I’m so on the fence….

T4rscott · Dec 11, 2021

Hi everyone,
I recently learned that my local dealer has a Trail 125 arriving next month, and it is not spoken for….yet.

I’m really torn because I’m not sure if it’s the bike I could live with for years to come. The other issue is the price. Where I live, that local dealer is marking up the destination from 200 (on Honda’s site) to 499, and to add insult to injury, there’s a 299 setup fee. ( what is there to set up?) The total is just over 5300.

I feel that there are better bikes for the same or less, no offense! I do think the Trail 125 is an awesome bike.
All in all, I guess I’m afraid it won’t be adequate in the speed and power.

I welcome any insight and advice from you folks.
Best regards,
Scott

Carolina Vagabond · Dec 11, 2021

I truly understand your concerns about “speed and power” and think the Trail 125 may not be the bike that you are looking for. It’s a nimble bike with adequate speed for enjoying those quiet Sunday mornings on dirt roads and country byways that many of us reminisce about riding 40 years ago. It is a capable, and reliable, bike to take you to those secluded out of the way places or just an economical ride to work. If you want to get from point A to point B quick, buy another bike. If you want to savor the ride, get the Trail. I got mine a grand cheaper than what your dealer is asking BUT, some places are charging more. You only live once....

T4rscott · Dec 11, 2021

Carolina Vagabond said:
I truly understand your concerns about “speed and power” and think the Trail 125 may not be the bike that you are looking for. It’s a nimble bike with adequate speed for enjoying those quiet Sunday mornings on dirt roads and country byways that many of us reminisce about riding 40 years ago. It is a capable, and reliable, bike to take you to those secluded out of the way places or just an economical ride to work. If you want to get from point A to point B quick, buy another bike. If you want to savor the ride, get the Trail. I got mine a grand cheaper than what your dealer is asking BUT, some places are charging more. You only live once....

I would be open to buying the bike if the dealer would be willing to lower the assembly fee

Tim · Dec 11, 2021

T4rscott said:
Hi everyone,
I recently learned that my local dealer has a Trail 125 arriving next month, and it is not spoken for….yet.

I’m really torn because I’m not sure if it’s the bike I could live with for years to come. The other issue is the price. Where I live, that local dealer is marking up the destination from 200 (on Honda’s site) to 499, and to add insult to injury, there’s a 299 setup fee. ( what is there to set up?) The total is just over 5300.

I feel that there are better bikes for the same or less, no offense! I do think the Trail 125 is an awesome bike.
All in all, I guess I’m afraid it won’t be adequate in the speed and power.

I welcome any insight and advice from you folks.
Best regards,
Scott

I too , was torn.. my dealer quotes me 4400.00$
Will I pay set up fee ? I don't know yet.
Speed power ? I'm not to worried about it.
I ride mostly the back roads of the Missouri Ozarks.
I'm in no hurry.
I'm 61 years old. This will be the last bike I ever buy. I want total reliability..And light weight that I can handle these days.
Go ahead and buy it...if it's what you want.

Finding Neutral · Dec 12, 2021

I paid $5,300 in Florida. The dealer prep consisted of twirling the 2 mirrors on and connecting the battery (the dufus tech that did mine promptly broke off the L shaped battery cover tab and cracked a push pin because he decided to use force when his pea brain couldn't figure out how to use finesse). I made the dealer buy me a new battery cover and push pin. Nice to know I paid them to break my new bike. Some dealerships surely offer better out the door prices. None around me tho.

T4rscott · Dec 12, 2021

I know there’s another bike coming in to a dealer about an hour away. They told me it would be 4780 out the door, before my states extortion fee. (The dealer is in a state that doesn’t charge tax.) Once the tax is figured in, it is literally the 399 that they are charging in excess of the 200 Honda is charging for freight. Only problem is there are 4 deposits on the one bike.

op46 · Dec 12, 2021

Your buying a classic design that scratches a certain itch. There are more capable, less expensive bikes. Its slow and uncomfortable for long duration without enhancements. But it is an erector set bike that has unlimited modification potential and will run forever if taken care of. I got my two to have something to get around on after the Zombie Apocalypse we are heading for. Paid $5300 too with all the adders. The dealers are not going to deal as they cannot keep them in stock. Some dealers just aren't going to up charge you because of the times others will. Cars in same situation where I'm glad to pay MSRP instead of a $5000 premium for same model in different state. If you think the economy, inflation and supply chain is going to get better, wait. IF not get it. I'm buying all my bucket list high dollar items as fast as I can when available.

AZ7000' · Dec 12, 2021

I paid $5500 otd, he wanted $5800. GOAZ Flagstaff, they suck!

It was however my only choice, if you buy it and it’s not your bike I’d guess you could get every penny back on the used market.

Finding Neutral · Dec 12, 2021

op46 said:
Your buying a classic design that scratches a certain itch. There are more capable, less expensive bikes. Its slow and uncomfortable for long duration without enhancements. But it is an erector set bike that has unlimited modification potential and will run forever if taken care of. I got my two to have something to get around on after the Zombie Apocalypse we are heading for. Paid $5300 too with all the adders. The dealers are not going to deal as they cannot keep them in stock. Some dealers just aren't going to up charge you because of the times others will. Cars in same situation where I'm glad to pay MSRP instead of a $5000 premium for same model in different state. If you think the economy, inflation and supply chain is going to get better, wait. IF not get it. I'm buying all my bucket list high dollar items as fast as I can when available.

Finding Neutral · Dec 12, 2021

Well said

. This bike is in a league of its own. A true Zombie Apocalypse machine it is ...

Tim · Dec 12, 2021

Finding Neutral said:
Well said . This bike is in a league of its own. A true Zombie Apocalypse machine it is ...

.......
I too am buying my bucket list items..
I'm interested in buying one of the older super cubs also. With the 6volt.
And points.
Just a basic older one three or four speed ? Doesn't matter. Simplicity is king.

Rider · Dec 13, 2021

My price in New England was about $5,300 all in as well. It seems pretty consistent, though I know people have gotten it for less. I have only taken mine out a few times because I work all the time and the balance of my activities and weather make it such that it isn’t the right tool for the job most of the time - almost everywhere I go is part highway.

So that said: I really like it a lot so far. It is a lot of fun for what it is, and I like that I am not just winding it out all the time. Riding around town and to the gym is fun, I get to find alternative routes to places I would normally go on the highway for, etc. It does have me thinking in the back of my head that maybe I need another, slightly bigger bike that can go 60-65 comfortably. If this thing could go 60, I probably wouldn‘t even think about other bikes. I look forward to riding it next summer, and I hope I can take it up to camp and let other people play with it.

Contrasted with my old Harley, I have already just decided to take it, strapped my gym bag on the back, and taken off. It’s much easier to move around, and I really don’t care what anyone thinks When I am riding it.

And yeah. This is a way better zombie bike than the Harley. In the Spring I want to fabricate a Glock mount(starting with a Comp-Tac International holster, just need to attach a swivel mount) and AR mount on the front of the bike - just as conversation starters.

So all this is to say, if you want the bike, and you are aware of what it is, then buy it for that. And maybe buy another bike, too. If you only want to have one bike, and your must-have list includes things this can’t do, move on. I doubt you’ll have trouble re-selling it if it comes to that. I kind of view it as a permanent house toy that costs little and is nice to have around.

Fun4me · Dec 14, 2021

Carolina Vagabond said:
I truly understand your concerns about “speed and power” and think the Trail 125 may not be the bike that you are looking for. It’s a nimble bike with adequate speed for enjoying those quiet Sunday mornings on dirt roads and country byways that many of us reminisce about riding 40 years ago. It is a capable, and reliable, bike to take you to those secluded out of the way places or just an economical ride to work. If you want to get from point A to point B quick, buy another bike. If you want to savor the ride, get the Trail. I got mine a grand cheaper than what your dealer is asking BUT, some places are charging more. You only live once....

Well said. Couldn't agree more.

op46 · Dec 14, 2021

Any thoughts on a 2009 Honda CRF230M (supermoto) as the other bike for street use? Its a air-cooled, carbed, six-speed, thumper. Only imported two years I think? Looking at one with 2,200 miles for $3,200. Though the new CRF300L is really nice but hitting $6,000 if you can find one. Got the Harley for high-speed highway use. And the M274 Mule/ammo carrier 4 wheel drive/steer for crawling in the woods with stuff.

jBIRDt · Dec 14, 2021

I purchased my Trail 125 to fill a teen dream of owning one and to ride it as much as possible. When it was put away for the winter months it has 1100 miles on odometer that is not on my full size V8 12mpg pickup truck. I sold the electra glide in spring, bought the Trail in July and have smiled all summer long.

Finding Neutral · Dec 14, 2021

I remember that crf230sm when they first came out. I'd totally buy one if it were in great shape. Definitely has the cool factor going on

.

m in sc · Dec 14, 2021

if its your only bike.. get the crf. great bikes.

the trail is good for 3 things IMHO:

1: if you are sentimental about owning one and just want to fart around on it.

2: use it for light duty camping/adv riding at 20 mph and camping (i guess seems to be a popular past time on here)

3: as a second, 3rd, or 5th bike. as a primary bike: no way if you plan on doing actual riding riding where traffic is involved.

bigcanoe · Dec 14, 2021

Its my last bike (until the next one). It carries my fat self along at 45-50 just fine. It gets 90+ MPG. I paid $4900 OTD (all taxes and fees).

SneakyDingo · Dec 15, 2021

bigcanoe said:
Its my last bike (until the next one). It carries my fat self along at 45-50 just fine. It gets 90+ MPG. I paid $4900 OTD (all taxes and fees).

The Supercub that I was offered yesterday, which had like... $100 less IIRC for the list price, was $4800 OTD near Portland, OR. They broke it down but it ended up being that the extra prices were three categories: tax, documentation fees, and dealer charge (almost certainly due to lack of inventory). It's also fairly consistent with what I've seen offered elsewhere for CT125's.

bigcanoe · Dec 15, 2021

Ya mine charged extra on freight and on assembly...

I’m so on the fence….

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