Workshop day - HONDA CT125 - Still no official UK release...

[@alanhumphreys1154]

I've been in touch with Zonsen and they are bringing in a copy CT125. They look great and they tell me they should be in the UK this year.

[@nathanthepostman]

That's interesting. I suspect price will be good

[@C90_Adam]

Its called the Zonsen Yemi, check it out. Interested to see what the quality is going to be like but looks like they're offering lots of options on them.@@nathanthepostman

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

well if honda wont do it then I will be tempted over to this zonsen, wonder how much they will cost in the uk

[@PlayerSlotAvailable]

Do you know what it is called? I was not able to find it.

[@mazanoin2570]

@@PlayerSlotAvailable ZS125-17B(YAMI Hunting Edition)

[@2stroketank438]

Hit the nail on the head Nathan. Bikes are being built for bikers and very little consideration is being given to people who would ride for practical reasons but have no interest in motorcycling as a lifestyle choice. You go to somewhere like Thailand and bikes are simply accessible transport.

[@del8798]

Hitting the nail on the head again Nath.

[@richardshilling2958]

Agree with you on all fronts. If it would hold 60mph (a66 🤣) it would be the ultimate adventure bike. 180cc option would be a game changer. Right off to load mine for Scotland trip tomorrow. ❤️it

[@klerobi1]

Do you have a Honda CT 110 for sale? Do you perhaps know where I should look in Europe? Thanks!

[@DatBoiOrly]

i ride a CrossCub 110cc as my daily which is the middle model for your bike and the supercub overall a fun bike

[@leslieaustin151]

Oh Nathan! More good sense - why don’t Honda listen to the real market? Point taken on the servicing problems. My Innova special will be VERY easy to work on. Hope to get it on the road by winter-time☹️. Really like the regular YT postings, thank you. Les

[@alanjones8810]

Voge should make one.

[@Geshmaal]

Genuinely I think there's enough demand that it would pay off for someone to bring a copy over to the UK.

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@GeshmaalYea I am surprised one of the top Chinese manufacturers haven’t knocked out copies of the CT 125 . They have done it by manufacturing similar looking versions of the Grom & Cubs ,Waves & standard looking monkey bikes . They could possibly turn a decent clone out to sell at around 2 to 3 grand , I reckon they would sell ,if made to decent build quality for the price point .

[@randomtraveler3363]

They came to Canada this year as well, and immediately sold out at my local shop. Luckily I was able to snag a XR150, which I'm really pleased with as a small trail bike. It was also less expensive than the CT 125.

[@trevorsmith8487]

Spot on, biking in the UK became a willy waving exercise years ago (even dor those without willies😊) hemce the GS sales success.any of us learned on and enjoyed smaller capacity bikes but are being sold needless bollocks ... .... such is the way of the world

[@jaimejaime1178]

Hi Nathan. Jim from Madrid, Spain (a New Yorker expat living abroad). TOTALLY AGREE!!! HONDA IS MAKING A VERY BIG MISTAKE! I've been a biker since I got on a moped when I was 13 years old and gave never stopped for the past 40+ years! After having serious physical problems (spine surgery and leg surgeries) I find myself selling all my bikes but in need for something smaller, all purpose vehicle, for everyday use (small errands, light, able On & Off Road - easy , but able to -, for moving around town and to other close by towns, going to the doctor's appointments, etc...). All EDV purpose. This IS my bike! But I can't get it in Spain either... What is wrong with Honda? I just don't get it and yeah, Japanese are extremely slow in decision making (I know first hand) but as you said... it's been almost a decade and... hopefully they'll quickly change this situation for this bike (I'm saving my budget for it from my other sales but I can't wait forever). BTW... any thoughts on a good alternative similar to this Honda CT XTrail 125 bike? I need something easy to get on from the front (can't get in my saddle lifting my keg up fr8m behind as usual anymore). Thanks for your help and for sharing everything in your channel. Cheers from Sunny Spain!!!!! 😁👍😎✌✌🏍

[@davedoingdavethings247]

Wise words, I totally agree with you. All motorcycle manufacturers have lost sight of what motorcycling is, its transportation. Maybe the Chinese will do a copy of the current ct125 and remove the fiddle bits, then bring it to Europe.

[@Dadzone2000]

It’s criminal these aren’t available in the U.K. I’ve dropped you a line about a group ride

[@robindavies485]

If Honda were to bring in an electric CT I'm sure it would be 6K plus. The problem is at that money you can buy almost anything used. I like the 125s from Honda, but they have missed the boat by not importing the CT. As an aside, thanks for your videos and blogs over the years Nathan. Ive enjoyed every one!

[@alanmellor7534]

Again, a great video. It looks like there is a Chinese copy already exists a Zonsen Yemi.

[@peterdorning8654]

Spot on Nathan I am in Thailand chiang mai on vacation just seen my first ct125. Great looking simple bike only wish Honda would listen and import to he UK, they would have winner. These small bikes like Honda's wave 110 /125 are thialand's simple low cost transport for the masses they are not bikers or motorcycle enthusiasts but people who just need a simple mode of transport.

[@SMCTrials]

I’m still refusing to believe they won’t bring them in eventually 😂

[@sscbkr48]

Very few avail where I am. Dealers are getting $600 over Honda's posted price. Some enterprising owners have upgraded the 6v ct90 to a 12v atc125..motor mounts line up.. hi/lo trans, 12v, electric/pull start, brighter lights.. cool idea, would be lighter too.

[@richardadkins6998]

It’s an interesting point about the original purpose of motorcycles in the UK been overlooked by manufacturers and importers. Honda do so many interesting sub 400 cc bikes which we never get. The CT125 is just another example of how they don’t understand what people want. As you say it why motorcycling is fading away.

[@fog360]

Can't wait for the bike to come to the uk

[@clangerbasher]

I would be happy now with a Super Cub in a less than horrendous paint scheme.

[@KestrelYI]

Sorry to hear maintenance is annoying! Not designing for maintenance is such an oversight. Glad they've been reliable, though.

[@jonathanmellish4439]

I reckon there would be a market for a Classic 350 RE trail bike if they could get the weight down.

[@the.just.able.biker67]

I've got an RE Classic 350 and I absolutely bloody love it to bits. I agree it'd make a great trail bike if it was lighter and had beefed up suspension. They could easily drop some weight just by replacing all the metal bodywork parts with plastic ones instead. It'd also make it more practical to use off road. I've used mine for touring all over the UK as well as all the usual daily riding and it's never let me down. I rode it in all weathers all year round as well and it's showing no signs of corrosion, which is amazing considering I don't wash it that often.

[@gnarlybadger690]

Interesting viewing Nat, just brought myself a Super Cub to go with my 690 KTM Enduro. Absolutely loving it just jump on and go, haven't got round to any maintenance yet so have to see if that turns out to be as much of a pain as the CT. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍🏻

[@maskedavenger2578]

I reckon Honda should flog these CT 125 ‘s officially over here . They would make an ideal utility go anywhere bike . I wouldn’t worry too much about consumables like chains, suspension & such like ,as they are things that usually get upgraded as the originals wear out ,in the normal course of time . The only thing I could see in them not selling ,is if they priced them too high . I have always had a soft spot for Honda cub type bikes ,my first legal bike on road was a brand new 1971 Honda C50 cub . I was that impressed with its reliability & economy I bought a C70 1973 version as a commuter run about . One of my motorcycles even today ,is a Cub type bike, it’s a 2004 ( carb version ) of the 125 Innova step through ,never misses a beat & still runs like a Swiss watch 19 years later . Honda or the Chinese need to get CT 125 type machines over to the U.K. ASP. These bikes also make more sense than Beemer GS’s for real world adventure touring ,they are cheaper to run ,less tech to cause issues in the middle of no where ,easier & more chance of repair They will also fit in with what locals are likely to be riding in poor undeveloped countries.

[@clangerbasher]

On rewatching this consider if RE built a 'small Himalayan-esque scooter' for India.....

[@skaraborgcraft]

One of those cheap AJS trails 125 would do the same job. Even a CB125F is considerably cheaper than a CT, admittedly its got a clutch, but probably no different in suspension travel, just needs knobbies. Wondering if the Chinese have their eyes on the ball, whatever happened to that Zonshen 400 twin road/scrambler that was all over Faceache a few years back? To be fair to Honda, the EU sales are peanuts compared to other markets, so can see why homologation costs would deter market placement.

[@johnrickards1908]

Words of wisdom indeed.

[@BobsBikingAdventures]

I'd be all over an electric CT with decent range. I'm tempted to make a DIY one next year if I can find a decent CT frame.

[@pgilb70]

As a kid with a st90, I took a link out of the stretched chain. Problem solved. Saved money on a new chain. Possibly lucky it didn't snap tho .

[@Jev8oy]

Hi, I waited for CT125, but end up with Monkey 🙈 so far so hood 🙂

[@teneretraveller8980]

Make an electric postie? Might work in that format. Safe, happy travels 👍

[@richardadkins6998]

Any news on the XR125L you’ve got?

[@1990-t1j]

You see quite a lot around Chiang Rai. If they were 150cc with a normal gearbox/clutch, I'd probably want one. How did you like riding the VanVan 200? I have heard aftermarket chains for that bike are a lot better than the OE one. You can still buy VanVans in Thailand, both the 125 and 200. Nick J

[@nathanthepostman]

Hey Nick. I liked the van van 200. A bit brisker than this 125 and all day comfortable. Hold their value well as well. And a clutch lever is nice!

[@1990-t1j]

@@nathanthepostman Good to hear you like the 200. I'd love one, but you can't have every bike you fancy, although it would be good to plod around the local lanes on. Great engine. Nick

[@Jeff4fun]

They were for sale in Australia for a bit but the rules have changed so all new bikes have to have dual ABS. The ex post Super Cubs are good fun but have a few issues & are made in China. Love getting out on my NBC110. Cheers Jeff

[@ron091]

CT125's for sale in Canada and US are all made in Thailand. As was the 2016 CBR500 that I drove for 3 years - it had tough Honda quality. Nothing wrong with SE Asian factories.

[@jhoncho4x4]

From what Ed has said about the state of trails in the UK and the Rambler association closing them; That might be why Honda is not bothering to import the trail version. I had trouble finding a new CT125 in the US a year ago and had to drive far, to buy from a dealer that had just assembled it and not advertised it yet. I think they are enough of them this year thar dealers have stock. It's a nice bike, love the efi and rides very nicely. But I can tell it weighs 100 pounds more than my rebuilt 1964 Super Cub 125 Lifan C102. The SC is much easier to pick up, move around and load. SC accelerates faster and climbs any hill with its knobby tires. The CT has been flawless and is a very nice riding bike. Put knobby tires on before trail riding; stock tires better for road.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah Honda still bring in the crf300 trail bike so not sure if that would be the reason but we've definitely lost some trails over the years

[@jackiewenden7657]

Where can we come and ride these?

[@kingtingz41]

Still no news from Honda?

[@simonchilli2088]

This is the second video I've seen where it's been stated that the gears are arranged for the Asian/Indian market because they ride with open foot ware. I presume that whatever it's like you get used to it otherwise it wouldn't sell.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes you definitely get used to it and I quite like it that way. But swapping from a conventional up for up to a bike with a down for up configuration is where the problem lies as people inadvertently end up going the wrong way in the box

[@mikehurley5052]

@@nathanthepostman I used to own a 1961 Bonneville and a Suzuki GSX at the same time , bonnie was right hand gear change, GSX was normal, soon got used to stamping on the gear change when braking on the bonnie. Also the 1973 FS1E had 4 down as well, thats how old i am 🤣🤣🤣

[@alistairrobinson3865]

Hey I’m interested in these but curious how is the comfort? You must be about 5.10-6.00ft right ? Is it comfy? The seat looks very small and the new super cub 125 is way less comfortable than the old c90 that had a bench seat

[@mikelacross]

I just don't know if it would've sold in enough numbers over here to make it viable for Honda, like the never manufactured CB125X that I would've bought, especially as the Chinese are well positioned in the querky 125 market, taking up a huge chunk of the available market. I think there is a Chinese ct now, although maybe not here "yet"?

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I think it's just the fact Honda has gone to the trouble of bringing in the grom, monkey, dax and cub 125s but not the ct. And bringing in the dax over the ct just seems a touch odd given the demand for the ct and the lack of demand for the dax

[@droptuned83]

​@nathanthepostman 100% correct. How many adax are they going to sell. Even Grom's? A ct 125 with a clutch and they would be selling like hot cakes . Wonder if that's a possibility to switch a grom motor into a ct frame.

[@bunstertravels4738]

Its such a shame, about motorcycles in the UK, and the rosd tax we pay is ludicrous 😢

[@jerrym3261]

I agree with most of what you say. I do think the motorcycle realists are a minority though, people that want a logically better bike. Over and over we see the good stuff not selling. I don't doubt Honda has a long range plan but, I bet a lot of it has to do with politics in different countries and what Honda believes they will have permission to sell. I'm in the US and would love to have a Honda 110 Wave from right across the border in Mexico. I'm sure it's not Honda that keeps that from being possible but, the word is, the US government will seriously hunt you down, take your Honda Wave (or any parts for that matter) and fine you to the point it will deter anyone else from bringing that stuff across the border. At the same time we have cheap Chinese scooters available everywhere and filling up landfills when they're discarded. I have found your channel because of the Voge 300 Rally videos you make. Thank you for those! I doubt I'll ever have a shot at one in the US but, if I expat to Ecuador, I could get a Voge ,or for less money, a Loncin 300 Rally. Ecuador highly taxes imports but, China is a preferred trading partner and the Chinese bikes are not taxed the same at all and are actually cheaper there than almost anywhere. Politics are rampant all around.

[@thebikegeekandmore2448]

Many brands have been copying Honda when it comes to adv 350/750 but not the ct 125 🤷

[@stuarthammond1009]

Great video and info, I would have happily brought the Honda, but forced to look elsewhere because of Honda's strange policy surely the monkey and grom are to similar, and room should have been made for hunter. Due to Honda's shortsightness I now have scram 411 in garage. In Greece I used hundreds of Yamaha chappy bikes so I'm sure hunter cub would have sold well all over Europe. Are you sure about vanvan 200 I have done thousands of miles on 125 and 200. The 125 had a pathetic chain worse then nicker elastic, the official uk import vanvan 200 had much bigger o-ring chain lubricated at factory and needed very little adjustment. Suspect you may have had a imported 200 fitted with a very poor aftermarket chain?

[@nathanthepostman]

Interesting about the chain Stuart. It was a Suzuki press bike so definitely a legit UK machine. Maybe I was abusing the poor thing too much! Did do a fair way on the motorway

[@johncrawford2304]

Enjoyable Informative

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

It is frustrating, Honda have a huge winner on their hands but they seem hell bent on sabotaging themselves. And as you say the Chinese are waiting in the wings. Zonsen have a copy called the 'cub clamber' on sale in China for a fraction of the price of a CT125.

[@BikingChap]

It's an interesting one, to be honest I think Honda do get it. If you want cheap, uncomplicated, strictly utilitarian transport the current CB125F (now made in Italy rather than China ironically) fits the bill very nicely. Interestingly Chinese brands have struggled to copy it and have instead largely gone down the trendy 'lifestyle' type 125s in order to justify higher prices. In the UK I'm convinced the demand is not from those looking for utilitarian transport but largely those looking for something with 'style' and the the SuperCub is in a similar space. Harking back to simpler times but actually be expensive for what you get. They look good, sure, but for utilitarian transport why would I pay so much more than a CB125F to get to work?

[@SerbanMihaiDaniel01]

I'm from EUROPE and I would buy one tomorrow if it was available ...😢 but it's not...

[@jerzywoking1699]

The C50/C70/C90, the World's biggest selling bikes, were never sold in France, Portugal and Spain. Whether the original reason was by Honda not seeing them as a viable market, or by import restrictions Governments of the three isn't clear. Very sad.

[@ArchieKeen1]

It’s the bike that can take you around the country, go down green lanesCommute to your job and deliver pizzas on the weekend, it’s the perfect bike and Honda just refuses to sell it to its full potential

[@Tomahawkfalcone]

Ridiculous, they bring nearly every other 125 to the UK. Bring the best looking one as well

[@mantarayal]

Our local Honda shop has, or had, two of these. A red one and a gray one. I wanted both! But they are SO bloody expensive. Something like $8KNZ. At the time I could have gone next door and bought a Yamaha XT250 for the same price. And that's a great wee bike for sure. The CTs should be dirt cheap because they are basic transport. With a 125 in them. And yeah mate. They need to be simple.

[@dewipeach]

Granma's ride of Her Life...🤣.. 😭 .. Honda sight is they'd get more money and with Finance for 1 Africa Twin, Transalp or NC750X even CB500X than selling a few small change smaller user friendly bike. They'll put money into a CL500 and XL750 Transalp. It is to wonder what Main Manufacture are thinking, we don't get the KLX250/300.. We're seeing it, you've said it, Royal Enfield has opened New Markets.. my bias, owning a Himalaya.. rest of the Manufacture are now in catch up, as mentioned CL against the Scram 411, likely 450 version following Himalayan 450 once it hits markets.

[@mikehurley5052]

These bikes are more useful than a GS 1200/1250, soon to be 1300 because you then get to Starbucks 3 seconds faster for a posing session with 25k worth of bike that mostly goes nowhere. Usability has gone out the window.

[@the.just.able.biker67]

They make new bikes hard to work on so you'll use the dealer to get stuff done. £££

[@neilmackinnon3371]

In one of his video's, Sammy Miller said that Honda were about the worst company he ever worked with due to their rigid structure and fixed ideas.

[@soggybawsmoto]

If they sold them officially here, they would reduce sales on the products they want to push. People are wising up to overweight adventure bikes and their own abilities, and keeping the big bikes as comfortable road scratchers. I’ve retrofitted cast ally 19/17 tubeless wheels to my 2016 Africa Twin for fast road riding with my mates, but also run a 390 Adventure for off road and solo touring/camping on my own If I had to get rid of either, the Honda would be the first to go.

[@nathanthepostman]

It's an interesting and different way of seeing things in thinking it'd reduce sale of other products. My take is that it'd draw new people to the brand, widen the brands appeal. Build new customers for future models. Creating a new stream of customers. But you're probably right in that's not how Honda see it. Although they do being in all the other small bikes, just left the ct out

[@russellhaley6909]

I don't understand, as the Chinese are so willing to copy bikes, why they've not produced a 125cc, conventional gearbox version of this. Apart from the frame, all the parts are already on the shelves.

[@jamesfox1514]

With a bit of luck they soon will. Honda jut dont understand getting the grass roots into motorcycling anymore.

[@jamespegram8843]

Unfortunately Honda and the rest have lost the plot regarding run of the mill bike riders. Think I'll stick with my ugly as a box of frogs easy to service cheap as chips reliable Himalayan... as a daily ride to work bike.

[@owl77]

I'm surprised Americans like it. I thought they liked a powerful bike.🤔