Big Bore Honda CT90 / Trail 125 (Part 2: Will it Work?) 

1,2,3 back pain is the funniest thing I have heard anybody say on RU-vid and made me literally laugh out loud. Love your humor

thank you for this. i had stroke and can no longer use tools i really enjoy your time repairing small projects! watching you I remember working in garage thanks

I like how no matter what he's doing, Whether he is frustrated, or whether he is obviously tired from working on the bike so much, he is always happy.

I'm the head mechanic at a local Honda dealership. I graduated from MMI back in the 90s.(Motorcycle Mechanics Institute) That is the school for anyone who really wants to pursue a career in the motorcycle industry. respect your fabrication skills for what tools you have. Also I like the fact you kept it all Honda. Sacrificing a Honda ATC 125 is not as as bad as it seems. If it was a 200x or 250R , yeah that would bad. Cool project, great execution. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

Awesome video man! One little nit pick though, you put the master link clip for the chain on backwards (@7:33). The way it's oriented will have a chance to pop off in normal operation if it catches anything. When it's facing the other way, it doesn't have that chance.

I used to have a few stray flywheel bolts from junked engines. An awful joke, that I absolutely never did to anyone, is to wait until they are done doing a clutch or transmission job and set one on their tool box.

I am always suffering and cheering when something goes wrong/right, as if it where my own project...no other channel ever accomplished such a thing!!! U are doing great work...but I noticed that camera girl is very quiet...at least in part one...I am just at the beginning of part 2...so I hope to year her too...I think the chemistry between u two is so perfect!!!!

You must be a trained motorcycle mechanic, splitting the case is serious you didn't even hesitate very nice job

Trail 90 is my favorite series by far

You know when the old hand brake is giving you grief you are close to the edge (or words to that effect). Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant.

Man did that bike came a long way back from the dead when you first got it very happy with the result of your skill Very satisfying video to watch and please do make a ride along video like you said because that thing sound like a lot of fun

Spending hours and $ to re engineer junk into your own junk! I am not the only idiot on the planet! Using your creativity and mental energy to produce something that didn’t exist previously is called ART! The noblest of human endeavors!

That was my very first motorcycle when I was 12 years old was a 1969 Honda 90. I'm 50 years old now and I've had a multitude of motorcycles. It's really fun to watch you modify that one. What a great Channel.

Wow...this takes me back. When I was 13-14 I had a 125m that tried to break that shift drum arm (cracked right where yours broke) but it actually snapped off the entire aluminum post the arm bolts to. I tried every machine shop in town and nobody could do anything with it. The engine ended up in boxes and jam jars for a full year until I scraped together enough $$ to buy a new case half. Finally got it all together and it ran.....then bogged down and seized solid...14-yearolds don't know to use lint-free rags, so the oil screen plugged solid with lint and overheated it. Let it cool down, drove home, figured out what happened, cleaned the screen, off I went again. Thanks for posting...fun series!

I am addicted to your channel. Fascinating stuff bro!

I am amazed at your unfaltering continuous narration in, addition to your abilities re Honda engine mechanics and electrical setup. I have a '68 CT90 that was put away wet 7 years ago with a sticking transmission problem. 40 years ago, I was able to take the engine/trans apart, find the offending shift mechanism, or whatever, and put it all back together with no left over parts. I just turned 80 and will see if I can just get it running again. Great video, congratulations.

Just watched both part 1 and 2, I really liked watching this project👌

I had a yellow Honda Trail 90 when I was 14. I rode the wheels off that thing, from the time I woke till mom called me in well past dark. Good memories. Thanks for the videos.

" Milk crate bikes "..... I came from same beginnings ... my folks didn't want me to have a motorcycle my two uncles were bikers,..... they put a honda xl100 motorcycle disassembled and in milk crates in the feed side of my grandpa's large pigeon barn, Everytime I was at grand parents I was putting them together, I ended getting 3 bikes all in milk crates, put them all back together, I use to ride my bicycle a couple miles up and down steep hills to Shawmut hills motorcycle shop..... Buying nuts and bolts with lunch money,... I really dig your videos and your good old fashion American injunuity ....... my uncles use to say if he can put them all back together and make them run he deserves to ride,...... made a huge impact upon my life ... down on my knees looking at all the pieces bolting them back together like a huge puzzle,... I had one motorcycle manual that went to some old street bike,... I was working on enduros, and dirtbikes,.... but with the wrong motorcycle manual and about 30 bikes rides to the parts store, I figured them out,... I really like what your doing here with your videos showing good common sense how to approaches,.... BRAVO SIR,..... BRAVO....,!!!!

your old ct90 restoration vids are what I watched when I got hooked on these bikes, I just finished watching part 1 and now part 2 and I gotta say, now I wanna do a atc125 swap lol my bike because it needs a little rebuild and i was looking at doing a big bore. I forsure want to keep the low range box so that's whats keeping me from doing a china engine swap.... awesome vids on the ct90, keep them coming :)

I'll learn how to work on everything as a kid. like you did. watching my uncles and my dad work on motorcycles it's just second nature no school is needed I'm still Building engines and I'm 60 years old

Two good things about this project.... 1. It is a Honda. Parts are available at a reasonable price. 2. These days you can look on You Tube and find a video to show you how to do just about everything under the sun. My last project... rebuilding a steering column on an older GM truck... thank you You Tube for all information needed.

I have to say, you are entertaining, informative, and your vocabulary is spectacular. A cut above the rest of the personalities on RU-vid.

The old Hand Brake really came through for . You are a lucky guy. Beautiful family.

"I should be doing the income taxes, but the trail 90." Taxes can wait bro

Like others, I can`t do this sort of thing anymore, watching you carry on with humor and good cheer is a real bright spot in the day to day. And making do without throwing dollars at something is much appreciated.

Greatly enjoyed your video.You kept things moving,and your fabrication ideas were very practical,not over done.I also believe in rescuing old machinery.Exellent job.

I started watching your videos because of the Shasta resto-mod, but this one made me laugh out loud! Fantastic! You're a good guy, Jake... and you've got a beautiful family! I look forward to many more videos!

Starting in 1964, I had 5 Honda's --3 Trail 90's and 2 Street 90's, the last 90 I put a Herman and Collins full race cam in along with a 10cc spacer to raise the total to 104cc, I seem to remember. Very Very Fun.....

I learned how to ride on a Honda Trail 90 just like the one you started with (forks instead of the old leading link front suspension), 48 years ago. My passion is now split between a KLR-650 and a Harley Road King. Great Video!! Subscribed.

Guys like you always make me feel ashamed that I'm not more resourceful. Almost anyone can take things apart and put them back together. But being able to mish-mash as you do takes imagination and intelligence. Very, very good job!

I must say, that I'm really impressed with your mechanical appitude. I've watched everything you've done regarding the trail 90. I scored a 1970 trail 90 a couple years ago, and the next door neighbor has been blessed with a mechanical aptitude like yours. Good job and your videos are highly informative and entertaining. Keep up the videosJim

Hey my late wife use to say , “ I know where my two boys are” lol , if she needed me she only had to open the door . My son and I enjoyed projects tinkering away . Like your vids !

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this!! Thank You! I was just planning to skim these videos but watched them beginning to end! My father had a red trail 90 I believe it was a 1969. I remember it vividly. Your mechanical skills are top notch. Just one little thing ---Get an angle grinder!!!! Something I enjoyed as well was your sense of humor! Very funny and not annoying! You kept the pace moving along without boring me and made me want to keep watching! I'm a tinkerer myself and can't wait till the next opportunity (probably tomorrow) I get to refer to my wife as a "handbrake!"

You should have a tv show. I mean you explain things correctly and with humor.

13 yrs. Old. Had a Honda 50 srambler!sturdy sum- gun! Learned a lot working on it.

Really great and humorous video. The Trail 90, er 125, would be a great bike to have especially even having electric start. I had often thought of this as we owned 2 ATC 125M's in years past but both were in too good of condition to dismantle and use as a donor bike.

I'm so jealous of your mechanical and video editing skills. I have an 86 ct110 that needs work and all I can do is just stare at it knowing how much knowledge I need in order to do what I want to do to it. Someday I'll start but until then I'll be sure to watch all your vids. Great job!

Great videos of a worthwhile project. The unmistakable sound of a 125 engine brought back memories. I am restoring the first bike I ever had right now. My 1974 Z50A. Next up is my trail 70

Seeing you rip it down the road on the back wheel wearing a sweater made it all worth it .

I got my 69' Trail 90 the same time you did a few years ago and I've steadily gotten it road worthy. I feel like we've been on this journey together! I also had a Yamaha 250yz in there I flipped for a few hundred. Currently working on painting a 70' CT90 frame and going to try and get it registered. If all works, I will move the best parts from the Trail 90 over and have a purty new street legal bike.

That trails 90 is DOPE!!!!! I love it. I had one our neighbor gave us when I was a kid. Nowhere near as cool as yours, the color was even funky on mine. Like a brownish red if memory serves me correct

8:25 your choice of wardrobe shows nothing short of impeccable taste. Love your videos.

I had a ct 70 and a pair of ct90's. I had many other motorcycles and 2 stroke motorcross bikes, but the tried and true ct90 has always been my favorite bike. Many great memories spent on my 90. Awesome video!

I’m sure you have heard this before, but you seriously remind me of paul rudd. From the humor down to your facial expressions. All jokes aside seriously love your videos! You allow us amateurs to follow along easily & actually understand what’s going on. Keep em coming! Also you & your wife’s sly comments are hilarious!

Hmm... That is a VERY smart way to install the Piston onto the Connecting Rod Jake! I work on bikes on the side for extra cash and have NEVER thought of doing it that way. Thanks I learned something. I also have people ask me the exact same Questions on how am I so smart working on small engines and I say the exact same thing. Great work.

improvisation innovation and humour all along the way... love the video dude!

"The old handbrake" LMAO!! Priceless humor can be found in all your vids!

I love your videos for the technical know-how and knowledge. My wife watches them with me for the comments like "the old handbrake". Very entertaining to both of us for completely different reasons. I am very selfishly grateful the stock market didn't work out for you because I am sure glad you are back at the video production. Thanks!!

You are a real hoot to watch J.G ! Your videos almost make me want to get off my duff, find a hopeless basket case two wheeler and rebuild it...almost...

I couldnt watch enough of this! Probably some of the best entertainment ive ever seen...its almost dangerous

A pure joy to watch! On so many levels, glad I found your sight.

A tip when reassembling a motor cycle engine, oil all the moving and sliding parts as you place them back in with the same type of oil you fill the engine up with. This ensures that there is oil in the hard to get places. Apart from that, well done, nice job.

Brings back some great memories. That was the first bike I owned and still my favorite.

If you still own this Honda Trail 90 look around and see if you can find a Honda CR125M Elsinore engine. That'll be keeping the Trail 90 in it's current Honda format as you mentioned wanting to keep when asked about installing a Piranha 140 engine on it. A friend of mine purchased a brand new Honda CR125M Elsinore back in 1974. For those never having the pleasure of watching an Elsinore run, I swear that thing was so wicked fast I was pretty sure that the finger of God had touched it...lol. You clearly have the skills to rebuild an Elsinore engine, but even if you can find one I'm sure they aren't cheap. Nice work on fixing the Trail 90 transmission.

You make me want to learn small engine maintenance/repair. Other than that, I love you attitude and your video editing. Keep up the GREAT work.

Thanks for posting this Trail 90 series. The finale was well worth the wait. I appreciate your ingenuity on working through projects. It's inspired me to buy a 78 Yamaha DT and then proceed to rip it apart to make it better. It was either that or run it until the piston disintegrated and ruined the engine. But the price was hard to beat.

Too funny! I'll bet the 125 is a real improvement. I bought a 76 CT90 new in '77 for $625.00 at age 13 and put 10,000 miles on it in two years. Good memories those.

Hello Jake. Thank you for the Trail 90 project video series. I really like the way you put your videos together. They were very enjoyable to watch. It gave me some knowledge and definitely the confidence I needed to start working on my very own 1971 trail 90 that I acquired when my uncle past away. I believe I can get it going after watching your videos. Even though it has been sitting for over 17 years. And I think the videos well be very helpful during the rebuild. Great job.

As a Honda 90 Owner I love this Mod, Been watching the entire build and loved every second of it.. Thanks for the great Videos Sir and I hope to see a ride along video ..

Sweet job on the video! Brought back memories of my first rebuild on a ATC 90, Bored and stoked to 124cc. When I was in the grade.

Ok, I grew up in the cycle business and I admire your knowledge and your curiosity. I have often wondered if the old 3 wheeler series was compatible at all with the cycle and what mods would be necessary. Of course your vids answered all my questions. The only thing I saw is I think you put the drive chain master link clip on backwards . We always installed it closed end in direction of travel. The video went by fast so I might have seen it incorrectly, but it looked backwards. I really enjoyed both videos and your energy on the projects..

Man you really ripped that thing.

Well Done !!! Chain looks a bit loose. Looks like a fun bike. I luv'd those things back in the 70's. Honda made great trail bikes back then. They really climbed up those mountain trails.

I love your videos. it makes up for all the times my dad pushed me away from watching him work on things.

I thought I was the only Honda Trail 90 nut, was happy to find your video. On the other hand, I want a 125 bad.

Bravo!!!! and I mean BRAVO!!!... I too would bring home strays and get them running,, always and still scared of case splitting!.. Your an amazing person, WOW!!!

Love these bikes, stoked I found your channel

I really like what you did here. I definitely respect your decision to keep the Honda. I did a similar project with my Honda 50. It’s now a 70, although I just replaced the cylinder head, carburetor, and exhaust.

Dude, thank you for inspiring more shenanigans of my own. I'm currently pondering finding a free (or nearly free) motor, some scrap frame (or frames), and using know how, elbow grease, and desperation / determination to make something that will put smiles on faces for years and years. You're awesome, man! Thank you for making these videos.

Very Cool ! You Made it a Step Up from the Coveted Honda Trail 110 !!!!!!!! You Have a Real Gem of a Dual Purpose Machine, and the kind of Wife Motor cycle enthusiasts dream of ! For Gods Sake She Bought you a Seat ! Man Oh Man You two Each got your Soul Mate !!!

What a great video. Humor, editing and learning, makes for a fun watching experience.

I've said a couple of things not very complimentary watching your series on the 90 in the past. I have to say this, though. You've kept me glued to this boob tube for the past half day looking to see how things worked. Good job!

Very nice. I love bring old engines back to life. Very well done.

Dude I really enjoy your videos I feel like in actually learning something useful.

That was so cool! I am very impressed with your fabrication skills and diligence. I love the wheelies! My CT90 wouldn't dream of ever lifting the wheel like you did with your amazing project!

Dude I love your videos! They look and seem as though they were made twenty years ago. But that just adds to the appeal. Getting your wife and kid involved is awesome. Keep it up brother!

Oh sheezas that bit about the Husky circlip brought back some memories back this way. How about when your young and keen rebuilding a bike engine you get it all methodically and lovingly back together and you start it up for first time...without crankcase oil... all part of the learning curve.

Oh my heck. That may have been the best video to date! I know my trail 90 will not pull any sort of wheelie. Love the comment reactions as well. Hope to see more great videos like this one in the future. Keep them coming!

Bloody brilliant ...loved the vid...your enthusiasm and humor is great. keep it up.

My family has 5 Honda CT110s and so this video was particularly enjoyable for me. Thank you for sharing and thank you for keeping the bike Honda!

No mistake to do this project. That's one of the best trail 90s in town. Also you will have true Trail power.

You got more patients than me ! Great job, well done.

I love watching your videos. Ive taught myself to work on small engines aswell and get them working again. Keep up the great work and keep those videos coming.

I loved your video! you made me remember my old Honda 90 my father purchased it for $25 at a flea market and the engine and transmission was all in pieces luckily all the pieces were there except for the piston rings and the rear wheel axle nut well I put it all together and my older brother bought me the actual enough for $5.10 and the Rings for $12 and some odd sense and it ran and I enjoyed it for 5 years running around a 5-acre plot of land we called home I love the high and low range as we could pull my dad's 1970 4 wheel drive Ford pickup to pull start it in the winter or summer it was heavy as all get-out for a size but it was loads of fun thank you for this video

Dude, you are brilliant! To be able to do all of that work and trouble-shooting with custom fabrications, that's incredible! Congratulations on a successful project!

I'm a huge fan of NOT risking the rest of my life struggling with back pain caused by making it to do what it was never intended by using tools. Hydraulic jacks and pieces of wood, otherwise known as "shims," come in real handy for lifting heavy things like a motorcycle engine into position.

The Trail 90 TRAIL KILLER!! Nice job, bout time to do some project treasure hunting. You've fixed that and the shasta is in the last quarter.

I always love seeing these motorcyle vids pop up in my subscriptions

We have a old guy in talkeetna who put the atc 250 big red in one. That guy makes odd ball things all the time. But you kept yours original while adding the bigger engine. Nice job

Keeping a motor with the LO/HI range gear box was the smartest thing you did for the CT90. Those Piranha 140s lack that vital accessory. As far as people wanting to keep it all original all I can say is there must be thousands of these bikes, just because it's old doesn't mean its valuable. Other people need parts for their all original bikes, so as long as you didn't just throw away the old parts, someone will be able to keep their bike alive.

What a great job! My 64-65 is the next project I'll be doing, so I'm sure I'll be popping back to double check some stuff. Thanks a million.

I almost got another hernia laughing so hard at your response about welding steam fittings at the local thermonuclear reactor plant. Lol......integrated high pressure relief orifices. It’s revolutionary. That’s priceless humor that only one with a similar smart assery can recognize and appreciate.

I bought a 76 ct 90 for 25 bucks. Orig owner, it sat in his barn for 19 years before I got it. I ride it, but I need new gas tank, new muffler, and new tires. Working on it this year, hope to run it next hunting season.

brother I didn't like the comments you read from some people. It's your vision for what you want. don't take what they say because as long as your happy with the out come that's all that matters. I'm good with my hands to. I never went to school for mechanics but having nothing deffenetly made me learn on my own lol. I wish I could meet you. I have 2 bikes a Honda 300ex qaud and a crf150f they both need work I'm just so busy with my 2 jobs I really never get time to work on them and when I do o don't have tools. Please contact me maybe we could make a video together and get both my bikes in tip top shape. My name is Elliot I'm 27 years old I have a wife and kid just like you so I know how it is keep making these videos man they help me threw my day

That’s a very tasteful and stock looking swap, strong work sir!!!

I believe I would have trash canned the 125 engine and reverted back to the 90 and cut my losses. Congratulations for sticking with it and seeing it through. Also, you need to buy your “Old Handbrake” a bouquet of flowers, you know, honey for your Honey...

Hey, greetings from UK. I know this is an old video now, but I would still love to see a “ride-along video” sometime. The Trail 90/Trail 125 is my favourite set of videos on your channel (though they’re all good). Thanks, Les

It's good to see a happy ending to the Trail 90'.

nice pace in the video, and a good technical level, not too basic and not overly complicated.