2021 Honda Trail 125 vs. 1975 Honda CT90 Article Highlights:
- While not the best-equipped off-road motorcycles, both the 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS and 1975 Honda CT90 can survive over 1,000 miles of the Alaskan wilderness
- With a lower curb weight and a two-range gearbox, the CT90 outperforms the Trail 125 in terms of off-road suitability
- The modern Trail 125, however, is more efficient and easier to manage – and unlike the worn CT90, it didn’t die a quarter of a mile from the finish line
The typical tool for travelers looking to ride over trails and tarmac is usually a version of a BMW GS. However, some motorcycle Brands offer simpler, more accessible alternatives than an adventure bike. And in terms of accessible outdoor exploration, the Honda Trail 2021 125 is a real breath of fresh air.
But what happens when the metaphorical fresh air meets the real air of a place like Alaska? And does the new Honda Trail have the same character as its predecessors? All worth asking that RevZilla The Common Tread team thought. So it sent a 2021 Honda Trail 125 and a 1975 Honda CT90 to Alaska for a 1000-mile trip to find out.
2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS vs. 1975 Honda ‘CT90’ Trail 90: similar appearance, similar specifications
| 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS | 1975 Honda ‘CT90’ Trail 90 | |
| engine | 125cc air-cooled single cylinder with fuel injection | 90cc air cooled single cylinder carburetor |
| Horsepower | 8 HP (rear wheel, Bike world) | 7 hp |
| Torque | 7 lb-ft (rear wheel, Bike world) | 6 lb-ft |
| transmission | Four-speed semi-automatic with centrifugal clutch | Two-range four-speed semi-automatic with centrifugal clutch |
| Suspension and travel | 27mm inverted telescopic fork; 3.9 “ | Telescopic fork; 4.0 “ |
| Rear suspension and travel | Twin shocks; 3.4 “ | Twin shocks; 3.0 ″ |
| Ground clearance | 6.5 ″ | 6.5 ″ |
| Seat height | 31.5 ″ | 30.5 ″ |
| Empty weight | 259 pounds | 200 pounds |
Although it shares its name with a dirt bike category, the Honda Trail 90, also known as the CT90, is not a dirt bike. It, along with his other vintage trail models, technically older than the introduction of this term. But Honda designed them to capitalize on the same scrambler boom of the ’60s and’ 70s that eventually led to dirt bikes. And while the step-through frame of the Honda CT90 is modeled on that of a moped, the Trail 90 has a foot-operated transmission, making it a real motorcycle. Classic motorcycle explained.
Speaking of design, in terms of overall shape, shape, and features, the 2021 Honda Trail 125 is practically a dead wrestler for its ancestor. Both have rear rack, main stand, underrun protection, high-mounted exhausts and sengraved wheels with off-road tires. Even their tire sizes are identical. And while the trail 125 one The starter has a kick starter like the CT90. Also, they both use one derived from Super Cub semi-automatic centrifugal clutch.
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In contrast to the Trail 90, however, the engine of the Trail 125 comes directly from the superboy– in this case the modern C125 with fuel injection. But that makes sense as both are part of. are Honda’s modern miniMOTO range. However, Honda gave the Trail 125 a different sprocket, inlet and outlet for more power and torque in the lower range. Bike world says. It also has a longer wheelbase and more suspension travel.
On the technology front, the 2021 Honda Trail 125 beats the CT90. The modern bicycle has front and rear disc brakes instead of drums, LED lighting and a digital display. In addition, front ABS as well as an optional 12 V connection and heated handles.
The Vintage Trail 90 has a trick up its sleeve, however. Moving a lever selects a final reduction gear, a bit like choosing a low range on a transfer case. To make transport and storage easier, Honda has supplied the CT90 quick-folding handlebar. The Trail 125 does not have this function either.
Over 1,000 miles of the Alaskan wilderness, the Honda CT90 kept pace with Trail 125 from 1975 to the bitter end
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As mentioned earlier, neither the 2021 Honda Trail 125 nor the 1975 Honda CT90 are true adventure bikes. Even the new bike has a top speed of 55 mph, Bike world says. And while they’re a great introduction to the world of trail riding, especially for new and smaller riders, traveling from Anchorage to the northernmost tip of the United States is 1,000 miles away.
But that’s exactly what it is RevZilla Common Tread co-hosts Ari Henning and Zack Courts did it. But they had reasons beyond “why not?” for choosing these trails. The northernmost tip of the USA, the city of Utqiagvik in Alaska, can only be reached by boat or a single-prop plane. And something like a GS or Honda’s Africa Twin just wouldn’t fit on the plane. For the sake of convenience, the duo therefore opted for the Trail 125 and CT90.
How did the 2021 Honda Trail 125 and 1975 CT90 handle six days of driving through gravel, dirt, rain, fog, mountains, hail, mud, mosquitos, snow, and sand? It turns out to be surprisingly good. Though Henning and Courts had some trouble – they almost ran out of food, Zack lost his dry bag of sleeping clothes on the last day – both trails shook off the worst Alasaka could throw at them.
Almost. While the CT90’s dual-range transmission and lighter weight made it more maneuverable than the Trail 125, the older Honda was less efficient. To be fair, 90 mpg from a 46-year-old motorcycle is impressive; the 125 track did 110 mpg. But fuel consumption wasn’t the problem. The CT90 was burning oil at a fairly alarming rate, smoking from its exhaust pipe in the process. And a damaged spark plug cap allowed water to seep into the electrical system. That eventually killed the old Trail 90 within sight of the final destination.
Nevertheless, both motorcycles made it to the finish. They are not enduros, ADVs or even “real” dual sports. But the “trail” part of the name isn’t just a marketing gimmick. And the new Honda Trail 125 is no less fun than the CT90.
How much is one of these sturdy riding horses worth?
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While not everyone is ready to traverse 1,000 miles through gravel-pelted wilderness, the Honda Trail 125 2021 is a great choice a good camping motorcycle. Pack your tent, sleeping bag, clothing, and other gear in a waterproof bag, strap it to the luggage rack, put on weather-appropriate safety gear, and set off. Note, however, that the Trail 125’s rack has a limit of 45 lb.
While the Honda CT90 is arguably easier to maintain than its fuel-injected descendant, the new bike is cheaper to buy. The Trail 125 ABS 2021 starts at $ 3899. In contrast, a well-maintained CT90 typically costs around $ 4000, Hagerty reported. So if you ride the modern bike you have a little extra cash for snacks.
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