When it comes to fun, approachable, popular miniMOTO models, no manufacturer even comes close to Honda, and the Trail 125 is a prime example of one such machine that also pays tribute to the past. The model harkens back to a golden era of motorcycling when there was seemingly a CT model on the bumper rack of every motor home but, like Honda's nostalgic Monkey and Super Cub, it incorporates the modern joys of practical design and hassle-free technology. Based on the urban-appropriate Super Cub, the Trail 125 has a number of rugged upgrades, making it ideal for casual trekking on- and off-road.

HISTORY
In 1960, Idaho dealer Herb Uhl began modifying Honda's popular step-through 50 and selling it for use in the area's rugged mountain terrain. American Honda learned of the concept and sent an example of the updated machine to Japan, and by March of 1961, the CA100T Trail 50 was offered in the U.S. The machine was a huge hit, and the platform evolved through numerous upgrades and revisions, eventually becoming the popular CT brand.

Milestone models included the 1964 CT200 Trail 90, the 1969 CT70 Trail 70 and the 1981 CT110. Over the course of nearly three decades, well over 725,000 units from the CT series were sold in the U.S. before it disappeared for several decades. Then in 2019, a concept CT125 debuted at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, paying tribute to the popular platform of old. It received rave reviews, along with requests for a production model, and that wish was granted with the introduction of the 2021 Honda Trail 125.

DESIGN / STYLING
The many improvements to the function and capability of the original CT series have not detracted from the distinctive CT design, which is carefully preserved in the modern Trail 125. With the goal of balancing the image of a tough-yet-modern machine, Honda's designers simplified the surfaces of each part on the frame while preserving the symbolic elements such as the upswept muffler, air-cleaner cover, fuel tank, rear carrier, steel front fender, turn signals, footpegs and handgrips.

A 3-D emblem of the signature original Honda wing logo represents the traditional series model while the drop-shadow Honda logo, reminiscent of the CT-series, is attached on left and right side covers.

Electronic features include the following:

• 190 watt generator output
• LED lighting
• Large, square turn signals mimic the look of the older CT models and are durable for off-road use

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
Compared to the Super Cub, the wheelbase of the Trail 125 is .5 inches longer at 49.4, the front-suspension stroke is .4 inches longer at 4.3, ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher at 6.5, and the seat height is .8 inches higher at 31.5. Together with the following updates from the Super Cub, these differences allow the Trail 125 to readily traverse uneven road surfaces and challenging terrain while still providing ample rider comfort and control:

• The head pipe is reinforced and the triple clamp redesigned to ensure a balance between frame rigidity and flex.
• An upswept bend enables the handlebar to be turned 45 degrees in each direction so that the rider can easily make course corrections at low speed.
• Dual-sport-style knobby tires mounted on 17-inch rims with stainless-steel spokes offer traction and long life.
• Disc brakes front and rear ensure excellent braking power even when luggage is loaded; ABS is standard.
• The seat is narrower at the front to facilitate foot reach to the ground.

The fuel-tank capacity is 1.4 gallons – 0.4 gallons larger than the Super Cub, increasing range when fuel stations are few and far between. The high-mounted air intake and upswept exhaust enhance low-end power and are consistent with the CT lineage, and the engine guard adds protection from obstacles like large rocks and tree stumps.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
As with the Super Cub C125, the Trail 125 engine is a 125 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder overhead-camshaft design operating two valves. Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enrichment and electronic ignition ensure trouble-free starting and efficient operation in every conceivable condition. The Trail 125 has a longer intake and tuned exhaust for enhanced low- and midrange power, as well as a three-tooth-larger rear sprocket (39 teeth) for lower gearing—all changes that are ideal for trekking and touring on forest-service roads and trails. Like the Super Cub, the Trail 125 uses a four-speed semiautomatic transmission.

As a package, the Trail 125 pays tribute to the original CT line while embracing the convenience and performance of modern technology, making it a great tool for riding around town or exploring the wilderness.

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