What do you think of the bike now?

[Bombadier36]

I recently did my first multiday trip on the Honda and my overall experience was very positive! We all know it is not a highway/high speed bike but it does have it advantages over a midsize/large motorcycle. While on my trip and having time in my own mind, I started wondering what everyone thinks of the bike now compared to their expectations before it was purchased.

My trip lasted for 4 days and was 1036 miles. I carried all camping/cooking gear, spare fuel, tools, and food for at least 1 meal. Near the end of each day, I added 2.5 gallons of water to the bike for cooking, drinking, and a camp "shower".

Day 1 - 292.9 miles
Day 2 - 235.4 miles
Day 3 - 233.8 miles
Day 4 - 274.8 miles
I averaged 96.33 MPG and this included some "slabbing" on the way home.

Some notes after the ride:
* I need to find a way to distribute luggage weight to the front/center of the bike instead of loading it all on the rear. The spare fuel was mounted on the center rack and I moved the heavier tools to this location after the first day of riding.
* Need knobby tires for the sand/mud riding to be more comfortable. I dropped the bike on day 3 due to the front tire wiping out in the sand and bent the rear brake lever. Knobbier tires would have prevented it.
* I never used the reserve fuel.
* Bike did great - no issues whatsoever - even with the full-throttle pavement riding on the way home.
* If I were to ride it for weeks or on rockier terrain with luggage I would upgrade the suspension.
* More people talk to you on the CT125 then any other bike I have ridden on long trips.
* I tackle harder and more questionable off-road conditions on this bike then any others. It is unintimidating!

Love the bike!

 

[Carolina Vagabond]

I voted “what I expected” and it is in every way. Other than a goldplug, I’ve done zero mods since I picked her up in Oct. of last year. I haven’t been able to ride since early January due to an injury but I’m slowly getting back in the saddle and rode her the past 2 days. I sold most of my old CT’s last month but I kept my ‘81 110, Roxanne, whom I love dearly. The 125 is smoother, more responsive due to the fuel injection, and I love the slight increase in power as well as the disc brakes. I hope, in the years to come, the 125’s prove to be as durable as the older CT’s but I really have no doubts after reports from those that have already put them to an early test.
It’s a great little ride.
Take it easy.....
CV

 

[SneakyDingo]

I'm still in the engine break in period, so my opinion may change, but I voted "what I expected" as well.

I'm probably in a slightly strange bucket: I've wanted one, but I never actually rode one of the CT110s or earlier bikes. I watched a LOT of youtube videos. All of them? Possibly. I knew how to clean the spinner out before I bought the bike. I knew the automatic clutch adjustment was super easy. I knew that in order to rotate the shift lever you can't just undo a pinch bolt, the pegs have to be manipulated as well. I knew that this motorcycle is a "dad magnet" that will draw old men out of the woodwork to come talk to you. Plan extra time because people are gonna want to talk.

Tim the Salesman at my local dealership also had me sit on one when they finally received one, so I knew the fit would be good. I also have a Gotway MSX 100V, which has a maximum speed of 47 mph and an effective upper limit for actual usage of 42 mph. So I knew which roads I could and couldn't ride on, how limiting the speed would be, etc. I had a lot of user experience before I even got the bike.

I am an engineer who works in QA, so I can infer a lot of things from design concepts and verify them from diagrams and manuals. I also work in data, so I found a dataset of my local state highways showcasing what their maximum speed limits were, and where I wouldn't be able to ride and safely keep up with traffic. Being an avid bicycle rider, I found that the routes I can use are generally the same as the roads I would bicycle on. My knowledge transferred very well in that sense, and is part of the reason I regard this motorcycle as a "big bicycle" or a "bicycle replacement".

All in all though... this bike was my achieving a dream I had a long time ago, and the second such bike to join my stable. It's many things I have come to value immensely in my life. It is reliable, dependable, quietly brilliant, while being immensely simple, approachable, friendly and easy to work on. It is the embodiment of "you meet the nicest people on a Honda" - nice people ride Hondas, and while on a Honda you'll meet the nicest people. I've had both happen. I get nods and thumbs up from the most unexpected places, like some guy on a S1000RR giving me a huge thumbs up. It's a constant source of inspiration for people around me, while also being highly functional. During a time when the world is a hard, dark place, bringing nostalgic smiles to people - both others and myself - is a very rewarding feeling. Also with everyone working from home, the human connection of riding a rolling icebreaker is immensely valuable.

There's a lot I can say about the limitations and the benefits of the bike. Almost everything I expected came true, in ways that exactly matched my expectations. I think the two biggest surprises so far for me have been that there aren't nearly as many tire options as I thought there would be, and that my balls get colder at speed because there's no tank to grip.

EDIT: Also the 111mpg doesn't hurt.

 

[m in sc]

was no surprise to me on it. I have modded mine mechanically, a bit. But i also bought a 1st gen grom when new so knew roughly what to expect performance wise. I'll be honest, i wasn't all weird and giddy with anticipation to get a trail, but i wanted one, got it (early), and have been enjoying it for what i bought it for, a commuter to haul stuff around on that's reliable and relatively quiet.

 

[G19Tony]

I understand it's limitations, and I'm ok with them. It's been a fun bike to mod. Which is part of the enjoyment for me.

 

[jilted32]

I just got mine about three days ago. I like it enough, but it is taking a lot of practice for me to get smooth with this bike. Shifting without a clutch is not that easy. I keep reaching for the clutch, but that's not the main thing. Basically, by holding the shift lever down, I've noticed that the bike is in "neutral" as if holding in the clutch. But all of the extra stuff around my feet gets in the way. I seem to have the back of my boots snagging on the heel lever, and a couple of times my pants cuffs got caught on it. At first the kickstarter was getting in the way of my right foot.

The owner's manual says that you shift to 4th gear at about 25 or 26 mph, so basically there is very little time for second and third gears. I understand that the bike is made to be capable of trail riding, so it is geared accordingly.

I also find it to be a rough ride, on bumps or in the wind. It's easiest to ride out of the saddle a little on rough road. I do miss having a fuel tank to grab with my knees. I hope to get some kind of bags/box/pannier or other set up to allow for carrying stuff to run errands. I like that it so light. Almost like a bicycle with 8 hp. I like the retro look with modern technology such as ABS, fuel injection, electric start.

I would appreciate any tips on getting smooth on this machine.

 

[mivaldes]

I've got 380 miles on mine in the last month here in Georgia (south Atlanta). It is my first motorcycle (I only have my permit). It took me about 2 weeks to work up the nerve to ride in on a big road, but now I've actually been on a 4 lane highway in my town and totally comfortable. The down side is you REALLY need to keep an eye on the rear view mirrors in case some moron is barrelling down on you (haven't had that happen yet). It is pretty easily effected by wind. It has done nothing but put a smile on my face and make me constantly watching motorcycle videos. I pretty quickly decided I also want something bigger. A 2021 CB500X popped up on Craigslist in Charlotte with 3,000 miles on it and I went and got it Friday! It has made me realize just how simple the 125 is. I think I will love both, but right now the 125 is definitely the one I feel like an expert on and least likely to get hurt on.

 

[SneakyDingo]

Basically, by holding the shift lever down, I've noticed that the bike is in "neutral" as if holding in the clutch.

There's two clutch actuations on this bike. It's discussed somewhere else on the forum and the manual does have a reference to it (@dmonkey, I think you were the one that posted it?). The first is the centrifugal clutch (idle speed), the second is the shift lever. It's like you're pushing both the shifter and the clutch lever with your foot. The reason I mention this is on a normal bike, I'd shift fast and slowly release the hand lever. On this bike, I shift gears fast, and slowly release the foot lever. The actuation is a lot trickier than I expected; I guess with time it will be easier. However it's something mentioned on several videos for avoiding chirping the tires while downshifting.

all of the extra stuff around my feet gets in the way. I seem to have the back of my boots snagging on the heel lever, and a couple of times my pants cuffs got caught on it. At first the kickstarter was getting in the way of my right foot.

There's a few things you can do. Mr. Honda had a generalized idea when riding this bike - you kick both shifters, in my case with the toe of my boot. Also, this is the kind of bike you can ride with flip flops ("thongs" in Australia). If you understand that, and want to change it rather than adapt your riding, then there's a few options. I wear EU45 sized boots and I'm 6'0", so big feet, tall rider problems.

• You can undo the 4 bolts holding the peg assembly, undo the pinch bolt and rotate the shifter forward one spline, which lifts the rear quite a lot. Quasimotard has a video of doing this. I think this is fine if you're heel shifting instead of kicking it with your toe, but it would make shifting with your toe at the back (aka shifting in flip flops) pretty hard since you'd have to lift your leg way more.
• You can physically bend the shift lever itself inwards at the back, so it is easier to clear the lever with the heel of your boot. Same procedure except you completely remove the shift lever and use a vise to bend it. Application of heat via blowtorch probably helps but the guy that I saw do it just did it cold.
• You can physically cut the kick shift off at the rear and operate it just using the front portion.
• Right foot rotation of the kickstarter is the same. You can rotate it backwards, which will give more clearance for your heel.
• I won't say less baggy pants, but that does sound like a problem. Cyclists wear ankle cuff velcro straps, and they're pretty cheap. If you're thinking of a safety vest they usually come as a pack with those too. I get around this by wearing moto boots that cover my cuffs.

None of these changes are hard, but I'd recommend trying to adjust the riding slightly first though. Make it through the break in period. I felt the same way and I'm now more used to it.

I also find it to be a rough ride, on bumps or in the wind. It's easiest to ride out of the saddle a little on rough road... Almost like a bicycle with 8 hp...

Nailed it. Anyone who rode hardtail MTB's in the 90s will understand. Lift yourself out of the saddle slightly and have your legs do the work to absorb shocks. There's a video in a language other than English where they have a rider demonstrate this at a Honda demo day in like... Thailand? Vietnam? It's harder on the rider but easier on the suspension.

I pretty quickly decided I also want something bigger.

My biggest question to myself buying the bike was what I would do in this case. @calobster did a video review (in the videos section) where he points to this bike being a great around town bike. As @jilted32 says, you wouldn't want to ride a bicycle on freeways, on high speed roads or up steep inclines at speed. I decided long ago I'm done with freeways on two wheels. If this bike came in a 15 hp, 15 ft lb version with everything else the same it'd be perfect.

 

[SLO]

It sucked until I bent shifter ,and moved it up a notch .I got big feet. Good thing I got a big mouth.Love Shinko 244's and thirteen tooth front sprocket. Enjoy the heck out of it now.It helps to have great places to ride leaving right from the garage

 

[ichibancarlisimo]

I've been 3100 miles on it with factory tire and sprocket set up. It will go anywhere. It was exhausting when buried in snow or mud but I'd just muscle it out and keep going. It was hard. I almost let it go over the cliff in Oregon when I had the bright idea of going around some boulders intentionally placed in road due to hazards but I gingerly backed it up. Loose gravel made it hard to get traction to backup uphill.

 

[mivaldes]

I was reading my earlier post at 380 miles. I've now turned 1000 miles. I am a LOT more comfortable on this bike. I am totally in tune with it now. If I have ANY kind of an errand I can run that fits in a backpack I take it. I need to put a cargo box on the back. I've considered delivering pizzas on it. Have fun riding AND make some extra $$$. This is 110% a FUN, FUN bike. I think a mistake many make is getting it and judging it too soon. It takes a while to realize it's potential. At least it did for me. It's a part of my family now!

 

[SLO]

I was reading my earlier post at 380 miles. I've now turned 1000 miles. I am a LOT more comfortable on this bike. I am totally in tune with it now. If I have ANY kind of an errand I can run that fits in a backpack I take it. I need to put a cargo box on the back. I've considered delivering pizzas on it. Have fun riding AND make some extra $$$. This is 110% a FUN, FUN bike. I think a mistake many make is getting it and judging it too soon. It takes a while to realize it's potential. At least it did for me. It's a part of my family now!

Make it understood that they meet you at bike with cash in hand,you do not make change,and do it without dismounting.

 

[SLO]

I had a spark plug failure at 1800 miles. A guy was in his yard when it died in front of, and had a new plug for a different bike. NGK C # 8 or the like. world of difference.
Evidently it had been failing for some time.Carry a spare and you wont need one. I would have been totally FF DD , and not in good way. Shady Valley Tenn. people are good people!

 

[mivaldes]

Now I need to order a spare plug LOL

 

[SneakyDingo]

I had a spark plug failure at 1800 miles. A guy was in his yard when it died in front of, and had a new plug for a different bike. NGK C # 8 or the like. world of difference.
Evidently it had been failing for some time.Carry a spare and you wont need one. I would have been totally FF DD , and not in good way. Shady Valley Tenn. people are good people!

Ok, I'm convinced. So I left a space deliberately in my toolkit for this and I've been wondering if the random misfires I'm getting are a wonky plug.

 

[SLO]

Ok, I'm convinced. So I left a space deliberately in my toolkit for this and I've been wondering if the random misfires I'm getting are a wonky plug.

Oh MAN! Important discoveries are made by idiots, and often by accident. Get this, a colder plug with high octane , while engine given work beyond
it's initial engineered design specifications, resulting in torque increase that would not be achieved if the load requirements were not beyond expected
loads, and given a higher octane fuel which not have been needed ,or any improved results achieved under designed operating conditions using same.
Can the SLO er burn by utilizing a colder plug, with high octane fuel result in in improved performance if the load on the engine is increased?
Hey SC, WHAT? YOU THINKING?

 

[B18CXr]

What do you think of the bike now?​

It will be a "forever bike" for me.

 

[m in sc]

i do run a colder than stock plug but also have a 143 kit and a cam. however, no harm in it in general. more performance? doubtful at best. I always carry a spare plug, habit from 2 strokes.

 

[Chatham125]

Ran another 50 some miles today. Half on loose gravel road with hills and half on the tarmac. Total mileage so far 105 miles. Just my opinions here of course and everyone has one. I am 71 years old and have had 3 CT's 2 90's and my current 110, 1969 Honda 450, Suzuki 80 street bike, two 1969 Honda Sandcasts, 750 4's, Honda 160 scrambler, Two Honda SL350's, Honda CL 125, two 1972 Honda 750 4's, Harley screaming eagle Super glide, 2006 Triumph Bonnie T100. My current rides are a Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Honda CB300R, CT110, and the new kid on the block, a Trail 125.
Ok, here what I think so far. The Trail 125 is a great grocery getter on roads of 45 MPH or less. A great around town bike. When it comes to trying to maintain any type of speed on the road going uphill it fails. On the road it is the most anemic motorcycle I have ever owned. It did great on the loose gravel roads up and down hills but I was only going less than 20 mph and using 2nd gear most of the time. The compromise that Honda chose between a street bike and a true trail bike doesn't work for me in the stock form. I am going to install the 13t sprocket and see if I can get it to be more of a trail bike. I am not worried about losing top end because it really doesn't have any to start with. If that doesn't gear it down enough for trail, I will order a 41 tooth rear sprocket like the Aussie has done on Utube (

). Don't get me wrong, I do love the Trail 125. I just need to make it behave like I need it to. Everyone has there own reason for buying the Trail 125. I am very happy I was fortunate enough to purchase mine. I also ordered two different types of seat pads to day on Ebay. After just 50 miles in the seat today the toes on my left foot went numb.

 

[SLO]

Ran another 50 some miles today. Half on loose gravel road with hills and half on the tarmac. Total mileage so far 105 miles. Just my opinions here of course and everyone has one. I am 71 years old and have had 3 CT's 2 90's and my current 110, 1969 Honda 450, Suzuki 80 street bike, two 1969 Honda Sandcasts, 750 4's, Honda 160 scrambler, Two Honda SL350's, Honda CL 125, two 1972 Honda 750 4's, Harley screaming eagle Super glide, 2006 Triumph Bonnie T100. My current rides are a Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Honda CB300R, CT110, and the new kid on the block, a Trail 125.
Ok, here what I think so far. The Trail 125 is a great grocery getter on roads of 45 MPH or less. A great around town bike. When it comes to trying to maintain any type of speed on the road going uphill it fails. On the road it is the most anemic motorcycle I have ever owned. It did great on the loose gravel roads up and down hills but I was only going less than 20 mph and using 2nd gear most of the time. The compromise that Honda chose between a street bike and a true trail bike doesn't work for me in the stock form. I am going to install the 13t sprocket and see if I can get it to be more of a trail bike. I am not worried about losing top end because it really doesn't have any to start with. If that doesn't gear it down enough for trail, I will order a 41 tooth rear sprocket like the Aussie has done on Utube (

). Don't get me wrong, I do love the Trail 125. I just need to make it behave like I need it to. Everyone has there own reason for buying the Trail 125. I am very happy I was fortunate enough to purchase mine. I also ordered two different types of seat pads to day on Ebay. After just 50 miles in the seat today the toes on my left foot went numb.

Put non the 13! Open the exhaust, change the air filter ,unhook the snorkel tube at the rack. Change the spark plug, keep fresh high octane pure gasoline in it
let me know , oh bend that heel shifter out of the way,and move shift lever up one position on spline after bending to fit your Anglo humanoid foot.