Comments on: Royal Enfield Himalayan or a Honda 125 Trail?

By: 2023 Honda CT125 Trail: All Things Change - Scooter in the Sticks

2023 Honda CT125 Trail: All Things Change - Scooter in the Sticks — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 16:01:22 +0000

[…] I began muttering about replacing my Royal Enfield Himalayan with something lighter I received a lot of comments, advice, and reactions. Before I go on I want to express my gratitude for that input. My own mind is often a chaotic swirl […]

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 14:42:28 +0000

In reply to Geoffrey James.

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!

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 04:08:01 +0000

In reply to Clyde Osterhout.

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???

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 04:03:21 +0000

In reply to David Eakin. I've looked at a Honda Monkey. It just doesn't have the same visual appeal to me.

By: Geoffrey James

Geoffrey James — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 03:07:44 +0000

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

By: Clyde Osterhout

Clyde Osterhout — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:25:11 +0000

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!

By: David Eakin

David Eakin — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:02:10 +0000

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..

By: Jim Zeiser

Jim Zeiser — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:19:09 +0000

In reply to Tom. 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.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:37:57 +0000

In reply to JoeH773. 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.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:36:52 +0000

In reply to Coop. 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.