Honda CT 125 It might no be, what you expected! 3,000 Kilometer Evaluation...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ธ.ค. 2024
- This video is about Honda CT 125 It might no be, what you expected! 3,000 Kilometer Evaluation... After 3,000 Kilometers of riding in all types of terrain with my Honda CT 125, I've come up with the items that I don't really know why Honda didn't fix them before introducing this bike. Enjoy!!!!
Agree completely. I have owned in long past years different Honda city and trail bikes. The 125cc IMO, is just too small--without severe modifications---to handle demanding trail rides, especially with a heavier frame, small tires and poor suspension. It is a gem however at city or local commuting and very economical and easy to ride and handle. Honda's pitfall or dishonesty this time around was in their advertising and labeling. The present CT125 stock bike is primarily really a city commuter bike (90%) and perhaps an "easy trail" only bike the other 10%. Your terrific modifications have changed this bike for the better and I salute your talent and ingenuity. However, your present modified CT 125 is now really a different bike altogether from what you initially bought and was advertised. What Honda needs to accomplish in capturing the market place they are desiring is to release a 175--200cc trail bike with a bigger seat, more aggressive wider tires, regular transmission/clutch and adjustable stronger shocks. That bike will still be a great commuter bike around town (nimble with great mpg) but also a first rate trail machine but slightly more agile and smaller (lower to the ground) than their present 250cc bikes. Then they would have a bike that is far more versatile and all around performer in just about all conditions---city, trail and highway interludes. Thanks for the great video, thorough review and honesty.
Randall, you stole my thoughts exactly. I really wish someone at Honda would watch this video now and then read the comments. I like yours so much, I'm going to pin it to the top of the comments section so everyone can read it. Thanks for your honesty and taking the time to leave this great comment......
@@TeamDNFracing My pleasure, you have a great channel that I always enjoy. Please continue with terrific, honest and thorough reviews. Thank you!
Wouldn't a Yamaha TW200 fill that niche? It doesn't have fuel injection, but the weight, size, tires and engine size sounds like it'd be what you're looking for in a bike.
@@Spookmaster88 I love the Yamaha TW200 and definitely believe it covers these bases. This bike has also been a long running success for Yamaha with quite a popular cult following, IMO. The addition of fuel injection with the return of a kick starter for a back-up would be nice. The TW200 is a great, versatile bike by Yamaha but the "stock" Honda CT125 would most likely fall far short in a head to head comparison in most categories (with the exclusion of mpg and easy city commutes).
@@Spookmaster88 That would mean that I'd have to want a Yamaha over a Honda. I also would want that style of a bike over the retro style of the CT. In both cases, I prefer the style and the brand of the Honda over the Yamaha. I've had both bikes in my lifetime and started out on Yamaha bikes. I just don't like the TW200. Thanks for the comment on this and sorry to those who like the Yamaha over the Honda, but I do feel like I've made my bike into what I want in a trail bike.......
The bike is the way it is simply because of nostalgia. Those of us that rode CT110's and the older CT90's are very familiar with the design and performance. Honda simply took that old design, upgraded the components and is now cashing in on the nostalgia aspect of the buying public. I'm hooked. I had 3 CT110's and 4 CT90's and loved them. They were slow, heavy, 6-volt systems, low seats, and very fun to ride. My Trail 125 has yet to arrive. I keep pestering the dealer for updates. Maybe May 2021? Thanks for the video. Keep them coming.
I'll keep the videos coming as long as I can ride a bike.......
LOVE THIS REVIEW!! Need to add a little more , I’m 75 have had MANY motorcycles !!! I now have a 07KLR and a 07 TW200 !!! I owned a Honda 1964 model I keep that bike for 45 years COULD NOT KILL IT !!!! Finally my buddies wife talked me out of it BAD MISTAKE !!! I’ve been looking at the ct 125 for a year ! After your honest review (well done I may say ) you talked me out of the idea of a CT125 THANKS ! I’ll just watch your videos of your travels thanks again .
Thanks for the comment and sorry you have decided to not get the CT125, but the bike isn't for everyone. It does have its short comings and most of it revolves around the lack of power the little engine puts out. Those who have owned or ridden the CT 90 or CT 110 at least had the pleasure of a two range trany. Sadly, this bike needs things done to it to offer a good off road experience. There is currently a series of videos being set up on TH-cam by a guy who took his CT125 across the US on the famous TAT trail system. He is in the process of editing his journey and is now on episode 3 of it. Him and his friend John finally made it all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It is interesting to watch and I do know they had some issues with low power on the bikes as I have been in contact with them prior to and after the trip. You should watch it and let some cool rides show you what the little bikes can and cannot do. The guys channel is: Some Guy Rides. Be sure to check it out.......
After a year of waiting I finally get to pick mine up the day after tomorrow. Been watching most of your videos this whole time.
I really appreciate that you've been watching my videos. It's for bike riders like you that I make these videos. I try to help others understand a little more about this bike and the fun it brings me. I could not ask for a better way to spend my retirement years.... Thanks so much for your loyalty in watching the videos and your comments are alway welcome.......
I wish there was a "two thumbs up" button so I could click on it. Another great video, and very much appreciated. now that Warro has moved on to other interests, it is critical that you keep making CT125 videos.. I especially like your riding videos where you visit points of interest such as villages, scenery and temples. You are pretty much the standard of the world now, and I also appreciate that your channel continues to be ad free.. thanks. While the forest trails here in Florida are flat and I am old and slow, I still enjoy your videos with your changes for speed and hills.
I can tell you this, it's comments like this one of yours that keeps this channel commercial free. I'm doing these videos because I like doing them and reading all the comments after. Thanks for this great comment. I'm going to be doing another video on Tuesday of this week, it is Sunday now and it will be riding the bike with the new rear sprocket on it. I'll try to keep the blubbering babble down to a minimum. Thank you so much.......
Good, honest info. Does not get better than that. Thanks for your views.
Thanks for the comment and yes, I feel the bike has some shortcomings, but I'll never get rid of it because it is just what I need for around here on the trails and short runs to the market etc. .......
Your time and information is invaluable, THANK YOU for this. You should send this video to Honda and hopefully they will implement the necessary changes. Again thanks!
Here in northern Utah I was #17 in line for a 2021, but changed to #1 for a 2022, with the hopes of getting a matte brown one. I wish they would come out with a bigger engine. But I don’t think that will come for a couple years. I’ve also ordered over $1200 in upgrades from Beez Deals. Also I’ve found a small company to help me bore out the engine.
Please keep the videos coming and thank you for your valuable time and information.
Thanks for the comments and confidence. Let us know how you like the 2022 when it shows up and these videos will only stop when I'm no longer able to ride....... Thanks again.....
800 frm beezdeals here, mostly suspension.
If it gives you any inference - I was number 1 in WV on August 28, 2010. It arrived Feb 04 2011, picked up two days later!
@@AndrewDasilvaPLT I believe for accessories the US market has a good supplier in Beezdeals. Not sure about any others that will ship to the US.....
@@TeamDNFracing yep, bought $800USD-some from them. They custom shipped it so the shipping wouldn't be $200USD. Usually they don't mail by boat, but I was in no rush Septmber 2020
I agree with your comments on bike
I’ve had smaller bikes bikes and done mods
That’s what makes it more unique!
Anyone can just buy a bigger bike !
It really is amazing how many people have commented on "Why didn't you buy such and such bike?" I've gotten to the point now that I just say, "Because I didn't want a such and such bike!"........ Thanks for the positive comment.....
Your gopro sdcard... maybe try reformatting it. it will be erased, but it might fix it. Flash memory degrades after so many writes.
It was a battery problem.. Ditched the bad battery and bought some new ones and I've had no problem with it since. I guess about every two years I need to just replace the batteries so it won't do this again. The SD card was fairly new, so once I replaced the batteries, the run-out with each battery has not reproduced the issue......
I love the honest review....I'm 6'3 and well over 100kg...with me and the missus on the back, we need at least the 150 like our old PCX. Could get around the mountains of Phuket just fine. If they made that CT in a 175, that would be amazing.
If they made it in a 175, I'd buy it for sure and still keep my 125 because I just really like it now that I've got it set up..... Thanks for the comment........
Get the missus her own bike.
@@HOWNDOG66 The little lady really doesn't like riding motorcycles, she has a very nice Toyota Tacoma that she drives all over the place. She really likes it..... Don't blame her. Thanks for the comment.......
@@TeamDNFracing my comment was for the origonal post of this thread... He was complaining about his and his wife's weight on the bike.... ps. My wife has her own bike but she's undertall (Loves her Sportster and her Ford Sportrac), that's why we're looking at the CT125 for some offroad on 2 wheels.
@@HOWNDOG66 I see, and I also wish they would have made the bike with at least a 175cc engine in it and a 5 speed tranny with a clutch..... Dreams, just dreams........ Thanks for watching my videos and as always, thanks for the comments.......
Appreciate the honest review! Still waiting on mine to show up in Idaho. Keep the videos coming!
The bike really is a blast to ride, you'll love it and you'll get all kinds of people wanting to look at it......
I agree with your CT175 thinking. I have said as much in other comments. I personally would like a High Low transmission one 4 speed low and a 5 speed high. With the addition of your changes this would be a Great bike. Granted it would be 8k to 10k in todays market.
There has got to be someone out there that has the know how and the means to build a dream trail bike. If I just had the money, I think I could get that bike you want built here in Thailand. It's amazing what they have done with this little power plant in some of the bikes here.....
Good review , agree with all your points . A bigger engine 175 cc to 200cc is number one , then suspension, headlight, kickstarter. I have had a Honda CT90 , Honda 185XL and Suzuki DR200 . They all have their good points . I probably do 80% pavement 20% gravel/dirt logging roads and I don't hammer the bike on bumps and never jump it . I really liked the Honda 185 XL , just a sweet bike , it lacked a big rear rack ,which I MUST have now and really shouldn't have to buy an aftermarket one so INCLUDE one all you motorcycle companies. I like to be able to maintain 50 -55mph for several highway miles without overtaxing the engine .
Thanks for the comment and like you, I'm just wondering when the motorcycle companies are going to build us a bike like what we want instead of what they want...... If they can build a race bike, they can build us a trail bike.......
The city commuter variant you asking for is the Honda Cub C125
Actually, this model would make a great city commuter with a special off road option thrown in. Love my little CT 125 and it is my go to bike when I just need to run to the market for a few items...... Thanks for the comment, Honda makes some really nice bikes for us to enjoy......
Hey Eddie, so glad you are back on line with your videos. I really look forward to and appreciate your adventures in Thailand on your CT125. Please keep up the good work! The shipments of bikes finally arrived in New Zealand and I have had my CT125 for a couple of months now, clocking up about 400 km, mostly on gravel roads. What a great fun little motorbike! It has really cool styling, appears very well made and finished, is smooth, quiet and economical. Fits in nicely with my collection of Honda "postie" bikes (CT110 and CT90). Like them, it is under-powered and under-suspended for serious trail riding, but still good fun anyway. Heck, my first bike was a Honda SL125 back in 1975. It made more power, was lighter and had more trail worthy suspension! Since then a succession of Honda XL, XR and CRF bikes have kept me on the trails. Progress??? I don't think Honda ever intended the CT125 to be a serious trail bike. It takes you back to a different time and place where speed isn't everything. Time to smell the roses and enjoy life. I love my new CT125 to bits. Cheers, Mike.
Mike; Glad you are enjoying yours, like you, I'm having a blast with mine. In 1974 I bought a new Honda XL175 and road the wheels off it, just like your SL125, it would take me anywhere I wanted to go. To bad Honda didn't see fit to boost the HP and Torque on the CT125, it would have been even more fun than it is now. I'll probably never get rid of this bike, it's to much fun to let it go...... Wish I still had the XL175 also.......
My mate had an orange XL175. Cool bike! I am currently restoring an old SL125 in the hope of finding some of my lost youth. Will be interesting to compare with the new one when it's going again.
@@mikerichardson415 Funny, I'll bet your mates XL175 was a 1974 model year. That was the color of mine, had the black stripe down the middle of it. Great bike, would have run circles around my CT 125........
Bingo!
My grandpa had two Honda Hunter Cubs (CT) 90's for his farm. I have A LOT of good childhood memories on these bikes. How does it compare to the original? I am considering buying one. (West Virginia, U.S.A.)
Actually, the bike is pretty good with modern technology that the older CT bikes didn't have. However, without the dual range trany, you'll need to get some low end spunk out of the engine by lowering the gearing. Simple to do, install a 13T front sprocket in place of the stock 14T sprocket. Gives the bike the snap it really needs and it helps it pull through all four gears..... Thanks for the comment......
Thank you for the review brother and as always it's good to see you back
Had issues with my computer, I believe those issues are solved now. More to come......
Sorry to ask you a somewhat unrelated question, but I will anyway. We get very little information in the USA about future CT125 releases, and so count on your local reports for the news. About the only news I see is from the Cub House site in Thailand. While it doesn't actually say it, the implication is that the Matte Fresco Brown is going to be replaced by the Safari Green in Thailand. Some photos only show the red and green and don't include the brown. Have you heard anything about the brown being discontinued in Thailand? We are still hoping to get either brown or green here in the next model year.
Very good question and yes it is related to the CT. Everything that I've heard is the green is an inclusion to the colors schemes for the CT. Have not heard any ideas to drop the Fresco Brown color. You may like this also, there is a white one to go along with the red one in the lineup here in Thailand. As far as the colors going to the US, I have not heard of any changes for the 2021 model years. In a few more months when the 2022 models are announced, then we should hear what colors will be going to the US. Keep your fingers crossed that they extend the color selections to the US. I really like the green one but I wouldn't give up my brown one for any other bike right now unless they make a second CT with a 175cc motor.....
Back in Chiang Mai and hoping the recent rain will clean our smoke filled air. Great, informative and honest video. In addition - lots of great comments and individual opinions from viewers. Out of the 500 or so views, no one commented on your handlebar riser discussion - so I guess I will. At 5 foot 8" (self described) did you really seriously consider handlebar risers? Just curious. Possibly APE style chopper handlebars might work best for you instead. Anxious to go for a ride again soon and compare the sound notes from the Diablo with the Moriwaki. Thanks for sharing the video as always.
Oh Daniel, I was just taking a piss and thought whether or not you got back into town. No need to send you a line message now. Of course, I've been thinking those ape hanger bars would look good on "The Tank" you ride and in my rear view mirror. Geeezzzz, we need to go for a ride and check out the new sprocket on the rear, you'll be impressed with it. I call you later, liked all your videos from your vacation, hope you all had fun and I'm ready to play some golf also......
Honda has three cub models: SuperCub125 for smooth pavement, CrossCub125 for rough pavement light dirt road, Trail125 for dirt roads.
Yes they do.... Thanks for the comment and keep them coming.......
(April 06, 21) Have been following you since you started this.
Got mine in early February '21. 350 miles so far due to snow.
"Ct125 city commute" is the super cub.
* Handling, fun.
* Confidence inspiring.
* Brake levers are blah.
* Odometer is garbage in daytime.
* Seat is short lengthwise. I'm 5'7" , end up sitting as far back as possible.
* the first gear is very high torque on flat land, and is useless after 12mph.
* I'm 135lb, can't get it to 60mph unless going downhill. Maybe I should get the 142cc thingy you have?
*i feel it is 10-15% too heavy.
I sure hope the big wigs at Honda are seeing this video and the comments. I'm glad people are opening up and saying just what they feel about the bike. However, I still love this bike, it is so much fun to ride and yes, the 142cc thingy makes it a better machine..... Thanks for the comment......
@@TeamDNFracing especially because most of us spend 500USD or more on accessories! USA Honda sells nothing for it.
@@AndrewDasilvaPLT They are definitely missing out on some serious money by not offering accessories for this bike. If I had two of these bikes, I'd of decked them both out with the same stuff I've got on this one. Heck, it's only money, can't take that stuff with me when my lights go out for the last time......
Thank you sir for your time effort . Really enjoy your video's. If you do somthing about the headlight please post. Mike in indiana.
I don't ride at night and very seldom on the hi way. However, I have been looking at an aftermarket setup that has an extremely bright light and a pair of side lights that go with it. You should be able to be seen from a mile away with it, expensive though..... I'm losing my eyesight and have night blindness, so no night riding for me. Maybe I'll get some surgery early next year for it and see if it helps the night sight. I'll be sure to do a video on the new headlight setup if I get it, but it will be a while. Next add-ons will be a different exhaust system and an aluminum swing arm. They are coming this next month. Watch for the video on both of them........
Thank you for your videos during this Spring. Have you heard anything concrete about Honda's plans to offer CT 150 trail in 2022?
If they do, wouldn't this bike satisfy more of your criteria?
Thank you for your videos.
Sorry for taking so long to respond. It is still up in the air whether or not they are making the CT 150, if Honda will answer me on this, then I'll be sure to let everyone know for sure. I'm also very interested in it and am trying to get one for a long term evaluation if they will let me try one.... Hope, hope, hope.........
Shame about the lost video footage Eddie. Plenty of potential issues with the GoPro. You've probably already tried these but just in case matey:
Connect the camera to the GoPro website & run an update check.
Reformat the SD card.
Reset to default settings.
If all fails post the reoccurring issues on the GoPro website forum. They'll point you in the right direction.
Looking forward to getting up to see you a bit later in the year. Toon can go popping wheelies on your little Honda while we can play on your TH-cam channel (after a swim 😉)
Thanks for the ideas, but I'll let you know in person what I found out. I'll message you......
There is of course the Honda CRF rangei if the CT does't fit the bill?
I'm considering a CRF 250 for my mountain pavement trips, but I just like this bike to much to pull the plug on a CRF. It really is a fun bike to ride, I just hate it not having more power than it has.... It wouldn't take much more ponies to allow it to pull hills and not bog down in mud and sand.......
@@TeamDNFracing - A CRF250L is what Itchy Boots rides in S. Africa. Is she advising you, now? :-)
@@daveinwla6360 Sometimes Dave, you just got to go with the flow...... No, but I am getting pressure from the guys I ride the mountains with to get a larger bike......
@@TeamDNFracing - I would agree. Cubes are good, pounds are bad. You just gotta find a good balance point for your type of riding.
@@daveinwla6360 Right now, it will only be the CT for me unless I can find one of two different bikes I like for the right amount of money..... Oh yea, the wife has to agree to it also....
Looking good Okie.......good to see you !. I ran out of fuel on my Buell last year. Some times you just don’t know where the gas stations are!
I just didn't remember when I'd gotten gas last. Little trips around where I live and then, sputter, sput sput. Lucky for me, I was close to the house.......
Be cool if they made a flat plastic gas can that's fits on rear rack, or just get an oversized tank.
I agree, the flat tank on the rear rack would be great and much safer than hanging one on the side of the bike. I might even get something like that if I could find it. Right now, I'm just searching for a one liter metal fuel bottle to mount on my rear rack. One liter would let me run the tank dry and then still get to a service station in my area. Nice thing about where I live, they have gas stations all over the place.......
Thanks, Really appreciated your view on the stock bike.
Have you completed the parts list for the modifications you made?
Victor Hernandez
Victor, I did a video on all the accessories parts that I've installed on the bike a month or so ago. The only thing I've done lately is the rear sprocket and I'll be making a video on it with the way to get the same sprocket.......
@@TeamDNFracing Yes, but there were some parts parts that might or might not be Honda and you were waiting for them to be delivered so you could confirm their status. Has that happened?
@@victorhernandez9169 You're talking about the big bore kit. After hashing things out with other people, we decided that the piston was for a Kawasaki Z-125 which is a larger bored, shorter stroke engine than the Honda. That explained why the cc difference when used in the Honda. To accomplish this, they took a Honda cylinder, pulled the 125 sleeve out and had a machine shop bore out the cylinder to fit the new sleeve for the Kawasaki in it. Seems like a lot of machine shop work and I don't want to hassle with doing that. The shop that put my kits together just listed 10 more of the big bore kits and has dropped the price down from 3,000 Baht to 1,850 Baht. From $100 US to $65 US. Bad thing though, they still won't ship them over seas......I'll try to contact them and see if they would ship to the states somehow, I don't thing they will, but I'll ask them.....
Thanks for the honest review more to consider
These are just my opinions with over 50 years of motorcycle riding and racing experience to fall back on. I know Honda could have made a better bike than what they put on the market, but I'm also sure there are reasons why this bike has the shortfalls that it has. If they would turn around and make the bike I described, I'd buy one in a heartbeat and ride it every day. Glad you liked the video, I'm still trying to make them and I'm having fun doing it.......
@@TeamDNFracing well you're doing a great job and your information is very helpful enjoy your videos that's why I subscribed keep up the good work and thanks again for the information
@@jps8941 My pleasure, I'm the one having all the fun on the bike and lucky enough to live in a place where they can modify these bikes to the hilt......
Sorry if you have covered this before but what happened with the red Honda you originally ordered?
It didn't show up when they said it would and then didn't show up by three weeks later so I told them to stick the order and had a friend contact a broker they know who got the bike directly form the warehouse and shipped up to my house.... That's how I got the brown one. I like the heck out of it, glad I got the brown instead of the red........
@@TeamDNFracing thanks for replying. Its been driving me crazy.
@@bretthall7221 No problem, I'm still trying to see if the shop here that puts out the kits that I've gotten are willing to ship to the US. If they will ship, I'll post how to get them......
I heard that Honda was suppose to come out with a CT-150, have you heard anything about that?
So far, it is just a rumor. There has been some photo shopping to show a CT 150 in yellow, but that was proven a hoax. So far, nothing on this end and I will be monitoring that for sure because everyone out there really wants to see a CT 150 come out. Lets keep our fingers crossed it happens......
@@TeamDNFracing Thanks for your reply so fast! I love your video's on the ct-125! I'm thinking of getting one for the fuel savings. I have a panhead custom chopper that I built and a Heritage soft tail. I want something to get food and do small errands that's cheap on gas. Watching your video's really got me looking at the 125! I live in the country in florida, a lot of woods and farm land.
@@vincentcardelfejr8280 You couldn't ask for a more perfect bike to go get simple short trips taken care of. I use mine daily living in rural Thailand just to the market and short errands that need to be taken care of. The fuel economy was never a concern of mine until the recent actions of some of the supposed "Worlds Leaders". With the cost of fuel skyrocketing a little fuel saver like the Honda CT125 is a great alternative. Don't get me wrong, I love riding my Triumph and it gets pretty good gas mileage, but for short trips and just the pure fun of it, you can't beat the Honda CT125. Have fun with it.......
Great video! I appreciate you taking the time to make this. By the way - how did you get yours in that color?
I live in Thailand, we have access to both the Fresco Brown and the Red. I wanted the red, but after being jacked around by a dealer, I contacted a broker and within a week got the brown one, same price, delivered to my. house......
It's not a stunt bike nor for competition, it's for putting around on trails, I have the Ausi moddle there a few differences between the Asian moddle like pollution control, pillion passenger pegs and load limit, I guess that's why they cost more
Honda seems to be targeting the “learner” motorcycle people by limiting a lot of their offerings to 125cc. From what I’ve read, some Countries in Europe limit a beginning rider’s bike to 125cc. Maybe they will release an additional larger displacement version of this bike to broaden their market.
I sure hope they do that, it would be nice to have a bike that can travel down the road at 65 MPH and still climb up mountain roads like mine does now.......
If you do not want it..... I will gladly take her... She is a sweet heart!
Sorry, she took me a few months to get her the way I wanted her, but she stays with me for good now.... Love this bike.......
Are you still making videos? I’m not seeing any.
Had eye surgery and looking at the computer gives me a headache like no other. Have material for a few more videos and should be able to edit them later this week, yes we are going to still be making the videos, just had to have my eyes taken care of so I can see. I am really impressed how much better I can see now after the surgery. Might actually slow me down now that I can see all the stuff in the trail ahead of me......
Looks HOT there ! Happy Easter OKIE ! 💐🐰
Yep, it's hot. Of course, it's always hot and muggy here. Great for riding motorcycles.......
@@TeamDNFracing after your video, I'm glade i bought the Kawasaki KLX 300 and not the CT 125.. I'll still watch your TH-cam. It's nice to watch saying we are about the same age. Time for the TA TA video 👍 and other's. I thing we would like to see and know other things you do and see. Thanks OKIE 🇺🇸 Have a Cold One...
@@richardlyyski5518 I've shot footage twice since you asked for a TaTa video and those are some of the six video footage clips that I've lost some how. Will do another one soon, I promise.....
The Trail125 i looked at had trail knobbies
Someone installed them then, they don't come stock on the bike. For some reason the bike Honda had at the 2019 Tokyo Trade Show had the Vee Rubber VRM-022 tires on it, but when they introduced the bike to the public, they had the IRC GP-5 tires on it. Big difference in tires and the Vee Rubber tires are much better than the IRC..... Thanks for the comment.......
@@TeamDNFracing Many thanks for your work. I'm new to this stuff. From reading your responses to the other comments it sounds like you would be recommending the Vee Rubber VRM-022 2.75 on the front and rear. This would require no modifications. Correct? Thanks again.
@@jeffdhartman The Vee Rubber seems to be wearing better than the IRC tires Daniel uses. I like mine very much and yes, I would put the 2.75 on both the front and back and no modifications are needed to do that...... Thanks for the comment......
Its funny I watched this review today as I had already got up early and rode mine in the fashion of a country back road and small city commute as you described and had an ok time. Got home and told the wife I think this bike might be better suited for someone who has more off road options in their area? So maybe as is its lacking in both arenas? For the cost one really should not have to do a ton of mods, Honda should just listen to recommendations such as yours and do it. The bike is economical, great to stare at, and vintage-ish, but the lack of what you explained does definitely over shadow it. Of recent I already find myself eyeing greener pastures with only around 800 miles on it. Your 3000km review made me wonder what I'd be thinking about it by then 🤔
You need the big bore kit in your bike and you'd be surprised at how much smoother and powerful it would feel. As for the suspension, a good set of rear shocks and the bike feels more like it should on dirt. If you don't ride the off road stuff much, you might try putting a 15T front sprocket on it. It lengthens out the spacing between gear shifts and is really smooth on the power delivery. No jerking motion with the bike when you open and shut the throttle, just a nice smooth delivery. What probably appeals to most people about this bike is it is a bike you can go for a ride on and actually get to see the country side around you, mainly because you're not going warp speeds down the road. Maybe, I should have mentioned that in this video. The more I ride mine, the more I like it, to bad I had to do so much to it to get it where it is now........ Thanks for the comment, you know you are always welcome to leave me a comment.......
@@TeamDNFracing For me its not so much the power I guess, its the comfort factor overall. I might try the 15 tooth sprocket though. Since I'm mostly on hardtop I might even throw on some Michelin City Pilots to smooth stuff out. I bet those two things might help. I'm mostly on hard stuff so why not. Should be a cheap experiment. Thanks for the info Okie.
@@TeamDNFracing Its also funny you mentioned enjoying the ride and scenery not going warp speed. I have been pondering getting a much larger CC street bike, Kawasaki z900rs to be exact, so I could go faster and farther and be a bit more comfortable. The largest bike I've ever owned has been a KLR650 so I'm a bit leary of the weight and power. I'm assuming you've ridden large street bikes at some point. What your take on the two, smaller CC like what we have vs bigger CC dealio? Just looking for any insight you can offer. Thanks
@@findingneutral I found myself riding my Harley slower on the hi way just so I could see what is out on the road. I've had some very fast road bikes and it was somewhat fun to zip down the road on them, but with people in cars and pickups not seeing us on bikes, it really was dangerous to be going so fast. I'm not wanting to go fast anymore, for some reason. Could be getting center punched by one of those who "didn't see you" drivers and the problems I now have with my left leg. That said, pushing a 250 pound bike through sand and mud and up hills isn't fun either. If you get a larger street bike, just be careful of those "WHO CAN'T" see you. I really enjoyed most every motorcycle I've owned and don't regret having any of them, but for a fun factor bike, this CT is up near the top of that list. For sure it has to compete against my Honda XL175 and both my Honda XR200R bikes. Small bikes with enough power to have fun, yet not so much power you can't see what you are out there to see on the trails..... Thanks for the comment and I've got more trips planned for the near future. Hope my downloading problems are over......
@@TeamDNFracing Thank you for this. I think your insight and me still being a novice will keep me with what I have. Your so right about idiot drivers not paying attention and my area is getting more and more with the population boom. Not to mention I have come across deer on the roadway, ironically whilst my brain was pondering a larger bike on two separate occasions. Had I been on one of those faster bigger bikes those times I might not be typing this...🦌🛵☠. We just had a biker in my state run into a bear and died. Yesterday a dog was running the streets and chased me on my CT. Since its so nimble it was easy to slow, spin around, then I revved the mighty 125cc and chased him. My worst accident was on a bike and a dog took me out. I guess between your advice and the idiot drivers & animal input around my parts I just need to stop pondering and enjoy what I have. I like you am not interested in going warp speed and enjoy just riding casually more than anything else. Plus my aches and pains limit my time riding.Thanks again for the insight, it really helps being able to get input from someone whose been there done that. Look forward to your future episodes. 👍
Was planning on purchasing a couple of these when they ever come to Canada but by the sounds of it the $$$ they plan to charge for them and to have to pay extra so it’ll preform as advertised...can buy a royal enfield Himalayan and have 28hp, etc.
I'm lucky living in Thailand. The bike is much cheaper and the aftermarket accessories is through the roof here, also extremely cheap. The Himalayan is a heavy bike, I'd be looking more at either the Yamaha, Honda or Kawasaki 250F models. Might be cheaper, but they are much better bikes and weigh a lot less. Look at the TH-cam videos on the Himalayan before buying.... I don't blame you for looking for a different bike, I'd do the same thing if I lived in the States the way the dealers are ripping off the customers with the prices and then not being able to get accessories like I can her in Thailand. Good luck and be sure to let us know what you end up with and thanks for the comment.....
@@TeamDNFracing Thx for the tips. Other bikes may be lighter etc. but far from cheaper. So far the RE looks like a not bad deal here in Canada (under 10k with a ton of add-ons). Asian bikes are nuts with their prices and have nothing on the showroom floor to sell. A friend of mine played that game with them couple years ago for his Africa Twin.... I Can call a Harley dealer or a friend dealing Royal Enfield and have bike today. No games and BS. Sad but true.
@@HOWNDOG66 When the CT first came out, we had the same "get a queue number" stuff going on here. Now the are just setting on the dealership showrooms waiting for someone to buy them......
@@TeamDNFracing They could have sent them to Canada but the new is really starting to rub off.
Sounds like you should have bought a CRF250 probably same money after upgrades at least in USA.
There is no way I could have put the items on my bike in the states that I have here in Thailand. Things are so much cheaper here and most of the upgrade parts I've installed are manufactured here in Thailand and are very good quality. I don't want a CRF250, I don't want a Yamaha TW200, I don't want a Suzuki Van Van 200. All of these bikes have been suggested for me to buy. I wanted a CT design bike that will give me the pleasure rides here in Thailand. I now have that bike, and it really didn't cost me as much as people would think. Luckily, I live in Thailand where I can get the cool accessories that so many in the states are trying to get for their bikes. However, I am buying a Thailand companies bike, the GPX Legend 250 Twin mark ll for riding with some of my friends who all have 250 and larger bikes up in the mountains on paved road adventure trips.... They are all from different countries around the world and live here in Thailand. A great group of people to ride with, they just don't ride on the dirt, so I'm getting a GPX to ride with them...... A guy can never have to many motorcycles...... Thanks for the comment and be sure to watch more of the adventure bike riding videos I have made and the ones I'll be making in the future..... I'm having a blast making them....... Ride safe......
Thanks for the video. I’m really on the fence between the ct125 and the Yamaha tw200. I want to ride several big trails in Arizona and Idaho. Without all the mods I’m thinking I need the bigger engine and suspension. Hands down the ct is a cooler bike but cooler doesn’t get a guy over a hill and down a trail.
I really enjoy my CT, however it won't do some of the things other bikes with a larger engine will do. Ride them both if you can, then choose. My guess, it won't be the CT....... It has a power issue that people in the states are just starting to realize. It is a super fun bike to ride, but it has its limitations and climbing hills is not something this bike will do without being modified....... Ride them both, then decide.......
@AVRO adv150?
I think the biggest problem with the bike is it's price, at the moment it's $7724.00 on the road in Australia ($5,826.29US) too expensive i reckon.
It's really not Hondas fault on this. They have a set price for here in Thailand where the bike is built. Due to the local economy and how much it costs them to build the bikes. Then they add is their shipping costs and that is what they set as the "Suggested Retail Price". From Thailand, the bike travels to Japan, Australia and the US. The added cost of shipping and then tariffs is added onto the cost to build with a modest profit margin. Each country has a different tariff and shipping costs added on. Then Honda again sets the "Suggested Retail Price" for the bike and the dealers are not obligated to sell at that price. The high price in Australia and the US is strictly driven by greedy dealers jacking the prices up. Once the high demand for these bikes drops to where the bikes will set on the dealers showrooms for several months, you'll see the prices drop down very close to Hondas "Suggested Retail Price". Blame the dealers, they are the ones driving the price up, that and those who are willing to pay that price.......
Thanks for the reply, that was interesting, i enjoy your videos.@@TeamDNFracing
I finally got mine in and have been riding to a couple days. 105 miles with 5 heat cycles. I did drop it on a very steep loose dirt with lime stone rocks. I think the back tire was the problem, but this would have difficult any way. Yah, the bike is too heavy .. I miss my old CL125 twin; it was light and peppy. Could you relate what pavement road speed is typical with your 42 tooth sprocket? Where could I get one? If I could do 50-55 mph up small hills this would work for me. Most of my 'trails' could be done with a scooter really. I do plan to do some moto camping which the bike is really good for. Love your videos. I've learned so much in the 6 months I've waited for mine CT125. They helped me get through the lone wait. :o) Mitch in Iowa USA.
Mitch, go see your Honda dealer and ask them if they can order you a rear sprocket for a 2020 Honda Wave 125i in the 42 tooth 428 chain size. It will give you the snap off the bottom and allow the rear wheel to spin in the loose stuff that the stock gearing won't do. You should easily be able to run 50 to 55 MPH on the flat pavement roads. Up hills, won't be that easy, but this sprocket will help.......
How u get to Thailand- I mean u speak like you from I’d say New Jersey ? Now I got to investigate Thailand I love the bird noises in the background
I'm from Oklahoma and I met my Thai wife on a vacation to Chiang Mai, a year later I decided to retire and then moved to Thailand. Two years later, my wife and I got married. True story.....
Okie, .....keep the CT if you like it, but it may be time to buy something bigger like a CRF 250 for off road.........of some other make around 200cc.
Thinking about a 250cc bike for the mountain paved roads, I like my CT for off road stuff, I've got it working pretty good there, so won't be replacing it with anything else, but would like to be able to stay with traffic on the paved stuff.......
Honestly, I think your being overly critical of the bike. It's not going to replace a dual sport. However, it will perform moderate trail duty well. And while the engine is weak, it will get you through many obstacles surprisingly well with a little momentum. Great little bike for the city and exploring the jungle trails.
okie do you work there,whats the cost of living?
Hi William, no I don't work here except on my own property which I'm allowed to do. I am here on a Retirement Visa which means I can not have a job and earn money. The cost of living here is about a third of what it would be in the states. There is a process to go through to acquire a Visa to live here, just google search the Thai regulations for a Visa and study up on it....
Always good to hear what you have to say. When I go putt, putt, putt I know I have eaten too many beans.
Did you see the updates on the new 2022 Honda grom? 5 speed transmission, weights 50 lbs lighter than the ct125 and has an updated instrument panel..... why they didn't bring any of it over to the ct idk Haha
I'm like so many of my subscribers, I don't know why they didn't make this bike with some power in it, some suspension tuning ability and why is it so heavy? All good questions, I'd like Honda to answer them......
@@TeamDNFracing A CRF 300 would be perfect for your use and driving.
@@simmapallen I'm considering a CRF 250 as a mountain adventure bike for the pavement trips. Still like the CT125 for the trails, going slow lets me enjoy the scenery, just don't like having to push it up hills and out of sand.......
You’re right. A CT200 with a 5 speed, clutch and adjustable suspension. I’m actually more interested in your story. How you ended up in Thailand.
I worked shift work in a refinery and my body was starting to not perform like I wanted it to. (To many race bike crashes) I was single and was thinking about getting away for a long vacation and several guys I worked with had been to Southeast Asia and suggested that. Googled up and really liked what I saw in Thailand. Took a vacation there and loved it, on my second trip, I met my now wife and kept going back spending time with her. Decided to retire when my knees started making it difficult to climb stairs or squat down. That was 8 years ago, never looked back...... Best thing I've done for myself.........
@@TeamDNFracing That’s amazing. Good for you. Looks like a nice life. Great videos too. Thanks
@@davidh1314 You should take a vacation to Thailand sometime, you'll love it.......
I'll throw this out there for anyone interested in visiting Thailand.
There's a retired Navy guy that does travel vlogs and van life videos on TH-cam.
He just sold his van, and is visiting Hawaii for a couple of months, but will head straight back to Thailand after that, and will be doing some really cool vids, for people wanting to visit.
His TH-cam channel is: Thirty and a Wake Up.
Really nice guy, and I'm looking forward to watching his travels in your neck of the woods.
@@stevecarr1992 Well, let me know when he is back in Thailand and especially my neck of the woods and have him get hold of me and we'll go do something for a cool video....... Thanks for letting us know....
I just wish the bike could do 55mph consistently. High and low gear like the old ones too. Everything else is great imo.
I can tell you how to get it to run 55 and still climb up the sides of mountains. I've done a lot of work trying to get the perfect response out of this engine and Honda could have done it for us. The CT has the same engine that the Honda Wave 125i, the Honda Monkey, the Honda Cub, the Honda Grom/MSX has and all of these bikes are faster than the Honda CT125 in stock form. The only reason I can think of why Honda has detuned this engine is so it will get the high fuel economy that it gets. My bike will now go well over 60MPH but I have suffered in the fuel economy aspect. Here is how I got the higher speed. My engine has a 142cc Big Bore Kit, a better flowing air filter and air inlet pipe, a special tuned exhaust megaphone with the 19mm head pipe, a hot camshaft, the ECU has been remapped and the head has been ported....... It flat rips for a small bore 4 stroke engine..... Be sure to watch my video on what all is in the Big Bore Kit and how you can make your own. The camshaft, port work and ECU being remapped made a lot of the difference. I still don't know what the top speed is, but I've had it up to 65MPH with more throttle to go and just ran out of straight road...... It would have been really nice if Honda had of stuck the dual range transmission in it with the tuning they have on the Honda Wave 125i. That bike will go 60MPH and hold it......
Wow, this is a great bike for us shorter folks, rare in the motorcycle world, and all these complaints about it being too small. Ok, but aren’t there oh so many other trail bikes?
There really isn't anything out there like the Honda CT. There are lots of small bore bikes, but this styling is pretty unique to the CT. Even here in Thailand where the bike is built, it still gets lots of stares when people walk past it.......
I think that the ct125 will never be able to meet anyones serious offroad expectations and they were always underpowered I have riden one and as you know on hills you have to keep the revs up and hope for the best - maybe the new version has improved. I think if you have offroad needs and want a low small compact package that is very light checkout the sherco ty (125 4t yamaha engine) - it is a road registrable trial bike. The honda is cheaper and probably better on road but the sherco is super light and full clutch with loads of torque and grip. The other great bike is the honda 4ride cota montessa 260cc another trial/road ready bike similar objective to the sherco but much more expensive. I love the ct125 and think that for the money is a great portable unit that can handle a few trails etc I think that honda has made your dream ct125 only its called a 4ride and costs twice as much. The trials type bikes are always lighter and shorter in the seat height - in the last few years they have made these bikes road registrable with lights and indicators as per goverment requirements to access more of the market.
I've actually seen some older trials bikes for sale here in Thailand, yet have never seen a new model offered here. It seems like it isn't very hard to get any bike licensed here as you will see just about anything on the streets if it has a headlight. For some reason, the trials models are not offered, so availability plays a big part of what you can get here. Thanks for the comment and keep watching. I'm having downloading problems with my computer right now, so I have video material that needs edited, but can't get them onto TH-cam. Have an appointment for next week to have my Mac fixed.....
@@TeamDNFracing yeah the old trial bikes are not really good... you can never know what type of abuse they recieved and if you have knee probs the kick on a 250cc 2 stroke is a pain, I have no knee problems and my beta synt 260 is no pleasure to start. The new trials motorcycles usually have starter motor esp in this road trial category. They are pretty big in japan... and a honda dealer may be able to import but they will be expensive.
@@simoncossettini9680 That's just not a bike you'll see running around in Thailand. Low sales and higher prices would probably keep them from being imported to Thailand. The big sellers here are the 125cc scooters as most people in Thailand are not very wealthy and if they are, they buy the larger bikes..... To sell in South East Asia, the bike better be cheap, and reliable at the same time......
I agree. The best thing Honda could have done was put in an engine with 12hp. that probably would have made this a rideable bike. I think a 150cc would have been big enough, and a very good improvement. 175cc would have been that much better. Without the dual range gear box, which sufficed the earlier models for the really slow, tough climbs off road, we really needed a bigger engine to overcome that. And a bigger engine would have given us better highway speeds. We really need a bike that can cruise at 65 mph, then you'll have enough power to go up hills on the highway without going down to 35 mph and in 3rd gear. Which would make it so you could actually drive to places to ride off-road. Right now you have to live on off-road land that you are going to ride on because it's not a highway bike to get you there. Fortunately I live there and can use it a lot on country dirt roads, and it's 45mph speed limit on the highway the 5 miles into town. It's barely adequate for that, but the wind can't be blowing in your face or it won't do 45 either. But I can't ride it down the 65 mph highway and get anywhere new to go riding. So it's a fun bike to ride around locally, but that's where it has to spend its life.
Good comment Lon, you nailed it. I believe the 12HP would probably be plenty for this bike, but hey you and I both know that Honda didn't hire us, so hey, what do we know? Glad you like your new cap, it looks good on you......
@@TeamDNFracing Yes, it does look good, huh?>. It doesn't make my butt look too fat, you're saying? haha
@@spydie Now Lon, I've never seen your butt, so I'll hold that comment for when you show us a flying W on the CT..... "-)
@@TeamDNFracing ha ha. Now that's a picture you'll never get out of you mind!
@@spydie Back in the day before suspension, I have been know to do a flying "W" or two on some of those bikes. Todays bikes would just eat up those kicker bumps, but the early 70's bikes loved to kick your butt up into the air.......
Little harsh partner.
From what I've seen is people try to turn this bike into something it's not.
Adding 50lbs of metal and 3.00 tires is heading in the wrong direction.
For some, they may have gone overboard on decking out the bike, however, even without any add-ons on my bike, it couldn't pull itself out of sand, or mud or climb the mountain paved roads in Northern Thailand. I knew the bike was way to heavy the first sand wash I had to push it out of and the first two foot ledge I had to pull my bike out of. So I actually trimmed some of he weight off my bike when doing my accessories. Loose the rear rack and the stock exhaust and you've cut some serious weight off the bike. I agree with you on the tires, I didn't want to go big, but I knew the 3.00 rear tire would fit nicely on the bike and that with my Big Bore Kit, it would now have the power to turn that tire. When it wears out, I'm downsizing to the 2.75 on the back to match my 2.75 on the front. I'm still wondering why so many have opted for the 3.00 on the front and then lifting the front fender. But hey, people will be people and leaving this bike stock would have limited where I can take mine. I still believe Honda could have made two models of this bike and it would have made a lot of riders happier. Remember the past, Honda made the ST trail bikes in two versions, one with the auto-clutch and one with the manual clutch. The manual clutch would go places the auto-clutch would power out on.... They also almost killed the CT sales one year when they did away with the dual range transmission..... I'm not being harsh on Honda, I'm being honest. I still love this bike, it is a great machine. I'd leave this model just the way they have made it and then build a more suitable trail version for those who want to go off road more than to the city park......
hi I love your vids and your honest opinion's, but I feel you don't fully understand what your bike is. it will never be able to compare to other dirt bikes as never was designed to do so,... all the way back to the 1960,s it is a town and urban commuter.
this model has a higher ground clearance, so people can go down a dirt road to there local fishing hole, or swimming spot. that is about it.
it is about 10 kays faster then a c90 and maybe a ct110.
wouldn't be with my weight on it.
Honda has made a cross for there back over the years by it being stone axe reliable.
bike is heavy because it is not a dirt bike. now every one is offended that the little fella cant leap tall buildings in a single bound.
you know all this, just as well as I do, I feel the extreme price that Honda is charging is causing this over expectation.
you have made yours much better, for something it is not meant to do. and more power to you..... it is very loud but. I would soon get the shits with all that noise.
I would expect you being old,.. like me, love the low center of gravity that makes it so easy to ride, and so stable in the dirt. much more stable then my sl 230.
I have had many of the c series from c50 as a child to many ct110 postie bikes which this is... ,not a motor crosser.
I would happily ride your wonderful ct125 around Australia, over and over again, knowing it would not break other than the rubbish chain. completely stock.
so it makes me laugh when people say it needs a 175 upgrade by Honda.
anyway,... I am Shure you ride it with a big smile on your face just like every one who has road a c series be it 50 cc or 125 cc,.. that is its real secret weapon, not the ability of it suspension .
enjoy your majorly upgraded example, it is a fine thing,... even if it was already better then the hundreds of ct 90/ 110s that have traveled around Australia thru flood dirt and drought.
again thank you for your vids I love finding out where to get all the luggage racks and such. even though the price Honda price gouge for the little bike, means I will have to wait till they appear on the snd hand market to get one.
Thanks for the comment. I know the price on this bike is going way beyond reasonable, but Honda only sets the recommended retail price and the shipping charge. The rest of the price comes directly from the dealers and they are the ones jacking the price up. Don't get me wrong, I really like my bike, however, Honda could have made it better. At the least, they could have made two options of the bike like they do with the CRF models.What is a shame, is my 8 year old Honda Wave (which shares the same engine) is way faster than my CT and will not power out going up hills like my CT did. The CT125 is an exceptionally fun bike and I know it is reliable. All Hondas are, but without the dual range transmission or the dual rear sprockets, the bike won't climb out of a mud puddle without being pushed. I'm just pointing out the short comings of this bike and what I have done to correct those shortcomings. Maybe, Honda shouldn't have named it a "Trail" bike if it wasn't meant to go off road...... It doesn't change my mind though about the bike, I really do love mine and I'm not getting rid of it any time soon.....
yes I know you love it, everyone who rides one be it 50 cc or 125 cc always does.
that is why it has sold over 100 million. I think you may of answered your on question's when you mentioned... xr 200. seems like just the bike for the job, pity Honda don't make it anymore. I used to have a xr 350 back in the day awesome thing till you fell off,... then it wouldn't start till it cooled down some... those twin carbs total rubbish.
any way you now have a very capable little bike and I love your vids ,by the way the ct has always been called trail in aust all the way from 90 cc days till present. the duel range was only on the ag bike here, which was not for the road what a difference it would make to you bike.
I have never ridden a dual range but as not for road. common since tells you it would but.
Honda claims strengthened frame but i would bet dollars it is the same frame as the ct110 which had stronger rims than the c 90 and uprated frame I think Honda is trying to position it as all new, ....when it is just the same as a ct110 with modem upgrades ....we all should thank them greatly for making it at all.... enjoy yours. and thanks for the reply.
@@TeamDNFracing
@@peterhatton7558 First motorcycle I ever rode was my Uncles CT90, I think I rode it straight into the dog house as my Grand mothers house. Didn't keep me from wanting one though.... Cheers......
lmfaoooo - you didnt run outta gas you were having too much fun to look at the dash :D ps i bought a ct110 from new zealand - just wondering how to ship it as looks like wont be able to go and fetch it first - buying a thai one might happen in the future if they dont bring them here (am i nuts) - shame about the video issues hope theyre sorted - need more okie :D
As for the Thai CT's, they are starting to set on show room floors now. Finally they have made enough to keep Thailand from having waiting lists. HOWEVER, can't say that about the green ones and the white ones. They may still be on waiting lists to get them. Can't say the troubles to ship from New Zealand or from Thailand, but finding a broker to handle all that stuff might be the way to go. I used a broker here in Thailand to get mine after being jacked around by a local dealership...... I think I have solved the transfer problems with my computer, should be okay on getting at least one video a week out......
Glad you got this video out. I ride a cbr150r in Bangkok; it's an older, carb model because it is skinny to fit between narrow gaps in stopped/slow traffic. My first motorcycle was an Honda 175XL on/off road which, after I learned how to ride, I converted to pure off road. You are correct that 175cc is minimal for off road performance though 125cc will get you there, eventually. I really like the look of your bike but you make some great points. I looked it up and the trail is 25 pounds heavier than the Super Cub even though the trail is supposed to be 'stripped down'. Go figure. Not many places around the city for off road anyway. Because Bangkok floods in some areas, I can see this as a perfect bike for flood zones. Thanks you for the video.
I agree, the "hunter cub" model should come standard with beefed up suspension hand guards, racks and real tire on rear. MOST of All, should have kept 2 speed gear range !!! No Sale for me !
I believe the short comings of this bike is the real reason some have bought the bike and then are selling them with really low mileage. It didn't live up to the hype some people are spreading.....
TW200 ! LOVE MINE !!!!!!
Glad you like yours Thomas, I know several people who have had a blast with their Yamaha TW 200 and I can see why they have so much fun..... Oh yea, Love my CT, it's not for everyone, but I've made mine into a great little bike for Northern Thailand.......
I can't help but think that you expect more from this scooter then it is. In what world would you expect this bike to raise its front wheel? 🤔 This is a bike for gravel roads not a rally bike.
Thanks for the comment Corey. At my age, I really have no desire to sling a leg over a CRF and rip up the county side on one wheel. However, it is a challenge to get the front tire to loft skyward and maintain said lofty heights for more than a few seconds. I'm getting better at kicking it up there and once I achieve a sustained level of "Into thin air" then I will do a video on it and enter Dakar the next yearJ/K..... It is fun to run this bike down gravel roads and single track trails. What makes this bike perfect for all types of riding situations is the ease that people can slide onto the saddle and with or without much experience on a bike, they can have fun with it. I don't personally expect this bike to perform like a Dakar Rally bike, but I do expect it to be powerful enough to spin the rear tire on said gravel roads and in the stock form, this bike is gutless and in dire need of some assistance in the "gotta go" mode. I have modified my bike to suit my needs in the area of the world I live and ride in. I don't make the videos to tell people what they should do with their bikes and how to modify them. I make the videos to show what this bike is capable of in the stock and modifies versions. The things I've done to the bike help it suit my riding style and make the bike just that much more fun for me to ride. The best thing about this bike, is it isn't a fast bike, it allows the rider to actually ride along and see the surrounding country side while enjoying a motorcycle ride. Love that part of the bike, the mellow power is a joy as long as it doesn't make you have to push the bike up a hill. Again, thanks for the comment and I hope this explains why I do the modifications I've done and why I keep trying to launch the front end towards the sky...... Keep watching the videos, I swear, I'll get a video with the front end up in the air, if not, then a still photo of it.......
@@TeamDNFracing I think you might like this.
th-cam.com/video/gUxFPwDWWVA/w-d-xo.html
Imho, it is more focus on asian markets than the USA and EU.
You'd be surprised at how poor the sales are here in Thailand. Mostly being bought by foreigners who used to have a CT or always wanted a CT. Most Thais, would rather have a Honda Wave or MSX or Monkey or even the Cub. The bike is to high priced here for most locals to buy...... Don't get me wrong, I love my bike, but I've had to do some things to the bike to make it handle the terrain I ride in....... Thanks for the comment......
All dual sport motorcycles should have a dual range transmission.
Playing around with the sprockets on this bike showed me that this engine could pull itself out of a mud puddle if the gearing is right. However, it still doesn't have enough horsepower to go down the paved roads at a comfortable speed to keep from getting run over from behind. I know the dual range transmission would help the low end part of this bike, but only more Horsepower is going to get the top speed any higher. To bad Honda didn't do the tuning of this engine to get it up to 12 or 13 horsepower. Could be an issue with emissions or some other logistics, but they definitely have the technology to put a dozen ponies in this bike.... The real question is why didn't they?
Or just go for a TW200? Or a Van Van 200!
I really like the look of a well built Retro styled bike. The Honda CT125 fits that bill perfect. The Yamaha and Suzuki don't excite me at all, so if I have to make the bike perform like I want it to, that is okay by me...... Love my CT now that I've got it set up the way I want it......
Sadly I have come to a lot of the same conclusions. I still have my red CT125 but I purchased a second hand Yamaha XT250 to do more dual sport adventures. It has the same seat height as the CT125, but is more capable in almost all other areas. After having my CT125 for about 9 months and doing approx 1000 kms, I'm left disappointed. I wish, like you, it was lighter, had more HP, and was better designed for off-road. But to it's credit, it's a beautiful looking bike, it's simple to run and maintain, and it should last forever. I'm hoping my Dad will buy mine as a small backyard and street runner, and then one day later in life I'll buy it back from him. In any case, thanks for the update.
Thanks for the comment, it is sad that Honda didn't pep this up a little. It wouldn't have taken much more as they have the technology to make this engine purr with another 4 or 5 horsepower than it puts out now. I'm sure they have their reasons why they did not do it, but it does make people wonder about what could have been. Let's hope they make one with some power to allow people to climb some hills and zip down the road in comfort.......
@@TeamDNFracing IMHO, I'm glad they upped it from the original 90! I love it fer "sneakin and peakin" in the Boonies!
@@IntheBlood67 In the stock form, if you don't get crazy into the "Boonies", this bike is a good one to have...... Thanks for the comment and I love the Boonies quote, we used that word a lot in Oklahoma... Hell, I've lived most of my life in the boonies......
@@TeamDNFracing Pard, you've come a long way from 'drinkin muddy water an livin inna hollow log"!
@@IntheBlood67 I remember drinking water out of the gutter in the street, riding in the back of a pickup truck, shooting my sister in the ass with my BB gun and trying to snatch a watermelon from the neighbors patch and I'm still alive. Life is great...... That quote isn't from the movie Jeramia Johnson is it?
ed 'its an off road bike' - ed changes name to stephane peterhansel or gaston rahier :D
I'd call the thing Sally if they'd make one like I said in the video. I really hope Honda doesn't watch any of my videos, they may black ball me from ever getting a bike from them again.... ;-)
I don’t get it. You knew it was a 125 before you bought it. You customized the suspension and still…Just sell it. Most TH-cam videos people love this bike. And I can’t even find one to buy because they sell so fast.
Look up the history of this bike, the Honda CT. It all started over 60 years ago when a dealer in Utah took the Honda Cub 50 and "MODIFIED" it to make it more suitable to the trails in Utah. The Honda sales Rep in California wanted to know why this one dealership was selling so many of the Honda Cub bikes and in an area probably not suited for such a bike. Come to find out, the dealership was highly "MODIFYING" the bikes. The Honda sales rep requested the dealership to ship one of those bikes back to California and he did. From there, the bike was shipped back to Japan where they took the ideas and made the first Honda CT models for sale to the general public. If not for one man and his idea on how to MODIFY that bike, there would not be a Honda CT125 today. Just so you know, the stock Honda CT125 has faults, my bike doesn't have those faults. My guess, Honda will eventually make a CT150 or CT175. They might even put some adjustable suspension on it, that would be great and you would like that bike a lot better than the Honda CT125 that is offered today......
Winge and moan and groan all you want to HONDA on how much better this CT125 would be if they had a bigger this and a bigger that . It was made to replicate the indestructible CT110 HONDA , produced predominantly to deliver mail for AUSTRALIA POST . It is what it is , if you don't like it sell it , get rid of it , if you want a faster , lighter , taller bike , just buy that in the first place . Why would you buy a CT 125 having expectations of it performing like a 250 ? Or then complaining if it had this or that it would be better , or only if it had a few more cc 's . For what it is , its great . Its highly overpriced here in AUSTRALIA @ $7490.00 ride away , i hope HONDA AUSTRALIA DIDNT bring to many into Australia , they may struggle to sell them . Just buy the bike that will suit your needs and purpose in the first place .
I'm not sure if this is just skills or if maybe he just has know how and is a lot younger than us or maybe it's the red paint but I watched this guys videos and he has a friend who rides with him and a bunch of other guys and he seems to be having a ball on the back wheel of his CT 125 Trail with no problem. Not sure if this helps or not. Check out at 5.50 minutes in this video. th-cam.com/video/ZPmnuQ6n4NQ/w-d-xo.html
He does this in a few of their videos
Nice informative video Thanks for sharing. I intend buying a CT125 trail for myself soon so I appreciate the info. Regards for New Zealand.
I use to wheelie bikes all the time and for long distances. As I get older, my balance isn't what it used to be, matter of fact, sometimes I just fall over for no reason. That limits my wheelie ability now, so I like to think the front end is to heavy to get it up very high when deep down I know if I just do the light touch on the shift lever and get the revs up, it will lift the front tire plenty high enough for a sustained wheelie..... Call me chicken on it, but I don't even pop a wheelie on my Triumph and it has more than enough power to pick up the front tire. Thanks for the comment and the link to his video. I'm going to watch it right after I get done with answering comments. Again, thanks..........
@@TeamDNFracing I can relate to the age situation as I am pushing 60 myself. Even though I've been riding for 50 years I personally never did wheelies, I think I was just too chicken myself to be honest. The fact that I never wheelie and never have done wheelies even though currently I ride a Suzuki GSXR 750
Katana ex USA edition which I'm sure is way more than capable of it, I saw that video and thought maybe there was some insight into wheelies that you may be missing with your CT125. It certainly wasn't meant as a dig or anything derogatory, just information. Thanks again for your info on the CT125 it is greatly appreciated.
@@Bioruss Did not take it as a dig, glad you sent the info to me. Like you, there comes a time in your life where "old age" actually makes you smarter. My days of doing wheelies are long gone, Occasionally I get he front tire up on the CT a little but don't care to leave it up there very long. It will however, lift up when you really need it to go over something on the trail. I find that much more useful as I get older than when I used to pick up the front end to impress others. Of course, there were also those times when I flipped it over backwards with a little to much throttle. Really don't want to do that anymore........ Thanks for the comment......
@@TeamDNFracing Ahh cool I re read my comment and thought that I came across sounding bad. Glad that wasn't the case. I got to say the upgrades to your CT make me think yours must be one of the coolest CT's out there currently. It looks amazing. I can't wait to buy mine and get some of those awesome upgrades for it. Thanks for all the review info and the tips, they have removed any hint of doubt as to if I should go ahead and purchase one for myself.
Kindest regards from New Zealand.
🤩👎🤩
Sorry you feel that way Herman, but this bike could have been a lot better than it is, in my opinion..... Thanks for the comment, I appreciate all views on my channel...... After all, I did ask for everyone to let me have it if you don't agree with me. I have to respect you for the thumbs down...... Keep watching, my goal is to turn that thumbs down to a thumbs up...... :-)
Without the low range gear. Well. It’s just not worth it !!!!
555
buy bigger bike and other brand