Instant regret?

[m in sc]

well, i think its a combo of both. I've seen locals selling used ones here for more than you could get in a dealership, new, that are in stock. I mean ffs look at the laughable used grom market. everyone asks 4-5 k, people claim to buy them used for under 2k. somewhere in the middle lies the truth.

 

[BaldRider]

I look forward to when the secondary market in general comes back down to reality. Craigslist needs to go back to free listings. That's when the prices of everything with two wheels started to creep up.

 

[wndrsloth]

I think this is an interesting discussion, and I would like to preface my opinion with the fact that I am a new rider. I grew up riding four wheelers on the farm as a kid and loved that feeling. While this bike isn’t a four wheeler, the nostalgia and classic look drew me in. It’s super easy to learn since there’s not the typical clutch and as it is used primarily for commuting in speeds of around 35mph, it generally does me well. I’ve customized it with a crate and protection and genuinely LOVE my bike as I’ve made it even more my own. However, two weeks after purchase, my husband and I went on a ride. He was on an electric bike and I was on the trail. He couldn’t keep up. So he went and purchased the XR150L. We didn’t buy my Trail for speed but now that his is more powerful, I’m the one literally trailing behind on hills. Getting around town and then taking it to the occasional campground and wheeling forest service roads with aspirations of doing the TAT are my goals. However, if I have to get on a road that has the speed limit of 55–I don’t want to feel like I’m going to get creamed. (Which has happened with a recent ride with my husband) And ideally if in a pinch and Heaven forbid I HAVE to get on the interstate for one exit out of emergency, I want to be able to do so. So for the past few weeks we debated on getting me a bigger bike like the CRF300LS or a KTM..but those all have clutches unless you get the quick shift or the recluse. So I hopped on his bike. I’ve gotten the clutch down so now I’m not limited. But it’s not the love I have for the trail. So instead..I decided to put more money into it and took it to Wayne at the Speed Shop to upgrade. I’m not saying this is everyone’s solution, but I’m super excited about it. I get to keep the bike I love and gain much more power. When you go to a bigger bike, there’s so many trade offs.. Weight, towing, clutch, etc.. and ultimately the trail is for me… The struggle would be if they remade the trail in the 200-300cc range. It would be hard to not jump ship then. I think resale is a huge thing right now with people trying to earn a profit, but you can’t deny that it’s lacking in power. I can understand the desire to purchase a different bike in that scenario for sure. Sorry for the ramble.

 

[dmonkey]

Keep us posted on your build from the Speed Shop! Very curious to hear how it goes and what upgrades your Trail ends up with.

 

[wndrsloth]

Keep us posted on your build from the Speed Shop! Very curious to hear how it goes and what upgrades your Trail ends up with.

My upgrade is going to be swapping for a grom engine or 2022 Trail engine so that he can install the Neo 181cc kit. I have a 2023 and those are currently only able to be upgraded to a 149cc which I feel wouldn’t be a reason to upgrade. Had I known and done more research, I wouldn’t had opted for the 2023 but it is what it is. With the Neo 181, I’ll have 5 speed transmission, all upgraded fuel system/ECM and intake, full titanium exhaust, oil cooler, big bore. I’ll be able to cruise at speeds of 60-65 and while that will be of little value to me..it’ll be nice to have as an option on a speedier road instead of feeling like I’m slow. But getting up hills is where I’m glad I won’t struggle. He’s going to upgrade my display for me as well to the OPMID. I’m super excited about it. I know some will say that isn’t what this bike was intended for or that it’s putting too much money into a bike that costs less.. but I love this bike and now it’ll be completely custom and able to accomplish everything I need on and off-road. Everyone has to decide what is best for them at the end of the day.

 

[SneakyDingo]

I have to admit, it taking more time to round up all the horses for when I need them to go up a hill would be one and only modification I would love to see on my bike. The rest I can live with, but that one I really feel every day. I could also lose weight, but the answer is definitely more horsepower.

 

[Plotus]

To answer your question why it gets re-sold very quickly? Well this is my opinion only but it seems to have a storied past with juveniles, teens and seniors. With it's re-introduction it was lapped up quickly by people who's memories were grounded in the past. Their first bike, or more probably a first bike they were allowed to ride and probably owned by someone other than themselves was the likely scenario. The perfect transition from bike to skateboard to mini-bike to small cc motorcycle. Also there was the oldster retired folk, grandpa's or old neighbors that let the kids ride around on them. These oldsters probably rode them minimally and they were likely strapped down to a Winabago or the like, farting around in the desert or mountains and camping. They have never handeled particularilly well wih minimal suspension, their only saving graces were the large rack and percieved utility along with abundant ground clearance. They have always been slow awkward and clumsy from the start. They have gained some in the suspension area but scarcely enough for performance applications, still that's something.
Appearance..... oh the accessories ...... A lot of bolt-on plumbing exists for the 125ct, boy howdy! From gauges to racks and crash bars. Panniers, rod holdrs, exhaust, knobie tires, and all manner of Comando goodies. Much is expected from the ct, unfortunately it fails to deliver to the machinations of its Masters/owners.
My case is singular where I was injured and the motorcycling era for me was over. It was unrelated, still it would affect my relationship with offroad and bring it to an end.

 

[DaleT]

My upgrade is going to be swapping for a grom engine or 2022 Trail engine so that he can install the Neo 181cc kit. I have a 2023 and those are currently only able to be upgraded to a 149cc which I feel wouldn’t be a reason to upgrade. Had I known and done more research, I wouldn’t had opted for the 2023 but it is what it is. With the Neo 181, I’ll have 5 speed transmission, all upgraded fuel system/ECM and intake, full titanium exhaust, oil cooler, big bore. I’ll be able to cruise at speeds of 60-65 and while that will be of little value to me..it’ll be nice to have as an option on a speedier road instead of feeling like I’m slow. But getting up hills is where I’m glad I won’t struggle. He’s going to upgrade my display for me as well to the OPMID. I’m super excited about it. I know some will say that isn’t what this bike was intended for or that it’s putting too much money into a bike that costs less.. but I love this bike and now it’ll be completely custom and able to accomplish everything I need on and off-road. Everyone has to decide what is best for them at the end of the day.

The look on the faces of other (ct-trail)riders as you pass them doing 55mph+ uphill would be priceless!!! Not to mention the jealousy!!! hahahaha

 

[SneakyDingo]

 

[m in sc]

no issues with mine. wtf is ^?

 

[RedRyder]

My upgrade is going to be swapping for a grom engine or 2022 Trail engine so that he can install the Neo 181cc kit. I have a 2023 and those are currently only able to be upgraded to a 149cc which I feel wouldn’t be a reason to upgrade.

I am curious to know if you - or anyone else - ever considered the ADV160. It's the only off-road capable scooter I'm aware of, and has received some pretty good reviews. It was on my research list, but I ruled it out mostly because of the cost ($4500 + $500 destination/freight). Top speed seems to be highway-capable @ 65MPH.

 

[m in sc]

I'll be honest, i was GOING to buy a stock grom, an SF because my 1st gen got way out of hand. I still have it, its great, actually rode it yesterday. But.. not the commuter it once was by a long shot.
About this time they announced the trail, i assumed it would perform at least as well as a stock SF grom and was kind of neat, an i had never owned a 'postie' bike. . almost a year later, it showed up, i bought it and was 'ok'. The BBK and the mods i did , including the manual clutch, etc, made it pretty much what i wanted. It wasn't that expensive, isn't unreliable at all, and slightly different. I have -zero- nostalgia about CTs, as my 1st bike, ever, was a 81 CB750 back in 92. There's nothing wrong with making your bike the way YOU want it to be in a logical manner (as long as its safe, etc), so unless your bike is dead stock with no add-ons, there's no reasons to throw stones about anyone modding anything w out a bit of hypocrisy. 02

 

[Kev250R]

I bought mine mainly based on Nostalgia (growing-up I knew someone who had one) and because I like unique vehicles plus I think the prices will always remain good for used Trails based on demand (I find it's easier to buy a fourth MC when you can tell people it's an investment LOL!) If I didn't already own and ride a TW200 I likely would buy an XR150. I can say with the limited off-road use I've done on my Trail, my TW beats it hands-down. The Trail to me feels a bit awkward to ride. It's something I'm able to get past easily but some people can't and that could be another reason why people sell them so quickly.

I will say my Trail has hands-down been the best bike for my weekends up at the lake this summer. The speed limit in-town and around the lake is 40 MPH or less, which on the road seems to be the Trail's sweet spot. The fire roads I've explored up there, the Trail has done well on easy to moderate roads and trails (I've yet to take it off-road since I added the Shinko tires). For next summer I'll be adding a passenger seat and that's about all I think mine needs. That said I don't forsee my Trail getting much use once we're done at the lake in a month or so and move back to desert riding.

 

[MisterB]

Probably many different factors but unreasonable expectations may be a big one. I consider myself lucky because I knew so much about the bike from lurking here and bunches of Tube videos. I would say my expectations were exceeded.
I'm 5-11 and on the chubby side, old, ride 1.2 miles to work, live in a low-speed area, have a bad back so I'm not jumping ramps, I love underdogs, great gas mileage, didn't want 12" wheels, and wanted something that was not a 1-off and has plenty of documentation are replacement parts available. I have a Gold Wing F6B for any fast or far rides but this Trail is my daily driver for work. I come home on my half hour (!) lunch so it's about 4.8 glorious miles a day.
Anywho, I knew a lot coming into the purchase but imagine if you lived in a subdivision off of a 45mph busy road. No fun.
When I'm in a car I stick the speed limit and mutter "go around" to people in a hurry. Had too many tickets as a teen, never again.
On a bike I go as fast as traffic (which is always at least 5 over) but this bike goes at its own pace.

Probably coulda found something cheaper, but cost wasn't my only concern, others might see their 4-5k sitting there and figure it could be better spent elsewhere.
Blah blah blah, I go on and on. Anyway, I love this little bike but it has its place. LOL if I researched all my other purchases as well as I do motorcycles I might do better in life.

 

[SneakyDingo]

no issues with mine. wtf is ^?

The look on the faces of other (ct-trail)riders as you pass them doing 55mph+ uphill would be priceless!!! Not to mention the jealousy!!! hahahaha

 

[Tex68w]

I am one who was left feeling disappointed and let down post purchase. I have owned nearly 40 different motorcycles and scooters over my 39 years on this planet so I have had quite a bit of experience with different types of bikes and levels of power. I bought the CT mostly on looks and nostalgia as we had an original growing up. I had ridden a few Groms in the past and while I was never blown away with their performance in stock form they were more impressive than the CT, that said, you aren't really afforded the opportunity to ride one prior to purchase so I went forward expecting it to be the same as the Grom considering the engine similarities.

I purchased this bike with the sole intention of using it around town to run errands on nice weather days and possibly for use when on vacation if the trip allowed for us to drag it along and be used as a run-about. In those use case scenarios it does its job well, so long as the speeds are 45mph and under. It's not great for two-up, it's not great for anyone over 5'10" and while it'll run around off pavement in mild conditions it should never be expected to be used in the same manner as a dual sport.

I plan to keep mine around for a while in hopes of it growing on me as I force myself to use it more or possibly just settling on accepting its place in the stable for the occasional ride since it isn't that costly of a bike. I wish it had more power and more room, if those two things were addressed in stock form then I'd likely never complain. I have no intentions of doing any power adds or modifying it any further at this point but at least I am finally realistic about what it is and what it is not. If more potential buyers were afforded that info from owners and possibly a test ride prior to purchasing then we'd likely see less turn-over on the secondary market but we'd also likely see much lower sales as well.

 

[wndrsloth]

I am curious to know if you - or anyone else - ever considered the ADV160. It's the only off-road capable scooter I'm aware of, and has received some pretty good reviews. It was on my research list, but I ruled it out mostly because of the cost ($4500 + $500 destination/freight). Top speed seems to be highway-capable

I have not, but I was curious so I googled it just now briefly. I wouldn’t have considered it because I personally don’t like the look.

 

[Kev250R]

I am curious to know if you - or anyone else - ever considered the ADV160. It's the only off-road capable scooter I'm aware of, and has received some pretty good reviews. It was on mresearch list, but I ruled it out mostly because of the cost ($4500 + $500 destination/freight). Top speed seems to be highway-capable @ 65MPH.

I did not. like Wnderslth said I'm not a fan of the look or the style. I also question it's off-road ability. A few years ago I owned a Yamaha Zuma 125 which also was supposed to be 'off-road capable' but in reality just looked the part more then acted it. Plus, there is a certain stigma which comes from riding a Scooter. I'm not normally bothered by such things but it was pretty strong at least where I live, to the point where a local restaurant which hosted a 'Bike Night' near me actually had the line "All bikes of any make and model welcome. Scooters aren't".

Despite all that I owned my Zuma for two years and made money on it when I sold it. I'd farkled mine out a bit with an aftermarket exhaust, a Corbin seat and some other things. I enjoyed riding it, but not as much as I enjoyed riding my MC's. If I recall the money from my Scooter went to replacing my garage door.

 

[Kev250R]

I have not, but I was curious so I googled it just now briefly. I wouldn’t have considered it because I personally don’t like the look.

Me either. BMW makes one as well which has an even more, odd look. Probably very capable but not my cup of tea.

 

[Tex68w]

The Zuma 50cc two-stroke still goes down as one of my all time favorite scoots.