Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Trail 125, and a Kawasaki W650

Embracing the Honda Trail 125 Adventure Machine

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2024 Honda Trail 125 motorcycle parked in a driveway.
Loaded and ready for adventure.

Unexpectedly Sexy

Not sure sexy is the correct term. But unlike almost any other motorcycle or scooter on the road the Honda Trail 125 gets first, second, and often third looks and comments. Often seen as cute it doesn’t seem to intimidate or trigger indifferent reactions that bigger, louder, and frankly gaudier motorcycles can do. If engagement and ego stroking is important you won’t go wrong with this machine. And if you are looking for adventure, don’t underestimate this little machine.

The adventure ahead on this morning was simple — a wandering ride on backroads, dirt, and gravel to breakfast. A quiet hour on the road to cover 26 miles. Perfect for embracing the Honda Trail 125.

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The Gift of Riding

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Two Honda Trail 125 motorcycles parked on a gravel lot by an old one-room school.
Paul Ruby and I at the start of a ride to breakfast.

Realizations of the Obvious

I can get lost inside myself. Preoccupied with meaningless or sometimes even harmful or pointless preoccupations that cut me off from the living world. From friends and family. From the things that give meaning to life.

Like going for a ride to breakfast with my friend Paul.

There are reminders everywhere of the certainty that it will all end. When I notice them life becomes suddenly richer. The quality of light in the morning. The look and feel of the Honda Trail bike I’m riding. The cool air on my face.

But how easily I forget.

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Into the Mountains With the Honda Trail 125

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Scenic view of Bear Meadows Natural Area.
Bear Meadows Natural Area as seen from a Honda Trail 125.

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.

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2023 Honda CT125 Trail: All Things Change

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2023 Honda CT125 Trail strapped down in the bed of a pickup truck.
Preparing to haul my new Honda CT125 Trail home.

I Done Done It

The deed is done. I bought a brand new 2023 Honda CT125 Trail. It’s home in the garage sipping power through a Battery Tender waiting for a little warmer weather. It was sunny and 17F this morning but the clarion call of cold weather riding no longer shouts louder than my desire to curl up in the house with a cup of hot chocolate or tea.

But this week the thermometer will point toward the 40F mark so the Honda CT125 Trail should see its first experience of the beautiful Central Pennsylvania landscapes.

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