. Recently I had the urge to get one again after visiting the mountains of New Mexico and thinking how fun it would be to ride the trails, also I had been on a diet and dropped a bunch of weight, so here I am with the bike I wanted for a couple years now and happy I got it!

[@baldrider]

Very few people regret their purchase. Even when we pay too much.

[@jkuoverland8507]

4th bucket is a Prepper! I am buying it for a little fun but mainly for gas shortage’s or extremely high prices.

[@baldrider]

I plan on riding to work this week. Gas is approaching $6.50/gallon where I am and my commute is about 110 miles roundtrip. That trip only costs about $6 on the little 125.

[@findingneutral]

I'm in Florida, weigh 160ish with gear on, 5'6 tall. I feel fortunate as my rider's triangle is just right on it. Bike does 53mph max. But I just ride it on country back roads around 45mph. Getting on one of these feels like an amusement park ride... but you can ride as long as you want 😏🎠. This is a great summarizing of the bike 👍

[@stayworkin3442]

I’m 6’3 290. I’m glad I watched this I think I need something bigger

[@glenevans2775]

Nice video. You can turn the existing bar risers around to get a bit more room in the cockpit. It worked for me at 6 foot with long arms. I also own a Honda CB500x but prefer riding the Trail 125 in many situations. Its easier to ride off road and much easier to pick up if you ever drop it. I am more confident also when riding the Trail.

[@Retro_Iron]

Best review out there by far. I like the bucket analogies. Makes perfect sense of a purely emotional decision. I passed on the bike but I’m sticking with your channel!

[@baldrider]

I appreciate it. Trying to publish content that I would want to watch.

[@ron091]

I just ordered a Trail here in Canada that I will get next month. Everyone I know says "why???" They bring up all the usual reasons but I'm not listening. I learned to ride 55 years ago on a CT70 and the nostalgia speaks to me. I am firmly in bucket 3. That will be my answer from now on whenever I'm asked "why?" Thanks man!

[@baldrider]

Seems like the only place more difficult to get one where they are sold (sorry, UK) is Canada. I hope you have a blast

[@terry-cl6hh]

I live in Thailand and I paid $2600 out the door. I'm 6'1 it's good since I put a longer Motolord seat. I get alot of compliments about my bike...in all.. I love my CT125..

[@baldrider]

I wish we had the Thailand prices here.

[@jeraldheinrich3589]

I have a trail 125 and everything you said is true, I have found out personally.

[@RS-co4fu]

6600 miles on my 2021. I love it! I've had it on trails from Oregon to Michigan. It gets me where I'm going, eventually.

[@baldrider]

Sums it up quite well. Don't be in a hurry.

[@markkennedy5712]

I'm in the third bucket. We love ours. It's my go to even though I have CRF300L and a CB500X. We camped in Sequoia National forest and had a blast. I've loved these bikes since I rode a Trail 55 when I was young.

[@jamesjannell8706]

I'm 6' and feel very comfortable. But I suggest you order yourself a 2" bar Risers. I went with Rok just had to manage the brake lines some.

[@davechris1789]

Thank you for making this video. I own a 2023 ct 125. I love it. You are right comfortable at 40ish. Reminds me of when I was kid. Now I do have a bigger bikes a Harley and a KTM Duke. The trail to me is a blast to ride.

[@baldrider]

Definitely brings back the kid feeling. My other bikes are over 800lbs. They're fun but a different kind of fun

[@davechris1789]

@@baldrider agreed.

[@1bigapple2]

This is an interesting bike. Just looking at it makes me smile. I’ve been riding a variety of bikes since I was 16 (I’m 80 now) and this one gives the most smiles per mile (just like my Norton did, when it ran). One of the nice things about it is when I dump it in the dirt I can easily pick it by myself. The step-thru frame also avoids getting pinned down. One last thing- the quality of manufacture (and design) is exceptional. Probably the best I’ve ever owned.

[@baldrider]

It will do just about anything as long as you don't want to do it quickly. I just wish they offered the yellow option last year. I liked the green more than the red but that yellow is making me like the green less.

[@hondaspence]

Exactly the advice I’ve been seeking! I’m 6’00” and 235 lbs and have wondered if the Trail is big enough for me. But as he said, it’s not about logic and this is a sentimental choice for me since I’ve wanted one since 1970. Good video. Thanks!

[@FirstnameLastname-ew9qm]

It's slow, yep. But i love mine. Nostalgia, build quality, and easy to drive... more high points than low. I'm an old guy and puttering around town is all I need most days. A second bike, with power, is also recommended.... for highways and to dust the cobwebs off and keep your skills sharp.

[@baldrider]

I'll have another video at some point to cover all of the bike attributes but this one was really just to address the question of whether it is too small for someone. That is a question that comes up a lot. About having another, more powerful bike...possibly. Can you ever have just one bike? It is certainly an excuse to have a 2nd bike. If you are in an urban environment and don't plan on ever going more than your urban bubble, this may be all you need. People do the same with e-bikes.

[@airbornetommyjames]

You make the most sense of any video on KZbin I've seen regarding the Honda Trail, especially when you discussed the 3 groups of people who buy this bike. Thanks for this. Your take really helped me.

[@baldrider]

I try!

[@pujabelgian]

@@baldrider well said.. In BC, they still have waiting lists. My wife says I look like a bear on a bicycle riding my ct90, which is even smaller. I'm 6-2 200lbs. It's lighter, has less power, a hi/lo trans, 6volts. It's great for what it is, not what it isn't.. just like the 125. I did want one, now I don't. 😄

[@bultacowally]

Hey are those glasses from the Gloria Vanderbilt line??? Should we start calling you Elton???

[@arkansawtraveler]

I’m exactly the same size as you, Bald Rider: 220 lbs, 6’2”, 35 inch inseam, 37 inch sleeves on my shirts. I find the Trail very comfortable for 1-2 hour rides. I put extensions on the mirrors, and that really helps. But I’ve never hit the bar on the back rack. I just bend my knees and sit up straight. I think it’s plenty comfortable. My only problem is that I feel uncomfortable in traffic because it is small and slow. But like you, I didn’t buy it for logical reasons. It just “spoke to me”.

[@philliplee1193]

It’s emotional in that the early days of Honda were building those lightweight very efficient machines with their complete design superior to the semi-bicycles of the era. In their range they were totally satisfying, then they grew in size & power, and were totally satisfying, again, in a higher range. If you look at the absurdly trick suspensions on bicycles, and obsession with weight and structural geometry etc, the Honda brings a smile without trying to go airborne and land on crooked downhill terrain. There’s that emotion, and then there’s the other emotion.

[@camotablet8073]

Thank you! Bought mine because I'm getting up there in the years, I've had the TW and a Klr 650, but they just got heavy for me and I stopped exploring trails, I had lost the reason I owned dual sports, Pavement and dirt "roads" was my limit. With this nimble little bike I can now go where I want. Yes it is slower, but so am I. I just did a 1300 mile moto trip, can't imagine trying 1000 in a day! Good Luck! I can't wait!!

[@TestDummy652]

I agree its not a rational choice its a fun choice. It is slow has no power; its a crappy long distance travel bike, an even crappier dirt bike and I never had so much fun doing both than with this bike.

[@1boortzfan]

I'm loving your channel, the Honda 125 really is of interest to me. You said in one of your other videos that you would like to get more views. I've heard you say you have a Ural, I see very few videos on the Ural I think that's an open spot for you. Happy holidays.

[@RantzBizGroup]

I'm liking the banjo!!! Oh, and thank you for the review of the bike!

[@baldrider]

It is there to remind me I don't practice enough.

[@jaywinters2483]

Just discovered you. I like the way you have enough self-confidence to accentuate the obvious. Making fun of yourself endears one to others. It showcases self-confidence & humility. Only next time, start your video with a plunger on your head. haha

[@grahamreagan5619]

I dig this video and I love my trail no matter how much my friends make fun of me.

[@Templateideas097]

I ride bicycles and have done 47mph going downhill and it was amazing. I just like being on 2 wheels and at over 100mpg, the trail 125 will be the cheapest fun I can have. I don't care about going fast. I just want to do 45mph on back country roads and if I could only do 30mph going uphill, that's still faster than the 4moh I've gone up on my bicycle. I'm hoping to get one next year!

[@prestonrobert2625]

I am 73 disabled this may save my pea picken life smiles everywhere.

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Great review, thanks for sharing. I also had a Ural. It was a 2005 Ural Patrol, I bought it brand new. It turned out to be the biggest piece of crap I ever owned in my life. I'll never own another one. Have a great week. JT

[@baldrider]

Funny enough, the Ural is the only bike in my garage right now that isn't broken (Trail 125 - my fault) or have a pending recall (Goldwing)

[@Wog68]

Trail is used in outback Australia and huge cattle stations there.

[@adam346]

"it spoke to you" that's how I ended up on a cb300r... I was going around looking at all the recommended bikes for beginners, saw a Z400 & Ninja 400 and thought they looked fine, on paper were great, price wasn't bad either. I went and sat on some Svartpilens and Vitpilens and thought "on paper, great, looks are decent but price is a bit more than everything else..." I then went and saw an MT03, same idea, looked fine, sat on it and felt fine price was decent. Then finally went to a Honda dealership, saw the CRF300L, sat on one, sat on one of the brand new scramblers and thought "this ain't bad actually, I could get used to this" and then they rolled out a freshly put together CB300R... and I thought "that is a VERY handsome bike..." put my $500 on it and took delivery a week later... great little bike.

[@offgridcamperphil]

I love my 2022 trail I'm 5-8 210 lb I get about 57 mph I use this bike to commute everywhere as long as it's not raining lol..

[@baldrider]

My commute is 50 miles each way. I plan on taking it at some point but surface streets more than doubles my commute time which is why I mostly take my Goldwing.

[@Limewire1984]

1,000 miles? Best wishes! Hope you make it! Get the Iron Butt / Saddle Sore while you're at it.

[@baldrider]

Based on my 458 mile dry run I did in March, there won’t be time to gather the required documentation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3SrqWppnb56ndE

[@Limewire1984]

@@baldrider I see.

[@markkus1134]

It brings back memories I had in the early 1980’s we all had small Hondas rode them everywhere around town on the trails I have a Yamaha WR 250r and my wife’s nephew has a new trail 125 we had a blast on the trails he had that 125 full throttle leg hanging out around the corners what a blast hi Dad has the new XR150 he was also riding with us we did 60 miles

[@baldrider]

That sounds like a really good time.

[@gulfflier4700]

Great videos! Keep them coming.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

It’s not too “small”, but it is a bit underpowered. There should be a 200-250cc model capable of going at least 60 for short stretches. Then you could do short jaunts on urban expressways to connect slower routes around town. That would be a capable city bike. 125cc pretty much limits you to your neighborhood and slightly beyond.

[@baldrider]

Scooter Cannonball 2025 is a go! 3500 miles in 8 days. This bike is up for that, right?

[@nikolaisemenoff9092]

Absolutely best review

[@dougiekavanagh7508]

Just got my new 2024 Trail 125. It's all about the the human drive to explore.

[@baldrider]

Welcome to Team Slow

[@charlesgranger5241]

That was dead honest! Well done.

[@baldrider]

Thank you. I'm not a very good liar.

[@armadilllo]

I put cheap mirror extenders on from amazon, they work great

[@giftoftheroad7651]

I had the CT90 in the late 70s/early80s. I want one purely for the nostalgia.

[@baldrider]

Worth it for that alone. My neighbor has a CT110 in his driveway. Every time I walk by, I think about asking if he would sell it to me.

[@texlee1640]

I am 5'10, 31" inseam, 33/34 arms, 190lbs. I find that I am damn near too big for the Trail CT125 as well. The bar behind the seat is awful, not sure what they were thinking with that design. I love looking at this thing in the garage, it's a beautiful modern take on a classic but I have yet to have had an enjoyable experience while riding it. I get that it's a utility scoot and not a performance ride but I wish that it had a little more getup and go. When I ride a two-stroke 50cc Yamaha Zuma it always puts a smile on my face, that's all I want from the Trail but I have yet to experience it. A lot of riding motorcycles is purely emotional and spiritual and this bike has it in the looks department, it just doesn't translate to the riding experience, at least not for myself. Odds are mine will go on down the road in the next 6-12 months.

[@brestman1]

An underbone like a ct125 firs the size of most Asians.. I'm 72kg 5'9 and is above average in size of most asians..I use this bike for commute in the city and occasional long ride over 400miles and I love it

[@robertbela7942]

Bucker? i after 30 years decided i need the ST..I'dont have driver licence.Our country ( Hungary) is not aviable yet...But i want one...thats it.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Personally I love the look of the CT125 but it every ride I've had on it just feels like such a let down. I've got a 2015 Grom (we call it an MSX125 here for some reason) and I have loved that bike and have ridden it all over Thailand. When I got my new bike I looked hard at the CT125 but I ended up with an undertone from Yamaha called the Exciter 155 which is an absolute monster of a bike and I am so glad I got it. I still think the CT125 is a better looking bike tho. Fit is something you can adjust on most bike, I had to make a lot of changes to my grom to get it where I wanted it. I am 6'1'' but my inseam is only 28inches and I am pushing 280lbs I never had a an issue with the grom, even when I got it up in the mountains in norther Thailand (which are not even close to the elevation you are at) but most of my time on the bike is spent in Bangkok at sea level. I just got the sticker pack today! Thank you very much! :-)

[@baldrider]

Bald Rider is international! The Grom is interesting. For such a small bike, it fits me really well. Much better than the z125 which I thought felt like a child's toy. Objectively, the Grom is the bike to get in the minimoto lineup. There's just something about the ct125 that grabbed me and wouldn't let go.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

@@baldrider World Wide now! The grom is great, and really is magical how well it fits big boys. I agree something about the CT125 is compelling, it just looks fun. Hona makes an undertone called the wave here in Thailand that has the same 125cc engine and 4 speed semi transmission. It actually has a higher air intake than the CT125 as well. LOL. That bike is $1500 and is the most popular bike in Thailand for a reason, its a workhorse and it's super fun. And it has endless mods here. My friend Callum who runs Small Bike Stuff made a video at Talad Poon Sap which is a massive market just outside of Bangkok for bike parts, the options are endless.

[@darrenjackson6207]

Hey bro just cut off the grab handle, it's much more comfortable and safe for us taller people😊

[@popup1959]

I had the CT90 way back so I kinda wanted the CT125 when it came out. I'm 140 lbs and 5' 7" but I think I'm over it. My KLX 230 is slow enough. Thanks.

[@baldrider]

Can you ever have too many slow bikes? I'm considering something like a KLX230 or 300 to add but can't decide. Maybe just a tw200.

[@popup1959]

LOL! 4 is enough for me. The 230 is the biggest and it's slow. Smallest bikes I've had for a long time but ya, they're fun!

[@DearSX]

Imma take out ct125 after watching this

[@oldcars46]

Check out the custom built Honda CT 191

[@KtotheL]

#1 reason i bought it ? reliability.

[@scottzreality3061]

Digging your content. I also have a (2019) Goldwing. Best bike I’ve ever owned. Also have a Ct90. Thought about upgrading to a trail 125 but I think I’ll go with a TW 200. FYI. Got quoted $ 5437.45 from Huntington Beach Honda cash OTD. For the new 2023

[@baldrider]

The worst thing about my Goldwing is it pretty much ruined me for other touring bikes. That's a pretty good price from HB. I paid more but I also think I was the first one in the US to take delivery of one. I was looking at a vintage model when I couldn't get my hands on a new one but people wanted $3-4k for them and I'd rather just pay more not to deal with a 6v system.

[@scottzreality3061]

Yeah but they’re still pocketing like $500. You’re just gonna have to pay a premium if you want a trail and that’s ok cause it’s an instant classic. I still like the red the best. Goldwing is amazing, isn’t it?! Please tell me you have DCT.

[@baldrider]

It is a DCT. It has helibars, traxxion suspension and some other goodies. I have one video with it but it is my worst performing video.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Wow, they are that expensive in the US? they are only $2500 here in Thailand, and you can pick one up at just about every dealership. The honda wave, which has the same exact engine and transmission, (actually as a higher air intake) is the most popular bike in Thailand and only costs $1500. I got my 2015 Grom new for $1500...

[@scottzreality3061]

I’ll give your Goldwing video a look

[@sidecar7714]

Small bikes are fun

[@robinbrowne5419]

The Honda CT125 is a good bike if you're prepared to live within its limitations. If you weigh more than 200lbs then it might not be for you. The Yamaha TW200 might be a better choice for the heavier set. Both are rock solid reliable and cost about the same. Only a good long test ride is going to tell you which one is right for you. But while your at it, try some other street-legal dirt-bikes as well. Who knows which one will win you over :-)

[@baldrider]

I haven't ridden a TW200 since my first motorcycle class (IdahoSTAR) but it was a good bike. I prefer EFI but that's another conversation. Most of my bikes have been 100+hp. Riding around on one with less than 10 can really reset your expectations of how much power you need.

[@robinbrowne5419]

@@baldrider Well that's hilarious because all my bikes have been in the 10hp range :-) It's amazing that any bike can be fun whether it has 10hp or 100hp. I like the 10hp ones because they are light and easy to ride around town for errands and going to work, as well as some trail riding. They include: - Yamaha Trail Master 100cc dirt bike (red) - Kawasaki G3 90cc street bike (lime green) - Kawasaki G4 100cc dirt bike (red) - Suzuki DS80 dirt bike (yellow) - Yamaha DT100 dirt bike (blue) But my favourite was my Honda S90 street bike (red), because the 4-stroke engine sounds so much more civilized than the buzzing 2 strokes. Cheers from Canada :-)

[@rondavis8957]

I found a 2023 with less than 1000 miles on it near me it has the headlight and taillight bars on it and the front and center rack he's askink 3500 would that be a good deal? Also im 180 pounds and live in pa.

[@baldrider]

I'd say it would be a killer deal out my way. I think it is reasonable in PA.

[@gasquetmike8320]

Lol...fun video

[@diydarkmatter]

i dont know ive seen people ride them honda trails on the free way . i dont know how legal it was but they did it . i think top speed for the new ones is like 55 . but i do know you can get a gear up grade for it to make it faster . the old ones had high and low gear settings . the new one does not . and there dependable little bikes . but there not really what i want to drop a couple grand on you know what i mean . but i would own and drive one with out a second thought if i could get one cheap enough .

[@baldrider]

When I said freeway, I meant interstate. You can put different sprockets on for higher top speed but inclines will be even more of a challenge than they already are. You can't expect miracles from the little guy. I know what you mean, though. It's a lot of money that could be spent on other things. I'm just irresponsible with my money.

[@diydarkmatter]

@@baldrider well i think your getting me wrong . i just think if your not wanting to spend alot of money on a used bike you could way better options then the trail . even new i think there are better options . how ever i do think its a durable little bike for a starter bike . be great for a young person just learning to ride . and hey its a honda i know that dont mean what it used to but its still a honda . there die hard little bikes .

[@diydarkmatter]

@@baldrider lol by the way im one of those guys who has a motorized bicycles lol

[@davidfoster3427]

"watch your dog run away for three days" ha ha

[@baldrider]

I heard that quite a bit when I moved to Iowa.

[@scragglyD_FPV]

Kings canyon ..hell yea

[@baldrider]

Living in California has its perks. One of those perks is proximity to amazing places.

[@Dachshund-Nator]

1. You look like a pale bearded fly. 2. It IS emotional NoT logic … that’s why I’ve owned 7 Harley Davidsons. 3. You need Ray-Ban Wayfarers or KD’s. 4. The background music is absurd, yet pleasant. Subliminal elevator motorcycle mystique . 5. How about a 2 year old McDonalds 🍟 from under my trucks seat at 1500 subs? 6. 🍻🏍️🍔🕶️ 7. Thanks, good video… make more… often. 👍

[@baldrider]

You summed up my channel pretty well. I think I'll pass on the fries, though. I'm already regretting the 500 milestone and I haven't eaten the chip yet