Surprised at How Fast They Get Heavy.
It was only a couple years ago that I felt the BMW K75C was getting too heavy to handle. Plus I wanted something to ride in the mountains. Not on rough trails or single track. Just the many dirt and gravel forest roads. And the Royal Enfield Himalayan was a good choice for me. And I have to add, I love that motorcycle.
But…. There’s always a but. Especially when I get older. I don’t feel the same kind of “heavy” I did with the BMW but I definitely have become more aware of the weight of the Himalayan. On a good day I’m not sure if I could pick it up after a drop. And definitely not on a bad back day. And if it fell on my my aging bones might be more prone to fracture. Just what I need as I ride on the path towards age 70 this year.
So I’ve been doing some thinking and scheming and prowling of the internet.
The Honda CT 125 Trail
There’s something attractive to me about this Honda motorcycle. In the same way the Himalayan is. It exudes practicality without sophistication. Simple in design and build. Rugged in appearance. And fulfilling a need that goes beyond riding in the dirt and gravel.
And at 180 pounds lighter any concerns about weight evaporate. But with less than half the horsepower of the Himalayan it would require adjusting from a slow motorcycle to an even slower one. And for me, that is part of the attraction.
“Less is more” is something my friend Paul tells me. And I get that. A smaller, lower powered machine seems to make even ordinary rides more of an adventure. In part because there is a lot more to manage when you find yourself a rolling roadblock.
So right now my mind is slowly turning over what life with a Honda might be like. And how I’ll feel about releasing the Himalayan. Too bad I can’t fit five machines in the garage.
Thinking at the Pump Station Cafe
I ride down to the Pump Station for breakfast. Often to just think a bit. About writing, or photography, riding, or a new motorcycle. The Vespa ET4 has similar performance on the road to the Honda CT 125 Trail. I think. There’s still some investigation to do. And I would like to take one for a test ride. Or at least sit on one.
There’s a dealer 50 miles away with a couple in stock. Perhaps I can convince them to let me take one for a spin.
Life is Good
If my only problem in life is whether to get a different motorcycle then life is pretty damn good. Granted, there are other issues in my life but everything seems to have faded to the background as I wrestle with this existential question — Himalayan or Honda 125 Trail.
My wife says to just let it simmer in my brain for a while. I didn’t tell her the water is already boiling.
Anyone interested in a lovingly used 2022 Himalayan??
A 250cc version of the Honda would be perfect.
I’ve sat on the CRF250L and it is too uncomfortable. And it just isn’t pretty. I need something visually stimulating!
I went through the same process a few months ago, Steve. I had a Honda 750X DCT for several years which I really enjoyed, but at 230 kg without fuel or luggage it felt too heavy as I enter my later 60s. I seriously considered the CT125 and got very close to trading down to one – although it did feel a little small when I sat on one. But as I only wanted one bike, I decided I needed something that was capable of reasonable speeds of 80/90 km/hr, and would give me some protection from the elements and dirt. So I bought a (red) Honda ADV 150 and haven’t looked back. It handles sealed and gravel roads, single track and rougher roads really well, and feels stable with 50/50 tyres. At 130 kg it’s easy to move around. It’s got really good power for a 150cc and a smooth as butter CVT. I just about use it every day, so It may also be worth a try for you.
I think the Trail would be a good fit and that you’d be happy but Shane’s idea even a better ‘fit’. I’d encourage you to look at one of those on your way to the Trail test.
But Coop…. they just don’t look right for me. I never warmer to the sleeker, modern looking scooters. Doesn’t matter how well they perform or what features they have. They just don’t pass the initial eyeball test for me.
I have two scooters and two motorcycles in the garage right now. Any replacement of the Himalayan would be something to beat around on the dirt and gravel forest roads here. I’ve sat on the ADV150 and it seemed ok but like most of the other Honda offerings they just don’t look pretty. At least to my eye. The Honda Trail 125 is an oddball. Probably why I like the looks.
At this point I’m not sure what to do. But until I do I will keep riding the Himalayan.
Hi Steve, I’m pretty sure you’re wife knows the water has been boiling and told you to let it simmer for a reason 😀 at lest mine would. She needs just a little time to make peace with it too:-D
Oh, and how about a Ural? 😉 usually don’t have to worry about picking it up, but it is kind of a work out to ride.
I think she doesn’t really care what I buy or if I buy. She just knows that if I’m rushing to buy something it is usually a bad choice. So she counsels me to slow down.
Hi Steve,
As you know, I own a Honda CT 125, and bought it for precisely the reasons you list here. I can share with you my impressions of the bike. Before I do, however, let me point you to a good resource for information: https://hondatrail125.com/index.php. It’s the Honda Trail 125 owner’s forum, and there are many good people and a lot of information there for your research. My forum name is Red Ryder.
I absolutely love my 125, and it’s probably the bike I’ll have until I physically can’t ride anymore. But as with anything in life, there are issues to be considered that can be dealbreakers. The reality of 125cc displacement is that the 50MPH top speed is a hard cap. You can wish all you want, but you’ll only rarely get 55 downhill with a tailwind. You will never get faster than that. Roads with speed limits above 45MPH are doable, but only for very short stretches. When it tops out, that’s when the sensation of it being “too small” or “too slow” becomes real. The #1 reason why people sell their 125 is because they become dissatisfied with the lack of highway speed. Everyone who owns a 125 wants it to go 65, but it just does not. You absolutely have to come to terms with that and be at peace with it.
Having said that, this thing is a blast on gravel or dirt roads, back paved roads, and forest service roads. Even with the stock tires it does well on all these surfaces (you’ll probably want to swap out the tires in the long run). People have completed BDRs and even the TAT on this thing. It’s sweet spot is about 40-45MPH, and at that speed it’s a dream to ride. Cruising the back roads and dirt roads in my neck of the woods has been super-fun. I’m about an hour north of Allegany National Forest in western NY, and this coming riding season I intend to take it down there for some riding and camping.
I have dropped the bike once on a gravel road when I hit a gully wash and the front tire did not roll over it (bad line). I got a mild concussion from the fall, but I was easily able to get out from under the bike (left leg slightly pinned), lift it, and get it on the kick stand. No other injuries. The clutch pedal got bent out of shape, but I still managed to ride home (probably should not have done that in hindsight). In short, at 262 pounds wet, this is a bike you can manage if you drop it.
The semi-automatic clutch is smooth. Suspension is OK but not adjustable; you’ll feel bumps. I bought mine used with a different seat, so I can’t speak to the stock seat. Maintenance is simple. ABS brake in the front. Some people would like a lower crawling gear like on the old CT90, but you can change the sprocket to get a little more torque at the lower end; I haven’t felt the need for that. It’s really an excellent cross between a scooter and a motorcycle. It has the aesthetic and operational functions of a motorcycle, but really it’s the performance of a 125cc scooter.
Having said all this, the Honda ADV 160 as mentioned above is also an interesting and capable choice. It’s the bike I’d buy if I were going to do the Scooter Cannonball Run. Its advantage is that it will do 65MPH, making it more highway capable. And it does have sufficient but not remarkable ground clearance for off-road. I chose the CT125 because it’s more purpose-built for off-roading, and I felt I really wasn’t going to do much more high-speed street riding, to be honest. I have a carrier for the 125 which allows me to haul it on my SUV or RV, so I can literally load the bike up and drive it to wherever I want to ride. For me at 72, that’s really all I want for the next however many years of riding I have left. I know you’ve enjoyed that Himalayan, and I was sorely tempted to buy one when I was making my choice. For me, I wanted a bike I knew I would be able to handle 8-10 years down the road, and the only bike I could find that does that is the Trail Rider. I think Yamaha is also releasing a 125 competitor called the PG-1 with a 110cc engine, but I am not sure it’s released in the US yet. I’d offer you a test ride, but the bike is in winter storage right now. And if you can find a used one, I’d recommend going that route. Honda dealerships are adding fees to the bike that can increase the price by $1000 or more.
Oh PS – It’s a head-turner. You will look much cooler riding to the Pump Station or the Moto Hangs on this. People will regale you with stories about the old CT70 or 90 they had in the 1970s. “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.”
Hmmm…yes, we’re older now, aren’t we? Maybe wiser, definitely weaker. So. Have you looked at the Janus Halcyon 250cc bike made just for us oldtimers in Indiana? Google them. I myself downsized from a BMW R1200GS to a Husqvarna Vitpilen 701. Its sister bike, the Svartpilen is even better (though, ahem, somewhat less stylish) for the kinda roads you’re thinking of. Interestingly, KTM, who owns Husqvarna these days, couldn’t figure out how to market these bikes, so they quit making them in 2021. Used ones will be low mileage and good value. 2019 is the best year, before then, 2018, working out the bugs, after then they were mfgd in India and quality suffered.
The problem I have with the Honda is its size & where I live. I loved my riva 200 it was so fun to ride and throw around the twisties, but my big Burgman I could travel on. Anyplace I would go that I would be taking any dirt tracks would be hours of street riding or even freeway.
I have been looking at the new (to the US) Honda xr150 trail bike quite a bit lately. It reminds me of my first bike, a 1972 Honda cl100. After inflation it even costs less. It isn’t as light as the Trail 125, and it isn’t a step through design(an important consideration for me at this point), but it is very light, capable, and easy to work on. After a last few camping trips with Joni on the Vulcan this summer it might be time for a change.
I looked real hard at the XR150 myself. The highway-capable speed was the greatest temptation. The things that pushed me to the CT125, though, were disc brakes front and rear, electronic fuel injection, semi-automatic clutch, step-through design, and that large rear rack capable of 44 lbs. The high air intake and muffler, as well as included skid plate, made me feel the 125 was designed for off-road moto camping more so than the 150. That’s what I was looking for. In truth, I wish I had the money for both!
Now you’ve got me thinking about a Honda 125 Trail. But then, we’re getting into electric bicycles now. Decisions, decisions. BTW Mike has a serious off road electric bicycle.
Hey Steve … I own and very much enjoy a 2023 CT125, the first year sold here in Canada. I agree completely with everything Tom had to say re the 125. Accept all and adjust
to the size and power limitations then enjoy and savour. I have spent close to 200 mile days on mine just exploring and poking around. Having ridden a bit in your part of the world, enjoying too your blog and YouTube posts, I can only imagine the possibilities at your doorstep. So much fun that you might want to spend the odd afternoon kick starting and pushing the thing around your driveway because you still can. The first bike I ever rode was a CT90 and it may very well be that the last ICE moto I own/ride will be this CT125. Having owned a good number of single cylinder Dualsport/Adv bikes over the years I understand the appeal of those platforms too but if you are going to spend time off highway you should be able to pick the bike up. Performance parameters certainly change as we age eh! Cheers and enjoy.
Do not buy the Trail 125!!!!!! If anything buy the XL150 (XR). In a word the clutch system on the 125 SUCKS. I had a similar system on a 50cc and it was terrible. Not so much on upshifts but on downshifts. You can’t ease it into gear and it will feel like you hit the brakes and sent the engine screaming. The 150 is a motorcycle and is getting incredible reviews. It has been sold overseas and is a staple in underdeveloped countries. Or see the CSC ads on the web for a 250 with a simple motor.
It is true that the semi-automatic clutch system does not allow you to “feather” the clutch while downshifting, since there is no clutch handle to ease you into the lower gear. You do have to adjust your riding style to this aspect of the bike. But since I’m usually traveling no more than 40-45MPH on average, easing off the gas and using the brake works fine. I wait to downshift just before coming to a full stop. I wouldn’t say the clutch system sucks, but I would say a rider can adapt to how the clutch operates. The 150 is a great bike, and I wouldn’t argue against anyone buying it. The CSC TT250 comes in at 50 lbs more than the 125, and the seat height is 34″. Might be a bit high for an old guy or gal to swing a leg over or flatfoot.
My issue with it was when approaching on on a hill that required a downshift it was jarring to do. Yes, coming up to a stop I would wait until stopped to downshift to neutral. What I am saying is that in the dirt riding on logging roads that Steve does working the gearbox is a necessity and I don’t see the semi-automatic as adequate for that. The XL-150 would be a better fit in my opinion.
…tough decisions…
Back-in-the-day I had a Harley Davidson X-90 then a Honda CT90. Eventually a Kawasaki KZ1300. Now riding 150s and 250s. I can attest that less IS more. I’m pushing 70 age wise.
Steve – Lots of valuable comments here on the CT125 so I won’t try and elaborate on any of them … I’ve owned a Vespa GTS 250 for 16 years now but through my teens and early 20’s (I’m 69 now) I had a number of enduro/dual sport bikes.
My favorite bike out of all of them was my CT90 Honda Trail. It was a blast to ride, virtually indestructible (which is saying something from teenaged boy). I never had more fun on another bike since then. So for purely FUN riding, the CT125 is probably a great choice.
Someone above mentioned an electric bicycle. There are a zillion different styles, power levels and price points. Certainly too slow for riding on the road out to your favorite trail but easy (the heaviest ones are 60-70#) to throw on a hitch carrier on in the back of a truck and drive to the trail head. Many would go 30-40 miles at 20 mph, so a nice trail speed. No noise, no smell, some exercise for you….
Seems like a nice ride Steve, but the hard cap of 55 mph on pavement reminds me of how I feel when on the Yamaha TW200. It makes for some long rides where distances such as 30 miles seemed like nothing on larger capacity motorcycles but quite the chore on the TW200. Just something to keep in mind since you do like to put in a few miles on your rides.
It’d be easy to carry on a rack though, hitched to a car, to extend its range and get you to the offroad stuff. A review said it’s not a dirt bike per se but I think it’ll do nicely on the stuff you’re likely to wander on.
If you are seriously thinking about the CT125, I’d recommend the 125cc Monkey. Same engine, true 5 speed/clutch shift, similar cuteness. Every report about them lists how much fun they are, and the wide Tires are better for gravel/off road..
I’ve looked at a Honda Monkey. It just doesn’t have the same visual appeal to me.
For everyone advising against the Trail 125, it helps to understand its unique appeal, especially here in central PA. We have some of the best gravel roads in the country, owned and maintained by the state forestry service. These roads aren’t difficult, but they aren’t fast, either. I usually chug along at 25 to 30 mph, which is right in the Trail 125’s ideal range. High road speed isn’t really a requirement, as you can literally ride across the state on these graveled back roads, with just some short paved side trips for gas and food (and a hotel if you’re rich enough). But even more than that, for those of us “of a certain age”, the Trail 125 is an icon of our youth. Many of us started off on similar bikes (the first bike I ever rode was a Honda 50. The semi-auto clutch was a God send for a 11 year old first timer!) For us, the Trail 50, 70, 90, etc. remind us of the fun we had in our younger days. And as we age, we are physically kind of like 10 or 12 year old self again. Stiff clutches, high seats, and weight are becoming hard to manage once again.
So yes, the Trail 125 is slow as a slug. Yes, it is easy to lock up the back tire if you downshift. Yes, it is easy to wash out the front wheel. Yes, the suspension is not great. And yes, the motor harkens back to the Stone Age.
And yes, it does make sense on our local roads.
But none of that really matters. Bikes like the Trail 125 make us feel young, and remind us of the freedom we enjoyed as kids when we learned to ride. That alone is worth the (very moderate) price tag.
I don’t have a Trail 125. I usually cruise the back roads on my Suzuki TU250x. But thinking back and remembering, I really kind of want one for myself!
Your assessment of the forest roads here in central Pennsylvania is spot on. And I generally chug along at 25 to 35mph on my Himalayan. The only advantage to being able to go faster is on the pavement. I did take the Himalayan for a ride today, pavement only, and it is one sweet ride. But after sitting on a Trail 125 I think I would enjoy the off road adventures more on that smaller machine.
I’m not quite ready to buy a Trail 125. But I am getting closer and closer. And today I looked hard in the garage to see if I could fit the Himalayan AND a Trail 125. Five machines. That’s not too many is it???
Hello Steve,
I’ve gone through this exact same process for 10 years or so and finally retired from riding about 18 months ago – I’m 76 now. For me, the secret has been to have fall-back options I can be passionate about. The main ones are a classic car (1972 MGB GT), a boat for sea fishing with my wife (she out-fishes me) and an e-mountain bike to stay fit.
Before I finally decided to retire, my bike of choice for off-road adventures was leaning towards a KTM 390. A bike which was fit for purpose but also appealed to me emotionally. Needed both sides of the equation to be happy!
Best,
Geoff in NZ
I’ve followed your blog for a long time and your riding retirement and move to the MGB GT was intriguing. I’ve wondered about a change like that myself and have explored the idea of various vehicles. What surfaced were old pickup trucks, jeeps, Land Cruisers, etc. And not pristine or restored but rather something in user condition that I can drive in any weather or location and not be concerned about mud, water, or salt.
Maybe when the time comes I will do something like that after I sell all the scooters and motorcycles.
Right now I am still in the place where whatever I ride it has to meet the purpose and appeal emotionally — just as you suggest. Thank you for reminding me!