NEW Honda Trail 125 Review | CT125 = Better than Grom, Monkey & Super Cub Motorcycles? 

If they would've added the dual range transmission I have on my 81 CT110 I would've bought this refresh model immediately. To me it's not a true trail bike until it gets that critical feature for deep off trail travel.

BS -- where can you find a '23 for under $4K... our dealers here in SoCal are jacking the sticker price of $3,995 to well over $6K -- highway robbery.

I had a 2022, It needs more power. Maybe a 4-valve head with 12hp or a 150cc motor. I live in a rural area where the speed limits are all 55mph. It can barely do that with no wind. Couple in some wind and at times it struggles to go above the high 40's. For me slowing down the traffic doesn't feel safe. I ended up trading mine for a Himalayan. I thought I would of kept it forever but that was my major issue. Also, the rear brake and shifter levers bend way too easily.

too expensive honda now. gpx cheaper and not bad, honda pricely out forever for me

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

I keep saying that honda needs to take the rebel 300 motor and cram it into the minis as a 2nd engine option but keep the size of the bikes mini. Then youll have like a 276cc 6 speed and that in a grom or trail 125 would make them much more capable of actually getting me around town with the hills i live in. The problem is i think honda might not want to kill sales on the 125 because the 125 is still a good motor and its durable for what it is and its been out for a long time. Plus theres 300s they dont want to pull sales from by people cross shopping in the same brand. If you sell 3 versions of evety bike eacb one might sell less. I just think it sucks how a grom struggles to 60mph and it should be able to get to 60 faster and also maintain 60 up a hill. Or even faster i mean that sucker should rip. Yiu do a 125 cc for learners they upgrade to like the 250 grom or something idk. The 125 motor is good and shouldnt go away it gets the best mpg it is the best for just swinging out of your neighborhood for a snack at the convienience store or something. There is a novelty to the 125 grom or trail125 that makes them interesting to a wide variety of people. Doordashers etc. The rebel has 3 options. Im suprised all the minis dont have 2 options. The OG 125 for the ultimate fuel economy and learners and the nkvelty comedic factor, or a more powerful more realistic 250 from the rebel which they call a 300 eventhough its like a 276. So they could market it as a 250 but its even slightly more. Mahne they do something else idk but we know they have the revel 300 engine amd that thing js compact. But js jt compact enough to fit, the grom might meed a generational change like the rebel djd to account for different engine options. Or idk i really like innovation so to me its interesting to try to build the smallest most reliable bike possiible soemone 6 foot tall fits comfortably on that goes as fast as possible without being electric. Then You get an easy package to fit in the garage with a lot of power at a good price and a 125 grom is not that a trail 125 is not that. They are small but slow. I think 250cc version js the way to fill the need. Like how they have 3 versions with the rebel but idk the minis maybe a 125 and 250 version? Imagine a parrallel twin grom tho 270 degree crank. Parks next to a 125 grom and is clearly on a steroid injection program. Idk what will actually happen i just want to be good. I hate the aspects of bikes that make them all identical in certain ways. I really enjoy when something is unique and peculiar in a way that is pleasent. So thats why the trail 125 is appealing but 125cc is rough if i want to leave my small town to thr small town next door where the work is at. Speed limit 55 everyone does 60 and theyll pass you while you do 60 uphill so trail grom 125 motor really isnt safe on those roads always. I like the series harley cancelled when they lost their minds, there was a sporters series and you could get an 883cc or a 1200cc. the 48 the 72. They were able to make 1 bike 4 bikes. To me groms are too disposable but id still buy one. I like the extra reliablity of a larger engine that would help. The 125 is great for the trail the nkvelty running tho the gas station for snacks, but a 250 isnt far behund and a from 125 for mpg. And in like a trail 125 if it was a 250 would. Cross alaska faster etc. Safer on faster roads. The 125 you take the longer flatter side road because speed limit is lower and it keeps me from wanting to take the bike out because maybe i just want to quickly go to walmart for a few things and back and the speed lomit 60mph up a hill. The trail 125 i will buy one but to me its partially more like an excersize in good asthetics i am an art guy as much as a motorcycle guy so i like it to look good sitting there and a trial 125 does. But then im like shoot that looks good let me take it to walmart and i have to take the back road slower the trip takes twice as long each way and then im like yo 70mpg in a 250 woulda been better than 110 but a 15 minute drive turned into 25. If im not leaving my small town a 250 is not needed but i like to explore my whole county and the one north of me as theyre the two closest civilizations and between them its 75mph and just between my town and the two others you have to be able to get up to 60 and 65. So its hard to spend 4k on a bike that struggles to get me out of town when a 5k used accord with 200k miles can take me across the country. But i cant take an accord down a single track trail made by people on 125 250cc 450 cc dirtbikes. So i like the 125 its just if they sold a 250 trail id try to get both 😂 i want to see honda use the grom as a plaftorm you can get a super efficient one or one thats just questionably fast. I feel so bad for these guys building touring rigs from trail 125s and jts like yo if im going to the top of alaska if honda sold a trail 125 250 id take the bigger one. They modify the 125 engine for power and its lifespan is 50k miles stock if you maintain it perfectly. So they make it unreliable fast when the motor coulda just been bigger stock. To some degree i like small motorcycles and big ones so its hard for me to say to cancel the 125 and make them all 250s because i wouldnt mind a grom or trail 125 or 250 both. Or just rediculous fun stuff like a tripple cylinder grom thats got 125cc cylinders its like this ugly duckling that has 375cc but what matters is the power to weight ratio. Idk turbo it from the factory, something. Something. Something. No way you fit 3 cylinders in a grom but i mean what if the 1 was bigger or you do 2 small ones idk. to keep the light alive the souls living, you need uniqueness and peculiarity. The trail has a lot already i just wonder if you can scale it up like the rebel, 125 250 and 500 for real tourin idk. A 250 trail would outnit out there doing light trail dirtbike type stuff. A 250 dirtbike is right in the pocket for the trail you hage to build momentum with it to get up a hill so a trail 125 its worse you end up stopping halfway up and pushing it up. If it was a 250 using the rebel 300 engine thats a 6 speed it can do like 60 stock 65 idk. I got the need for speed but i hate all electrics. I think motorcycles work well as straight gasoline motors

Yamaha TW200

@@mojaveclimber I had a TW200, it could cruise along at 55-60 but that's about it. It was too short coupled even for me at 5'9"! I always thought Yamaha should add a couple inches to the wheelbase and put the XT225 engine in it. Mr. Mojaveclimber, are you a rockclimber somewhere in the Mojave Desert? There is a pretty active climbing scene up in Ridgecrest if you are interested.

I'd say 150 or 175 would freat

@@mojaveclimberyou’re asking for it to be something it isn’t and never was intended to be

Watching this makes me want to get my 1970 model back on the road. Does the new model have the high- low selector. Really came in handy when on some of the steeper climbs.

What did you change the exhaust to? I plan on getting one

​@LaneAWD_OwO1980 trail 110 didn't have hi lo but 81 to 86 all did.

really? these are south of 6k otd. they are basically a neat looking scooter

​@@ltcuaa0FF ROAD scooter .

These are street legal?

​@@Str8Rippin93yess

But if it was a 250

It's wild how long it's taken since this new generation of the CT was launched, for it to finally end up here in the US! Heck yeah, big congrats on getting an order in for one soon! Which color are you going with? ...oh wait, that's an easy one lol! Well, I'm kind of assuming you're in the US on that joke so it may not "hit" if you're in one of the few corners around the world that actually have an option - unlike us here in the states. Thank you! I've been trying my best to improve these videos and in the end, they end up taking a LOT more time to put together, so I really appreciate the kind words and you taking the time to not only watch but to jump in the conversation too ;) Also, best of luck with the upcoming purchase - you're going to love it! Fingers crossed you won't have to wait too long and you find a nice dealership to do business with as that can zap the fun out of the process real quick.

Yea where is that low gear switch!

absolutly (forgive me spelling) i want the handle bar sideways lever

@@jeffcharest2118 "Absolutely". Don't most computers have spell check?

the 2022+ monkey and grom did get a lower 1st gear, its not a huge difference, but its noticeable compared to the early monkeys. Also has more top end power.

I watched a great RU-vid series by C90 Adventure, where he rides from Alaska to Argentina and it got me thinking of a super cub. But I live in a mountain town so there are no super cubs but I kept seeing CT instead. Found out the T just meant trail and fit my needs better. It reminded me of one of the episodes from C90 Adventure when he gets some modifications done to his bike in Colombia, where he pretty much turned his cub into a CT, and said “I should have done this months ago” as he squealed with glee

And if you ride with sandals or flip flops as they do in many countries and upshifting with that type of footwear makes upshifting painful.

Add back the Hi/Lo range and I'd be at the dealer tomorrow

True. Electronic select high/low range would be so fun

This! Hi/low tranny select and knobby tires ... after all, they do call it a "trail!"

I own one and I really dont miss the hi/lo range as the 125cc does have alot more power than my old 90. 1st is about perfect gear for slow rocks and stuff.

Es that's so sad 😢

Why not convert it your self into a full manual transmission, I dont think it would be that difficult to swap parts after all its the same engine as the grom.

Conversion costs money. Fitment might be an issue, too.

There is never gonna be a manual CT ever lol, a BBK with bigger sprocket is all you need .

@@meuhey mine will,...if Honda decides to sell me one in Europe.

The auto clutch is ideal for crawling slowly on rocks or other difficult terrain. A manual clutch would burn up faster in such conditions.

Also I would love to see you do a video of the 2023 Honda scrambler 500

Its not even worth 4. I think in a healthy economy its a 3750 unit. K If it was a 250 4975.98 or whatever gets it below 5k after satanic sales tax

Bought mine for $5,000 a couple days ago you need to move outta California

Oh wow, you're one of the lucky few to get your hands on one of these unicorns that early as shortly before that is when the rona mess started to really throw a wrench in things. lol you hit the nail on the head though with how soooo many of us feel once we get a new toy, throw all kinds of money at it and then BAM - that new new shiny one gets released haha! On a positive note though (struggling to find one lol), is that if you wanted to have a horsepower battle with your neighbor - you win as the OG can accept larger big bore kits than the new engine! But yeah, other than that - he wins lol ;) Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too bud! Stay safe out there and enjoy that CT.

@@HondaProKevin I waited 8 months for it. As soon as I saw it at the Tokyo Motor Show I started bugging my dealership. I shouldn't gripe about the color or filter I know. Worse things in the world. I do think Honda putting such effort into their mini moto line up is next level cool though. Like you said, one of each would be amazing. Would be like having your own amusement park hopping on each of them. You put out great videos 📹 👏 Thanks

Same here bud! I'm not a huge fan of it on the Rebel 500 as it's just too much green on the tank with nothing to break it up a bit, like with the CT125 / CB500X and on these bikes - I love it. Hahahaha right! That super extensive tool kit paired up with the exclusive to the CT squared turn signals, have to be what's been slowing production down on these things lol! Fingers crossed they get a handle on things soon as the CT has been like a unicorn to find in dealerships, ever since they launched the thing 3 years ago. It's not the under ordering from dealers that's causing their scarcity though. It's Honda's production issues that have been lingering on and on from the rona mess, paired up with new emissions standards in a few key countries as well as parts suppliers issues that have really thrown a kink in things. Most dealers are ordering as many as American Honda will let them because these things will sell quickly, unlike a lot of models that may hang around on the showroom floors for months before turning. When Honda doesn't give them an option on their MROP to order them or cuts their allotment numbers down to practically nothing, they're stuck. Long story short, it's a mess lol! We need some sort of normalcy soon though as a lot of dealers are still struggling to this day to get inventory. Crazy times for sure! Here's to hoping they get some of it sorted out before the Dax is released here in the USA though, otherwise it's going to be the same mess we've been dealing with... Let's all cross our fingers together lol! Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate it... and thank you for watching and jumping in the conversation too, means a lot as I try to find some way to make all of this sustainable, so I can continue bringing you guys Honda content ;)

@@HondaProKevin I was making the same comments about last year's model, and as soon as I gave up on finding one and settled on a Navi, wouldn't you know it? A week later the dealer had both a Super Cub and a CT125...

STP was invented by Andy Granitelli to make his oil not break down and loose film strength when running the Indy 500. It was not a good choice for a motorcycle engine. WAY too thick. Listen to the engineers who wrote the owners manual.

​@jaywintersit2483 wet clutches are not a fan of it either

I agree that it needs the low range. My 86 CT 110 has it and it’s really needed for off road hills and the technical sections.

I’m going with a used ct110 to get the low range. Very needed here in my mountains too!

🤔

Appreciate ya bud ;) I've been trying my best to improve from where we were not too long ago, so thank you...

Like you said, I think you may find the - not as cool - XR150 a lot more practical, i.e. ground clearance, suspension travel, conventional pattern (one down, 4 up) 5-speed gearbox with a clutch, 12 litre fuel tank, 19" front wheel, a lot more akin to your KLR but a lot easier to handle in the rough stuff. My 2015 model (here in South Africa) hasn't missed a beat after 20000km.

Yeah buddy, that's a difficult one between the Monkey and Trail for sure! I, on the other hand actually like the red plaid seat lol! It's definitely one of those love or hate things though with it being a little on the "loud" side when compared to the rest of the bike, so I can 100% understand why you and many others don't care for it. One other downfall to the Monkey in my opinion, if you want to call it that, is that the fuel tank is almost $600. Yes, we don't plan on dropping them but if you're wanting to venture off-road, to which it sounds like you want to, a simple drop could turn out to be rather expensive when compared to the others. Just something to keep in mind though ;) Cool to hear you're enjoying that PCX! Waaaay too many people knock those things without giving them a try because scooters aren't "cool" but 99% of the people I've dealt with over the years, change their tune real quick when they give them a try. It's the same story with these mini bikes too though, so many people are "why would you buy a 125?" and then they give it a whirl and see how much you can have. Yes, sir. You've definitely got to consider the XR150L if you're looking at a Trail but like you said, the Trail is lightyears ahead when it comes to cool points. Plus, the semi-auto can spoil you real quick when you're just tooling around but is it worth $1,000 more? That's the difficult question. If you care about overall build quality and "feel", I think you're going to lean towards the Trail as the XR is without a doubt - built to a budget and it's evident when you get up close to the bike and really start checking out the details. I'm not knocking it though as for $3,000 - it's hard to beat but one glance at those ugly frame welds and you'll be questioning whether or not it's a Honda lol. Unless the unit I got was one of the worst so-to-say but take that with a grain of salt as I'm picky when it comes to that stuff and like Dave said, there's been a lot of guys around the world pushing these bikes and they've shown to be a super reliable platform. I've rambled on long enough to put you to sleep though so I'll shut up now lol! I can't say thank you enough for the kind words and for hopping on board to become a member to help support future content. It's been a struggle trying to make this sustainable but one way or another, we're going to make this work! Thank you again, I really appreciate you... Take care and enjoy your trip this September on the KLR ;)

@@HondaProKevin Thanks for your take on all my options, as it seems that dealerships really need to update their websites and inform the buying public that the bikes they're featuring simply don't exist! I called the dealership I was hoping to purchase from as well as 3 others in the tri state area, and though they show the Trail 125 on their websites, they're all accounted for or already sold. And since this was just going to be a frivolous purchase, I can wait or consider something else. It's not like I don't have choices. Storage is more a concern if I want to squeeze another bike into my fleet. I have even considered the Amigo clone of the CT 70/125 as they're available for under $1500 at a local dealer in SW Jersey. Thanks again for your outstanding informative videos! Consider me a loyal follower!

😎 Rock on Sir

4000$ for a small 125cc motorcycle is a bit unreasonable. I'm from India, back in 2020 i got my first motorcycle Yamaha FZ v3 150cc, it has similar ergonomics of a mt 03 and i only paid $1600.

@@RohanSanjith Can't find one for $4000 here in the US

Same here! I'm not the biggest fan of this color on the Rebel as it doesn't have anything to break the green up but on this Trail and the CB500X - I like it. Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too ;)

theyd have to do that to all their minimotos lineup forget it.

LOL HOLY CRAP! That is absolutely insane and as much of a Honda fanboy as I am, gimme that Kawi!

@@HondaProKevin yep. 😁. I Asked the salesman to write the prices down on a business card for me. Thats what he wrote...thats the ride away price... When I said how do they justify the price of the ct..he shook his and said I dont know, and laughed. 🤔

Thanks a million for not only watching but for the kind words too bud! It's always nice to see when people find a bit of humor in there as I've been getting a few comments today, that I should quit trying to be funny and just stick to info on the bike etc. You can't please everyone though so it's a fine line to walk.

They do sell them in asia, but they are strictly luxury toy bike as they cost 2.5x the prices of similar displacement cubs and mopeds sold by honda themselves that are developed for and manufactured in southeast asia

Heck yeah, that's what is so cool about these retro styled minis - definitely brings back some memories for a LOT of people! Plus it doesn't hurt that these smaller bikes are a hoot to rip around on, just like back in the day. Appreciate ya watching and jumping in the conversation too ;)

Usually, having ABS on the front is advantageous for descending loose downhills, keeping the front from washing while letting the rear lock up if necessary. So, a lot of offroad modes switch off the rear but retain the front. Really steep? Might be best to get off and walk it down, but that could be impossible if you can't activate the rear brake - does the CT have a handbrake lever for the rear?

@@randydewees7338 I may be mistaken but I believe the latest, more expensive, adventure bikes have various riding modes and their new generation, front ABS is quite effective off-road. However, I nearly died of fright when riding my newly acquired, 2010 BMW F800GS down a steep gravel slope with it's older, non-riding modes, ABS still engaged. I think the CT125's ABS brakes may be the older, low tech type? So, like you mentioned, walking it down steep gravel hills may be the safer option.

@@DaveZee01 I had a similar experience with my friend Al's GS650 Dakar. We did a loop over Hunter mountain to the Racetrack, then tipped off the Lippincott Grade to head down into Saline Valley. I was on my trusty Dr650 and I had done this loop before. He instantly froze up near the top. I said let's switch bikes and I'd take the Dakar down. I forgot to turn the ABS off (have to every time you start it up) and it took everything I had to stop it from 5 mph! That shook me up, and with the really soft forks I gave up too. We ended up walking that 400 pound beast down - he on the bike, me as a sea anchor holding it back. Every few hundred feet I'd run up the road and get my bike. I was soaked with sweat by the bottom. I've had a few CT90's over the years, but at least 30 years since the last one. I think it had a rear brake lever on the left handlebar. Very easy to walk it down. Most normal bikes you just leave in gear and modulate the clutch.

@@randydewees7338 Thanks for sharing Randy. Us older guys have been there, done that!

Absolutely right, you have so many options, if you are willing to pay $4.000. That juice isn't worth the squeeze.

they are actually 2500US in the Asian market

Thank you... I put a lot of time into these and keep trying to improve upon them, from where we started, so I really appreciate the kind words! You're not wrong there bud! I do complain a lot about colors but heck, at least we even get the thing. If I were a betting man though, now that the CT has the latest engine that the others have to meet the most recent emissions standards - we'll see them brought into the UK. And once they do that, they need to hurry up and start shipping the flipping Dax over here because we're tired of waiting lol! Thanks for watching and jumping in the conversation too, much appreciated ;)

with abs the bike can be now

lol NOOOOO, don't do that! BUT, if you feel the need to - let me send out a disclaimer first lol! I do need to work on that though, I've been noticing more and more lately that I have a lot of words I fall back on waaaay too often and "but" is definitely one of the worst for me. Appreciate ya watching ;)