CSC Wolf 125 VS Honda Trail 125 - Which is BETTER? 

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I was all for getting a Honda Trail 125 until I went to buy one and everyone had them marked up nearly $2,000 over MSRP. I kind of forgot that they existed... maybe it's time to get a CSC Wolf.

This is going to be my next bike. Can’t wait to see how it handles the desert trails around me.

The Honda "made in Thailand" isn't the full story. ALL manufacturers (Japanese, American, and European) are dependent on China for many basic parts like rims and cables, and most electronics (EFI, chips, wiring harnesses, etc.) Is the Honda motor better? Zongshen actually builds more engines than Honda, although most are sold under "private-label" brand names. Most of these 125cc engines will never see any maintenance in 3rd world markets. The MOST that these scooter/motorcycle/tuktuk owners will do is top off the oil once a year. In other parts of the world, a 125cc cycle/scooter is the primary transportation - not a toy, like in the U.S. If these engines can survive the extreme conditions around the world, it will do just fine here. At half the price of a new Honda CT125 - I will buy TWO! AND - this doesn't include the half price accessories that CSC is also providing (which will likely fit the CT125, too!)

I really hope you'll get move views. Your videos are top notch

I'm now 70 years old. My first motorcycle was a mid sixties Honda Trail 90, and I was just ten years old. I'm considering buying, most likely, my last motorcycle or scooter, in a long line of over 25. I now live on the big island of Hawaii near Hilo. Originally from the Seattle Tacoma area. I have been aware of CSC for years. When I read about the new Wolf, I became very interested. Lots of rough roads here in the Puna District. Seems fitting to end my motorcycle riding with essentially the same bike I started on. Most of my bikes have been dual sports, but still a number of street bikes thrown in. Come on, CSC, get em comin!

Thank you for this information. I didn't know about it. In 2017 I bought an SSR Razkull 125 mini moto. It looked like a miniature Ducati Monster. All I did was use it for commuting to work and the grocery stores. I didn't own a car. It was fun but slow. A motorcycle magazine test recommended them over the Honda, Kawasaki, and KYMCO 125 motorcycles that were similar. It was a mistake because the SSR made in China motorcycle was low quality. The muffler was rusting at one year. The horn wire and clutch interlock switch wire broke from just turning the handlebars. The six strands of copper were so thin that they were hard to see or manipulate. The clutch was burning out and it was popped only about five times in one year; two times by my friend when I let him try it. It was kept indoors at night. I rode it in the sub zero Montana weather. When it went in for an oil change there was water in the oil. They asked me if I had been riding in rain or snow. The answer was not much. Somehow condensation happens in engines. I doubt that water was leaking into the motor from anywhere; but the dealership wanted to blame me for that water. As soon as it was out of warranty it was traded for a KYMCO Agility 125 scooter. The KYMCO has been rattling apart, but no engine problems yet at 7000 miles. I'm leery of Chinese made things, though my scooter was made in China by a Taiwanese company. If Chinese Honda clones are really capable of lasting as long as original Hondas, then I would buy an ST 70 clone made by Ice Bear (Loncin) with a 125 cc engine for $1299. There is a dealer within riding distance that sells them. I stopped there once and saw a Honda Gorilla clone (basically a Z50A type with a taller seat and very tall fuel tank). The lock for the tank wouldn't work and other parts on other clones weren't quite right. Which makes me think that the engine quality would probably be bad too. On the same video page as their advertisement, was a video of an engine that locked up because the electric starter chain broke. Who makes CSC engines?

I am very skeptical of the engine on the CSC Wolf. The big issues with many of the China based engines was highlighted in Ryan F9's "Which Motorcycle Manufacturer is Best? [Laboratory Test]" video. But there are some companies such as Janus Motorcycles who have found ways to work with and find a quality engine from a China based company. Time will tell if they have quality or not.

i love this design and concept....So i appriciate CSC Motorcycles giving the opportunity to have this kind of bike when you can't have a Honda....Even if you have enough money to buy a Honda you can still go with the Wolf, so you can save money....And i think it won' t disappoint you even if if it is not at the high end of quality....i think it will worth its money....

Always go with the bike made in Thailand. ;-)

I have the same disease. Thus far, I am surviving thanks to a changing and varied supply of motorcycles and a very understanding wife.

"most people in their right minds aren't touring on this bike..." True. But the most interesting RU-vidrs are not in their right mind. (Looking forward to your 1000 mile day on the Trail 125.)

I was going to buy the Trail125 back in 2021...but got a Supercub instead 😅😅😅

I am shocked at the price of the CT in the US and that there is a waiting list for them. I can go into any Honda dealership in Thailand right now and leave the same day with a CT125 for less than $2500.

I just purchased a used CSC San Gabriel SG-250 "cafe' racer". It's my first motorcycle. The CSC Wolf looks wonderful and like it would be a lot of fun and provide economical transportation. Best of all, it is "available", compared with the Honda Trail and Super-Cub. That, is huge. The competitive price doesn't hurt, either. The only reason I didn't pick a Wolf is because I want to be able to go slightly faster. If the Wolf were equipped with an engine and drive-train capable of 65+ miles per hour, my decision process would've been more difficult. :-) But, the 125cc class of engines on the Honda Trail and Super Cub and the CSC Wolf are not intended for breaking the speed limit on interstate highways. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. It's a viable solution to a different set of criteria. It's nice to have variety and options for buyers to choose from.

Man i had no odea this was coming out. And I gotta say, that same csc dealship is just close enough to temp me over the ct i have a deposit on. Dang it lol.

I love my 2023 125, I would love cheaper add ons and better power. Good tires out of the gate would be nice and also my Honda dealership wouldn’t order any of the Honda extras like the racks. I had to get that all myself. My #1 gripe about the 125 is the shitty skid plate/ “engine cover” made of tin cans. #2 would be power I just wish it didn’t bog from 55 to 45 going up a slight incline on the roads

I'm going to get one. I was ready to pull the trigger on a yellow Honda, it was there ready for me...but $$$ is tight right now. I want to ride around Indio, CA/ Joshua tree area. The last time I was on a motorcycle was 15 years ago. I think this might be the better option for me -since I'm going to "lay it down" a few times" and scratch it up. The price I got at Honda was $5800 out the door (including taxes and Cali registration) vs. the $2800 out the door the guy at CSS was estimating for me-(including taxes and Cali registration)-I still need to buy gear, a tow hitch carrier, and tools, etc. If I don't like it, I can sell it and I won't lose that much $$$

I'm a walkaway from both for now. Too much money for the TC and don't get the CSC here. I came very close to buying the Honda this year but decided there wasn't enough engine, the unbreakable rep was hype and I wasn't likely to realize any economy riding one, but mostly it was the stupid red colour. So I bought a boat.

I freaking love my ct125! I still think this new motorcycle is a great option for people who arent willing to pay 4300 for a 125cc bike

You need to add $900 to wolf for freight and setup.

Sadly, without dual channel abs it won't be available here in Oz. We lost a lot of good small bikes due to govt regs, including the CT125 trail...

I wonder why so many young folks are CT90 fans . Seems that most want them to go faster for freeway and highway travel. A few more cubes and you have a more versatile vehicle that can keep up with city traffic, without strain. I have owned a '65 pushrod CT-200 ( $385 new) and still have an old "68 KO with bad transmission, wanna buy my '48 Indian Chief?

Could the CSC handle a 230# rider?

Where do I buy one

I wonder about getting service, repair and parts for Chinese motorcycles with political and shipping problems. If you are an experienced DIY Honda CT-90 mechanic, with special tools, and Wolf parts remain available, you may do okay with the Wolf.

What happened to your Trail?

Slave labor has its benefits. But that being said . I’d only buy one if I were looking for something that I wouldn’t be putting lots of miles on it . The Trail on the other hand I own it. I needed one for everyday use in the city . Yes I do own the H,Trail but only after weeks of research for the perfect city ride that offered all the pluses with none of the minuses.

The Wolf125 will easily break into this overpriced minimoto market. I suggest you order one (or two) immediately because CSC in California will jack up the prices once their current stock is sold. Quality should not be an issue since CSC Lifan etc are OEM parts suppliers to Honda. Rust however, is an issue with Chinese bikes. So just keep it clean and lubed (fluid film, Rust-Oleum etc)

It's probably about the same mechanically. The difference is you don't have to get screwed by the stealership! Motorcycle dealerships are all owned by the same person so they know the customers don't have any choice to avoid dealers that treat you like garbage! I will never buy another bike from a dealership. I will be buying a Chinese bike so I can avoid the dealership!

For $2800 buy a used Yamaha TW200

Your intro noise is ear jarring.