You See the Nicest Things on a Honda
After wrestling with the idea of needing a lighter motorcycle to ride in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania I purchased a 2023 Honda Trail 125. Based mostly on reviews, reputation, and a gut reaction to its appearance. How bad could it be? Besides, I can adjust to anything. So the first ride off the pavement provided a glimpse of whether I would be smiling or growling when I got home.
Just seven miles from home is the Bear Meadows Natural Area. A destination that seemed a good first stop for my friend Paul and I to test our newly acquired machines — the Honda Trail 125.
The Pause That Refreshes
My friend Paul and I both bought one so we could ride together off the pavement and perhaps in places we would normally stay away from. Seven miles from home we arrived at Bear Meadows Natural Area. It was a beautiful day and fine time to explore whether I made a good purchase.
What About the Himalayan?
A few days ago I rode my Himalayan into the mountains. Another cold day. The snow and ice had finally melted and the roads were clear. Mostly. But there were stretches where the clay was exposed and saturated with water that produced a slippery grease that the Himalayan squirmed through.
I was immediately reminded of my concerns. The motorcycle is tall, heavy, and I felt any drop would be problematic. For my body either through immediate injury or to my already deteriorated spine struggling to pick it up.
So I purchased the Honda Trail as an alternative.
Relaxed Adventuring
Riding up the north side of the mountain proved challenging. The snow and ice had not yet melted and at one point completely covered the road. The Honda Trail 125 was amused by the challenge because the bike is so light, so easy to manage that clawing our way to the summit and the bright sun was fun.
The snow and ice vanished in the sunlight as we made our way to the Wampler Road Vista.
Small Yet Capable
The first thing I noticed about the Honda was that it would go as fast as I would ever want to go off the pavement. I’m no racer. And as I near my 70th birthday what I want is something I can ride comfortably without concern about being able to manage the machine physically. From that perspective it is a perfect choice.
Lightweight or Featherweight?
Paul wanted to see what parts would hit if the bike fell over. In the process it was apparent how easy it would be to pick up the bike.
So far all the boxes are checked.
Like a Mountain Goat
Continuing on we found what would more aptly be described as a Jeep trail than a maintained Bureau of Forestry Road. Muddy in parts, deep ruts, and very rocky. Definitely not a road I would have chosen to ride on the Himalayan.
I stopped on this steep section to consider for a moment what the Honda Trail could do. Pretty much anything off the pavement. At least for the way I ride.
The Honda Trail 125 seems like it takes the rough stuff in stride and is very easy to handle. Just what I was after.
A Good Choice
It was a beautiful day for a first off-road ride with the Honda Trail 125. It handled the snow and ice, was capable on the rough trails, and a pleasure on the maintained forest roads.
All that was left was 14 miles of paved road to home including a run up over Tussey Mountain where the small engine of Honda showed its limitations. But it was easy enough to wave faster traffic around and I was happy with its performance.
I will add that the Himalayan seems like a rocket in comparison but that power is only useful on the pavement. I don’t ride the Himalayan any faster on the dirt than I would with the Honda. But with the Honda, I’ll go places I would never attempt on the Himalayan.
So now I have some decisions to make about the Himalayan.
A good problem to have.
Seems a perfect fit for you Steve, a great move forward. Now have safe fun on it!
So far it is exactly what I hoped it would be. Now what to do with the Himalayan…
I had a Hotaka 100 in the early 70s. It so light and nimble, but noice. 125 looks and sounds good.
Weird. We have little machines when we were kids. And again when we’re old!
Congratulations on your first ride! Let the adventures begin! I would love to hear Paul’s impressions. Looking forward to your first video!
Hi Tom. I pre-loved the CT125. That means before I ever rode one I knew I’d love it. Once my ego is put to the side (I like powerful pretty Ducatis and Harleys) reality arrives. The CT125 is more fun because its light, cheap and highly engineered for the trail and forces me to go slower and enjoy the woods experience.
I knew you had a “need for speed” so I’m glad you like it. Your description hit the nail on the head. It even handles wide single-track well. If you’re worried about what might break in a fall, there are at least two models of crash bars I’ve seen that will give it a little more protection than the stock crash bars. Plenty of aftermarket items out there!
Pre-loved. Me too.
It is a great go-slow machine.
So far it’s pure fun off road. I’m glad Paul and I decided to buy one.
What is the comfortable cruising speed for the Trail 125 on pavement?
I own one, and for me, “comfortable” cruising speed is 40-45 MPH. On level pavement it can touch 50 MPH, but above that it’s not comfortable. 55 is its absolute max. 125cc/8HP doesn’t get you all that much!
45mph seems a comfortable speed on the flat. It will go a little faster but not much. But I’m fine with that.
Same 45mph deal. Elite11Occ by Honda. CAVERNOUS storage under seat. 112k.Weight. best value motor bike EVER so far!!
The Honda Elite 110 is a rare machine. I’ve never seen one in the wild. But it seems a solid scooter for lots of transportation and riding needs.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
So far it’s a hoot!
That particularly nasty icy spot at the steep hairpin(!) I’d never get past that on a regular motorcycle, that’s where I’d turn around. But with my feet down walking/riding/pushing the Honda up the ice was fine. It was more a “hey look ma I’m going to keep on going!” thing.
Steve, are you familiar with a you-tuber named Sterling Noren? He has begun posting ride videos of his Trail 125 around southern Arizona. I think his channel is called the Motorcycle Travel Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjlS27ANwS0
Sterling has been the main videographer for the BDR videos.
I knew Sterling was involved in the production of BDR films. I watched the video at the link you provided. The Honda Trail 125 sure is a little mule until the road got so steep that it couldn’t drag itself and Sterling any further. I doubt I’ll get into anything so rough.
Thanks for the head’s up. I appreciate it.
Very glad the Honda is working out as desired off-road!
It’s a lot of fun. Slow like me! Your TW would leave it in the dust though…