Hello!

[killerapricot]

Hi I'm a new rider and about to buy my first bike. I'm leaning heavily towards the Hunter Cub CT125, or "Honda Trail" because it looks fun for camping and outdoor use.

Though I'm American, I've lived in Japan for many years, and I started to admire the Super Cub bikes parked around my neighborhood. I decided to learn to ride, and went to motorcycle school in Japanese. But my Japanese isn't very strong, so I chose the 小型二輪車 small motorcycle license because I didn't want to learn manual transmission in a foreign language until later. The school I chose was really nice with friendly teachers. I had to repeat a lot of lessons because I struggled with the 一本橋 straight track balance and the crank. Japanese driving exams are not easy, but I managed to pass.

Now I've finally got a SHOEI helmet, bought protective gear, secured a parking spot for my bike, and have arranged a few test drives this weekend of a CT125 and a Super Cub 125. I already rode a Cross Cub 110 a few weeks ago. It's a lot of work, but I'm looking forward to having my own bike soon.

Nice to meet y'all!

 

[Oldfatguy]

Hi I'm a new rider and about to buy my first bike. I'm leaning heavily towards the Hunter Cub CT125, or "Honda Trail" because it looks fun for camping and outdoor use.

Though I'm American, I've lived in Japan for many years, and I started to admire the Super Cub bikes parked around my neighborhood. I decided to learn to ride, and went to motorcycle school in Japanese. But my Japanese isn't very strong, so I chose the 小型二輪車 small motorcycle license because I didn't want to learn manual transmission in a foreign language until later. The school I chose was really nice with friendly teachers. I had to repeat a lot of lessons because I struggled with the 一本橋 straight track balance and the crank. Japanese driving exams are not easy, but I managed to pass.

Now I've finally got a SHOEI helmet, bought protective gear, secured a parking spot for my bike, and have arranged a few test drives this weekend of a CT125 and a Super Cub 125. I already rode a Cross Cub 110 a few weeks ago. It's a lot of work, but I'm looking forward to having my own bike soon.

Nice to meet y'all!

Welcome! While either bike will be a good choice the Trail, in my opinion, is better suited for off-road. Really like my ‘24 Trail With its kick starter, center and side stands, front ABS brake.

OFG

 

[killerapricot]

I test drove / rented a CT125 today, and about two hours in, made a mistake braking and accelerating at the same time, fell over. The bike has a scratch on the handle and kickstand and I have a cut on my shin, but otherwise I and the bike are unharmed.

I felt pretty embarrassed and got flustered with my Japanese when explaining to the shop. I’m relieved that nothing worse happened. Tomorrow I’ll try a super cub and do braking drills for awhile. I’m trying to not let one bad day keep me from learning more.

 

[BaldRider]

Ah, yes. The one downside to not having a manual clutch is you can’t cover it when learning to ride like you are taught in MSF (or your regional equivalent).

Sounds like your first spill was pretty minor. Just ride more and you’ll be fine. This won’t be the last crash you have. I have been able to feel the weather in my left knee since I had an oopsy in 2017 when my much bigger bike had a disagreement with a dirt shoulder.

 

[killerapricot]

Thanks for your support.

Yeah I learned on a Honda Lead 125 Scooter in full Japanese. I am conversational but have some language gaps. The teachers were Kanagawa cops and all lessons were on a closed course. They were really great folks and we practiced a lot of various techniques like "crank" turns and S-curves. But the brakes are different on scooters, and I panicked today. I will keep practicing, especially on smaller streets.

 

[Oldfatguy]

Thanks for your support.

Yeah I learned on a Honda Lead 125 Scooter in full Japanese. I am conversational but have some language gaps. The teachers were Kanagawa cops and all lessons were on a closed course. They were really great folks and we practiced a lot of various techniques like "crank" turns and S-curves. But the brakes are different on scooters, and I panicked today. I will keep practicing, especially on smaller streets.

Locking up the front wheel often does not end well. The ABS on my Trail 125 only works above 5 MPH and slower than that is where I’ve had problems. As above, keep riding and you will get better.

OFG