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Honda Trail 125 Forum

Welcome to the Honda Trail 125 Forum! We are an enthusiast forum for the Trail 125, Hunter Cub, CT125 or whatever it's called in your country. Feel free to join up and help us build an information resources for this motorcycle. Register a free account today to become a member. Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Scared of Speed

STUBBORN

Active member
Joined
Apr 21, 2021
Messages
219
How many points for dropping the bike?
Well the kid in front of me dumped his HUGE motorcycle (Ducati) at the DMV and the Manchester Fire Department came with the paramedics. I failed the test only reaching 11.9 mph. Will try again.
 

ShieldArc

Active member
Joined
Jul 11, 2022
Messages
124
Location
Nebraska
I passed the MSF course a couple days ago and nervously took my Trail 125 out for the first time today. I took the bike off the center stand and lost control of the weight and it tipped over as I slowly let it down. Not a good start!

I only had to ride a few minutes down the road to get the nearest empty-ish parking lot to continue practicing the MSF drills. I hit 35mph at one point on the way and it was terrifying, but fun - exhilarating? I know it's not much, but it's the fastest I've gone on a bike so far. I also experienced another surprise when I down shifted and the bike jolted suddenly! I know there's some finesse involved with the foot shifter so I'm going to do more research and practice so I can get it smoother. A few people driving the opposite way saw me and honked to say hi that was nice.

How long did it take you guys to get comfortable riding on the road at speed when you first started? Did you stick with parking lots for a while or did you just hit the road right away?
8th grade on a 90 cub.
 

Soliminal

Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2022
Messages
32
Just wanted to provide an update and maybe provide fellow new riders with some comforting info! I've been regularly commuting with my bike to school about 10 miles each way for a little over a month now and I'm much more confident on the road at this point. I still ride super defensive, leave a big gap between me and the car in front, keep my eyes on a swivel, never ride above my ability - but I'm no longer terrified! I actually look forward to those long stretches where I can ride full open at a whopping 50 mph and wish I could actually go a bit faster haha. If you're a new rider and you're scared or nervous on the road, it's true what everyone says - It's totally normal and the anxiety goes away with experience. I think being a bit scared can be a good thing, it keeps you alert and alive.
 

SneakyDingo

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 6, 2021
Messages
1,561
Whatever you do. Don’t Armorall the seat.
But some people like slip and slides...

Good on ya @Soliminal! My commute has a variety of speeds but you know... the 50 mph stretches are nice, but I find myself wishing that more of it was in the 32-38mph range. That sweet spot where gear 4 hums along, but gear 3 can still pull up to 7k RPM, there's room left to go faster, the wind is slightly less, the efficiency is slightly better, and the roads are often a little more twisty and enjoyable... The bike performs so well at that speed.
 

milkecrate

Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2022
Messages
33
The first time I broke 100 I got a little nervous.
Not on the CT obviously.
But it felt as if I turned my head , my helmet "3/4 wind catcher" would be ripped from my skull by the wind.
I started riding 2 wheels when I was a little kid in the woods.
Any time we hit the streets , it was a wide open run to the next set of trails.
After riding in the woods for years , taking the street test for my license was easy.
The first time , I was failed.
The instructor said my figure 8's were too small?
I think I was failed because I was 16 and had not had my permit long enough.
 
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