This is Why I Regret Buying a Honda Trail 125
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ม.ค. 2024
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Last summer a guy bought a Trail 125 from my local dealer and did the continental divide trail. No joke the guy is over 300 lbs and it handled it with no issues. Stock that bike is very capable and reliable. Stop throwing money at it and accept it for what it is. Who cares if it doesn’t go 70mph? It’s the trans American trail, not the cannonball run.
Spent many hours on a Trail 90 as a teenager, running trap lines with a huge homemade box on back , farm work, low range pulling slabs from sawmill to various fort building spots on the farm, and also crossing over 20-30 miles of gravel forestry roads to a friends house as he had one too and we would go on camping adventures through mud and muck. They are great for what they are built for. Buy a used one, knock the price in half and do the upgrades if you wish but I would never feel safe crossing the country on one and I am a fan. Not even sure these have a place within a large city. I can't remember how often I was hunkered down trying to get every MPH out of it on paved roads and 50 mph was max with a tail wind at that. Enjoy it for what its for and have fun..
Great video. It's always great to see vloggers that are also making videos on the Trail 125. I love the little thing.
You seriously need to look at the maxi scooters. My 400cc and 650cc scooters are amazing. Suzuki burgmans. I’ll even donate them to you
Ye those things are amazing
They are far cry from an adv substitute though.
@@-Jason-Lto right bro been riding bikes since I was 9 and my last bike was a varadero 1000cc but Currently on a bandit 1250s but next bike is a suzuki 1050de vstrom
That's what I'm looking at getting into... some day.
But these are heavy. The Burg 650 even weights 276kg! Such a short person like her has no chance to move it backwards...
I had two of these as a kid and cost almost nothing. In fact, i learned a lot about how to fix and maintain bikes with these. No idea what they were then and I believe they were 1970-something models when they were 90cc’s. I loved it and was excited to see them come back. But, the cost did seem a bit steep! Nostalgia alone almost let me buy one again.
A Yamaha TW200 probably would have been an ok choice as well. More power and a reasonably low seat. A bit more expensive than a Trail 125, but you get nearly twice the motor.
Plus from what I've heard it's relatively easy to lower a TW. I've seen some that were lowered by dropping the front in the trees and using an older V-Star shock in the rear.
That 16 hp might be double that of the trail 125... But, that full size bike with a rear tire is 4 times as big as the trail 125... Will def hurt the power to weight ratio.
@@martykasa7864 I've ridden one they will run at least 60 mph. I have a Chinese dual sport and I changed the rear sprocket on it to get more top end and it will run 65 with me on it at 280 lbs. I lost a bit of low end but it's still capable of some pretty decent trail riding.
I love my 2020 TW200 and will never let it go..... I've topped out at 73mph with the stock gearing.
The wet weight of the Tw200 is 278, wet weight of the CT-125 is 256 per their websites. Looks can be deceiving.@@martykasa7864
Another inseam challenged rider here. I looked at the CT125 because of fond memories of a Trail 110 I used to borrow whenever I could. I could only afford one bike, so I ended up with a Royal Enfield Meteor 350. It's still a little tall for my 26" inseam, but light enough that leaning over at stoplights isn't a chore. I seldom ride on interstates, but the Meteor can handle 65 MPH without complaining. Other Meteor owners claim dirt/gravel roads are no problem, even with stock tires, but I haven't tried that yet.
Just tossing it out there: CSC offers the San Gabriel 250. It's a cafe style bike, but they have a scrambler kit for it (just semi-knobbies and a trail style handlebar) that helps it handle mild trail riding. And it has a 26" seat height. It probably isn't much better for freeways than the CT, but there are sprocket kits to help with that.
Thank you for shouting out the SG250 - I hadn't heard of it before but am also inseam deficient
I get your point. But that little Trail is an adventurous little bit of kit. One day soon, I hope, manufacturers will figure out there is a market for smaller and more capable bikes for this obviously underserved market. Cheers from Georgia. 👍🏼
They know, that is why there are so many in S.E. Asia.
over 100 million cub sales doing something right :o)
@@jamesblackburn934 most options here are literally just small bikes, the Trail 125s Asian cousin here is the XRM 125 and it's $3k cheaper, but the fact that it could barely do highway speeds is probably the biggest reason why they don't want to risk selling it there.
Those are great points. I think this would be a fun bike to put in the back of a truck as spare wheels when camping, trips to the store, ect.
Keep up the good work Chey.
But then, so would any number of e-bikes, which you can get away with riding and parking on the sidewalk.
Lifting a CT90 at 188lbs is not easy, the 125 is even heavier.
It’s funny how Chey is on this kick, “is the F6B too big for her” and “I regret buying this”. I tell ya Chey, I don’t regret u buying it b/c I got to c TMDrGF, in all her wonderment, get to ride it.
That, in an of itself, is worth it.
I think Shade likes it too. It’s the 1 bike he doesn’t work up a sweat, kick-starting.
Chey. There's a 2015 honda crf250l in palm harbour for $3500 with a lot of goodies on it. You'll need a lowering link to lower it, but that's less than $200. I think that would be the perfect bike for you on the TAT.
I appreciate that you’re camping with a swag. I have done my level best convert others to the way of the swag for motorcycle camping, but have been met with significant resistance.
Also, for the streets, it is hard to go wrong with a Burgman 400 which will absolutely rock the interstate and keep you ahead of the death drivers. at 63 I pretty much have to sit on the rear seat in order to ride a Bergman 400 but my niece at I think she was 4’9" at the time, absolutely loved riding around the campground.
Granted, you are not gonna be doing much off-road, however, it is surprisingly capable on gravel and two tracks.
I am so glad you posted this. I was considering a Trail 125. After hearing your cons I am giving it a second thought. I am thinking now a duel sport might work better for me.. Thanks! Keep up the great content!
check out the Morini x-Cape and the Benelli TRK 502X those are both very affordable full size real adventure bikes
Excited to see the trail footage!
The original version of your bike, the CT-90, added a high-low range to the transmission. This made the bike a little more versatile.
Short rider here. I feel your pain. While I'm not as short as you are since I am 5'3. It's still a pain for me to find a bike that I'm comfortable riding as well as comfortable at a stop. And it seems like anything with a low seat height has to be either underpowered for the type of riding I want or extremely heavy. I've owned a GSXR 750, a Yamaha MT07, a Yamaha Bolt, and One of my favorite bikes that I sold, and really miss, was my 2008 Yamaha raider. 27 and a half inch seat height and came in just under 600 lb. What every cruiser manufacturer and bike manufacturer that I've noticed won't tell riders is that the seat height only matters if the seat is narrow. For example, my Yamaha raider had a 1900 CC V-Twin engine which was ridiculously wide and the seat above it was ridiculously wide. Even though I have the legs to handle a 27.5 in seat height perfectly flat foot, my legs were stretched to their max around the seat and engine putting me on my absolute tip toes at a stop. And leaning 600 lb over on one leg to go flat foot is never comfortable. And we must be living in the same tax bracket as well. Because, I also find it ridiculous to keep pumping money into something that I could barely afford to begin with only to make it what I want. Ultimately, motorcycles is not a poor person's hobby. Sure, there are ways to do it... But, it doesn't take long before we're upside down and spending more money than we are receiving in value.
Right now I am writing a 2014 Yamaha V-Star 950 cruiser. It has to be the favorite bike I've ridden between the sport bikes and naked and cruisers I've owned. It's low enough for me to get my feet down comfortably at a stop, comes with great size bags and a windshield, has very comfortable riding position, and the 950 engine has almost enough get up and go to completely satisfy me. But, it didn't start that way. I bought the motorcycle for $4,500. Then there was $300 for the slip-on exhaust, $350 for the intake, and another $350 for the Ivan's ECU flash. Then, after all that, came the $800 mustang Rider seat with backrest and pillion seat as well as the $100 and some change breakaway throttle lock cruise control. I almost spent 50% of the bikes cost just making the bike what I want. And that is a story of all bikes. Unfortunately, I just gets out of hand real fast.
I know this is a lot, sorry for the book. Keep riding and keep smiling whenever you can. After all, there's no point in riding if you're not smiling while doing it.
Interesting read. I'm surprised that at least one manufacturer hasn't taken more interest in the niche. I have a friend, she's 5'1" I believe, and maybe 110lbs and a rider. Obviously she's had a lot of the same challenges and problems. Her husband isn't all that tall either, maybe 5-5? But that's enough to get out of that "too short" range. I miss riding but I have some medical conditions that don't allow me the open road anymore. I've thought about the 125 to kick around town and the nearby ponds that I like to fish. A tiny Medical Mutiny you might say. 🏴☠
Haven’t found many negative reviews of the Honda trail. Thank you for your input. I wanna keep my expectations low so I’ll be pleasantly surprised , but it’s hard when everyone’s praising the trail.
Hi Chey, i recommended before (when you bought the trail 125), and i also recommend now. Try out the van van 200. It is off road capable, and its very low, it is extremly light. I did the part of the hungarin Trans Euro Trail on it without problem.
Plus its WAY more capable than the 125. I forgot that bike existed
Yeah, if you go to 12 hp you are able to change the sprocket ratio and gain a little more top speed. Yes, more Trail 125 videos, please. Big thanks!!
It was the CT 110 that Australia Post used, and there are people who’ve ridden them coast to coast via the Simpson desert. They are very versatile. One of the best mods is an XR tank fitted to the gap for extended range.
You are so on with this review. Had one myself and was fine for driving slow in slow places. Living out of town just didn't see a need for it. Had put a large crate on it and rode my dog on back roads. I wish I had it back for just riding her, we both miss it. Using it in it's realm, it's sweet, and yes carrying mail orders in city is one of those realms
Thank you for reminding me about my favorite motorcycle!! 1966 honda ca160 is a beautiful little 4-speed parallel twin with a rather low seat height (though I can't remember how low)
Thanks for carrying on my rant. I have been saying for several years now that 250cc is the absolute minimum for a road-going motorcycle of any kind. Any bike needs to be able to hold 65 MPH for the short stretches of expressway that are inevitable for getting around on a bike. At 125cc, the trail 125 is simply a neighborhood bike.
Love my 1964 Honda Trail (CT 200) with a Lifan 125 electric start engine swap.
Thanks for the great ownership experience breakdown.
What about the BMW G 310 GS? It’s lower then it’s big brother of the GS line. Have you taken a look at this. Or the Honda XR150?
Trail 125 is a lifestyle bike. It does a lot of stuff well and it's reliable and it holds it's value, but you pay a premium for it. It's not a bike to do big bike stuff.
Have you considered on of the Lifan engines? 150cc with 5 speed transmission and clutch all for the price of your big-bore kit.
I think the review was fair. First time viewer. Great video. I think I will start using the cost per hp matrix. I have an ADV 150 scooter so I do get the putting around vibe.
You mentioned it being the world's most expensive scooter when you're done with it and you reminded me of a guy who, because he wanted "the world's fastest minibike", performed a rear end stretch, custom-made exhaust and a CB300R engine swap on a Grom. He documented his build on TH-cam, but I don't know if it's still up.
TW200 is actually shorter than CT125, but yes, the automatic on the 125 makes it a fun bike to try if you've never ridden before. An XT250 could be lowered to the CT125 height as it only needs to go drop an inch.
Xt225 would fit her better I think.
Great work!!! Such a good Vid!!!!! Much Love!!
I'm surprised the Yamaha TW200 wasn't a consideration. Granted, it isn't a highway bike either, but sprocket changes are cheap and will get you purring at freeway speeds without hitting the redline. And, it is more than capable and durable as an ADV bike for riders of smaller stature. Barely used ones can be found well under $4k, and that is often with additions such as lever guards, skip plates, and rear racks. They are also way more comfortable than the trail bikes, especially on long rides.
I have the same complaints about my Trail 125, it's simply not the bike I wanted it to be or envisioned it as being when I bought it. It has been relegated to around town use for the most part and even then it's not the best tool for that job. I talk about putting it up for sale often but when it comes down to it I can't bring myself to get serious about selling it, I simply like looking at it sitting in the corner of the garage too much. I'll admit that I purchased it out of nostalgias sake because I had a 90 growing up that I had very fond memories of and I had hoped that the 125 would help me relive that in some small way. It's a great little bike for what is but you have to be honest with yourself about what that is and what isn't. I'll likely keep mine around for the time being and who knows, maybe I'll give it to a nephew when they go off to college!?
Considering what you spent...would the ADV160 have better suited your needs?
TH-cam algorithm took me here. Looking at the title, I was rolling my eyes at first and saying “Here we go again, didn’t yoi know what you were getting into?”
But I agree 100% lol😂
The Trail seems like an awesome little bike, durable and reliable but I thought the price seemed a might steep considering the tiny motor limitations.
I went the Shadetree route all the way back in 2006. Sportster with Enduro tires and some mods to make it do what I want it to do. For me that's just banging around the dirt fire roads here in the hills (I live right near where the Sportster Summer ride on the PA BDR began) and getting through when things get muddy. No real serious offroad because I'm short and can't raise the bike for bottom clearance.
Cheap and versatile, still love my Sporty.
If you want real serious offroad without a tall seat, get a trials bike
I have a CT 125 and did the big bore kit and an oil cooler, crash bars, etc. I will caution you that the 143 cc kit without an oil cooler will probably over heat. Mine did and it ruined the piston and cylinder. I replaced the 143 with the 182 cc bbk with an oil cooler and it worked much better. I will tell you that 70 mph on that little bike is just way too fast. The suspension, seating position, lack of steering damper etc make going highway speed on that little bike way too dangerous. I actually had a front tire tube blowout at about 60 mph on a rural road, completely lost control of the bike and went down hard. The front tire just went out from under me without warning. I have several bikes including a KLR 650, Ural Gear Up, BMW R 1250 GSA, and just got a G 310 GS which is awesome! I would recommend the G 310 GS which has an entry level price tag and all of the performance that you would need or want. After adding crash bars, windshield, low seat, bar risers, and a few other accessories I am all in to that bike for under $7k. Bought the G 310 GS used with 1300 miles on it for $5k. Best of all is that all of the controls are in the same position as on my big GSA but the bike only weighs about half as much as the 1250!
Hey! Love your video. As a 5’7” dude who loves dirt bikes, adventure bikes, dual sports… etc I feel your struggle. Have you considered a Yamaha TW200? Forgive me if it’s already been suggested.
I always feel like a dual sport bike needs to cruise at 60 miles per hour. I don't ever want to be on the freeway with any motorcycle, but the back highways, you would hold up traffic and make everyone mad. I bought a used crf250l. It's surprisingly heavy to pick up, though, but runs good and is easy to balance. You can get a lowering kit for it. I don't know why honda doesn't do a bumped up version of the trail to 150cc.
Video ideas for us short girls - A test riding video. If i'm not mistaken, it's been a while since we've seen you ride multiple different bikes. Would love to hear your thoughts on other bikes to ride. Mine is currently a Honda Rebel 500 and idk if you can find anything better for us gals. It's short and still powerful.
I know they are very old now but in the USA there seems to be many good condition CM 400/ 450 Hondamatics 2 speed semi auto , they can spin along as well :) . They are very low in the saddle and easy to build into some thing else . have fun and keep the vids coming .
I am 6ft even but have a 30 inch inseam. I bought a Honda 650 to turn into an adventure bike. Two inches out of front and rear suspension and 2 inches out of the saddle and I can almost flat foot it. The good news is, the manufacturers are getting it that not everyone needs or wants 13 inches of travel and a foot of ground clearance. There have been more small displacement bike models showing up between 250 and 500cc in the past few years than i can remember seeing since the 70s. I think the industry will move closer to the ADV style of riding and away from dressers and touring models.
I recommend putting the TAT on first priority for this year.
Another small bike budget option is the xr150l at under three grand raw retail.
I saw the purchase video. I was still doing a lot of research on my purchase.
Did you consider the RE Himalayan? It's shorter than the ADV bikes you mentioned and cheaper also. (Taller than the Honda though)
Have you tried a Yamaha XT250 or Royal Enfield Himalayan? Both of those would get you an acceptable seat height, low weight and acceptable power level to get you on the highway. Both will also give you plenty of off-road capability for something like the TAT. I love the Trail 125 but it's the wrong bike for what you want to use it for. For what you could spend on CT mods (considering cash and time), you could just about buy a decent used XT250 or Himalayan.
BMW F650 Funduro/Classic. 2000 or older. I have a 1998. You can find one with accessories for $2500 +/- . Only thing you need to pay for is to add lowering links, but some might already have them installed, combine with lowered seat and get some adv boots that get you an inch or two closer towards the sky. Austrian Rotax Motor as long as you buy pre 2008. Pre 2001is Funduro vs GS after and including 2001. Suzuki DR200 or Yamaha TW200 also good choices if you’re not riding back on pavement. I have a DRZ 400 and a 2007 F650 Dakar waiting near the Eastern Start of the TAT and I’ve been waiting too long for people to go with. If you have a group that can fit one more rider I would try to join the trip?? Thanks for talking me off the ledge, I had myself convinced I couldn’t live without this used 2023 Green CT125 for sale locally, and I have a 1986 CT110 already, much appreciated 👍🏾
I can recommend the F700GS - it was my first bike and it has been customised to fit ME to perfection. The recluse auto clutch is highly recommended. Upgrades are not cheap but it can be done bit by bit.
Two Guys Ride is a good video series here on you tube. They both rode the TAT on the same motorcycle you rode. On another note if you have any motorcycle mechanic friends that could cut the cost of the big bore kit installation. As far as reach to the ground can be had by double soles on your boot and maybe a better seat and handlebars. My wife started riding back when she was 33 and that helped her with ergonomics. Still riding now at 74 years young although its a Gold Wing Trike.
Did you look at a XR150L dualsport when you bought the trail 125?
Have you looked at the Yamaha TW200? Lower seat than the trail 125, fun (sugar sand friendly) balloon tires, and a top speed of 73mph stock
I can think of like 5 bikes you can probably get around the $4k range (used) that could be easily modded to off-road use or are meant for off-road to start and can also do highway speeds... you must love that little bike.
i picked up a 2011 g650gs for $4500 a couple years ago and i love it! only had 3500 miles on it but it has handled everything like a champ! but it didnt have a title so i had to go bonded which is always risky, but it put it in my price range so it was worth it
Whats a title? Sorry for the dumb question, but im from Indonesia.. thanks!
A title is the document you have to prove ownership. Since the person I bought it off of didn’t have that it could have been stolen and sold cheaply. So in America when this happens you have to get a bonded title. That is a special title that requires a special insurance for the cost of the vehicle so that if some one claim it as theirs they get the money for it. But you keep the bike. If no one comes forward to claim it was stolen in 3 years you get a free and clear title and it’s officially yours by law.
@@AndrewChristopherEnriquez thank you for the explanation, man! ride safe!
Careful with the big bore kit! The stock starters have issues cranking the big bore. You do better with opening up intake and exhaust and dropping in a cam.
Would used really lowered WR250R be an option? It does have a clutch though.
Hey Chey, Im not sure how much it would be over in the states but here in the UK they are 5.5k new Its the SCRAMBLER 400 X Ive done a lot of miles on these and they are capable of 70+ it just depends if its short enough. Worth going to the Triumph dealership to have a look and possibly a test ride. Be safe ont he road.
Yes the Trail is a little over priced, plus it so hard to find, I had to have it shipped to me. It is the only new vehicle I've ever bought--including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, and probably the only one that I will ever buy. The Trail is very useful around town, I built a nice wooden crate for the back, and I added a bag support and bought a pannier I can use on the bag instead of the crate. I put a rack on the center tube with a little bag that's good for carrying things like insurance and registration, gloves, and whatnot. I put on a red and white saddle. I get over 100 mpg, and use it for shopping, commuting to work, and riding around town. I would like to take it out to the countryside and enjoy it on a trail or dirt roads, but haven't had the chance. Yes, it is limited, no highway use, and not necessarily too comfortable on a long trip, and not like a moto cross or dual sport on trails, but still a lot of fun, and useful, and I of course love it for the nostalgia. I've had a lot of people ask me what year it is, other people compliment it, it does spark some conversations. Not sure that swapping for a Grom engine would make a difference, I thought that the Grom, CT, Super Cub, and Monkey all have the same 125cc engine, just tuned and geared differently.
3 inches is a lot Chey!theres no way to shorten it in the back with shocks?
I love mine on long island, the highest speed limit is 55 and theres almost always enough room for people to go around.
Couple of suggestions based on the seat height of your bike . Benelli make the 502 in an 800mm seat height version (not sure about USA) and there's the CSC Cyclone with 795mm
I think the ultimate cheap bike for your Chey would be a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 (not the ACE or Aero). Low seat, light, more than enough power, Honda reliability, 2k for a nice one, put some tires with some tread pattern if you plan on hitting up dirt roads. With an exhaust it might even sound a little rad. Although it wont get the respect of a Sportster it does give off mini FX softail vibes. A 90s Evo FXSTC would also be cool if you want some grunt and you could lower it if need be.
last november i was seriously thinking about buying a new trail 125 as a first bike. it seemed perfect on paper, with me rarely going on the interstate as is, fantastic gas milage, decent specs for such a small package, and a (for me at least) decent price. But after looking over so many videos and sitting on one to get the feel for it, i ended up going with a shadow 750 aero. the speed, the size, and me being 5'11, it just didnt line up. i love the 125 still and might still get one in the future, but the 750 has already surpassed what I wanted in a first bike, and being ok at most things.
Seems they make 180 CC Big Bore kits for the Trail 125 then you can change the gearing with sprocket changes..
What about a Icebear Champion LX 125cc with a Zongshen 212cc engine? I had the bike it was based off of years ago which is a Honda CT70. Those were painfully slow but very rugged. I hear good things about the Icebear and that they're very compatible with the Honda aftermarket parts. I've seen videos of the 212cc models going up to 70mph. They're also affordable, although I am not convinced that they are built Honda strong but not having one myself (disabled) it may work for you who knows.
Have you considered looking at a Yamaha TW200 or the Suzuki VanVan200?
Road Honda motorcycles thru the 70's 80's 90's. Granted it was the Honda 4 cylinder bikes, but great bikes. Life changed for me and I sold my Honda. 10 years later I got the itch to ride again. What I enjoyed most was riding the 2 lane state roads, mostly 50 -65 mph. I found a 2012 Hyosung GV250 at a dealer. This bike is well known throughout asia and australia. It has twin 90 degree cylinders and is oil cooled. top speed is over 80 mph. and it got 60 mpg with a 3.7 gal gas tank. Weight was right at 400 lbs. Only had the battery and tires replaced. changed the oil and filter every 2000 miles (2 QT) Very underrated cruiser IMHO. Oh and seat height was 26" and it looked allot like a HD.
Yup I wanted to do the tat this year too but life gets in the way. Maybe next year so I will keep saving up until then. I might be able to get a motel once in a while at this rate.
Excellent analysis.
I don't think it was out when you gor the trail125, bit hondacame out with a 150 dual sport. Could be worth looking into
Wow! Didn't know you were 4' 11". You seemed taller when I saw you at Forgotten Angels. From what I can see, that little Honda is a nice little work horse. Riders who like their bikes will always invest on upgrades and to turn it into an adventure bike, all you have to do is take it out on an adventure.
How are you securing the swag tent to the bike? Those are comically large rolled up.
Again your hair looks amazing next dark blue 💙
Really like these shorts you film 🎥 keep up the great job 👍
I'm looking to find a lightly used Yamaha TW200. It appears to have A low seat, Google says 31 inches. Google also says 66-73 mph top speed. I like the TW's silly fat tires. I plan to ride it on the beach, but to the beach too.
Had a Navi for a couple years. Thinking about getting the xr150l and replacing the Navi. Hate the idea of buying used unless if it’s an antique you don’t see anymore lol. Wish Honda would bring in slightly bigger bikes at an entry price.
Seriously check out OBERON clutch and front brake handeles. US dealer that will also chrome plate then. I bought just the clutch handel, it isa straight swap on HD. It has 8 different pull levels.
Great video. That's what I thought. I get your point.
I had a Mini Trail CT70 as teenager. Bought new by my grand father in 1970, he gave it to my mom, my mom gave it to me. We literally flipped the trip meter to Zero three times.
Those are made to adventure and make Around The World trip. Slowly, but surely.
This really should be a 250...
I do Adventure all Summer long till 2017, with my WR250R. Everybody tell me : "That's not an Adventure Bike!"
"It is for me" 😁
I do Groceries with this thing and a backpack, Toilet paper day is not that fun. 🤣🤣
You are so right about the speeds in Florida
i feel your struggles, i love my old ct90, but my new ct125 is a possing money pit, but i wouldnt change it for anything
Nice breakdown of financial facts. Keep up the great work! ✌🏼&♥️
Those bigger bikes would be a lot harder to pick up and guide through rough terrain. I think a Honda 300 rally is kind of the perfect weight/speed, but like you say, you can have all kinds of fun with the trail if you stay off the fast roads. I think you can have bikes lowered with different shocks but I wouldn't actually know. Anyway, you've got the big bore kit and that should improve things.
Buying a better suited bike second hand wasn't an option for you? Or reupholster the very thick saddle and make it flatter?
Have you checked the Himalyan 411? wait on the new 452 model IMO lets see the long term results first on that one. But the older model is rock solid, low seat, Hwy speeds and just fun.
I have a Honda trail 125 with over 4000 miles on it. The msrp is about 1000 too much for what the bike is.I use it for commuting to work on a highway where the posted speed is 60mph. Ihave done some longer trips which were about 140 miles one way, it is fun, but not fast. I also have a2017 F700 GS, lowered.
Maybe just strip it down , try a different sprocket combination or smaller rims. A velocity stack on the carb and an exhaust that is wide open, a header. The ride factory might can get you a used one.
Another great small adv bike is the versys x300. Low seat good suspension and will go around 100 mph while getting 65-70 mpg. Plus pretty light weight. It’s been out since 2017 so lots of used available. I also feel like Honda has over priced all their small bikes, just not worth it. These days anything adv is priced too high. I’d like the new transalp 750 but it’s 10,000 dollars plus fees.
ridersville cycle,Berkeley springs WV,no added fees,just taxes,tags,title.Just bought 230 klx and they had over 350 motorcycles in stock.
What about the Yamaha fat tire 200? That sounds like a good bike with more power and a low seat height
Not trying to imply that you're young, but - did the dealer offer you a free test ride on a used model? Did you reach out to riders of short statue for their opinion? I'm old and 5'10", but I paid $200 for a non running Yamaha TW200 and $50 later was riding it. Sold it for $1500 a week later. Love your content, and wish you the best!❤️
BMW GS 310 springs to mind, with a lowering kit. Second hand will put you way below your 7k. Just a thought. Great video, thanks.
You need to watch the lil lady on TY somewhere. She uses the kickstand to come to a stop. Pretty sweet technique. Idk I'm well in the 6' range so I can't test. Everything I've sat on I'll be flat footing. 😅
ever thought of buying a lowering kit for your bikes?, thats what i did with my sporty 1200c
I almost bought one. thanks for your video.
It's good for local rides and little off road.
her thumbnail got me :(
Agreed. It is a $2500 Postie bike. However since Honda vacated the $4000 price bracket by retiring the CB250 and Rebel250...they just plugged it with their various 125cc scooters and minibikes.
I would say the pre 2016 Rebel, the Vstar250 and the VanVan or old Suzi 250 used at $1500 is probably the most logical road use choice....and 150cc dirt bikes and a hitch bike rack are best offroad for short riders.
I used to have this bike, call CT 125 and sold it after around 6 months. Bought it because of the looks, but sold it because it is just very underpowered, the ergonomic was not for me. Agree with you too on the clutch and mine the shift was not smooth. It is still a nice to look at, but for me it is some of the worst bike to ride.
There are plenty of bike to choose here in Asia, if you want to do a light adventure and even cheaper. There is Kawasaki Versys 250, BMW GS310, Honda CB 500 X, CB 150 X. There is also few maxi scooters too,with large under seat storage space.
With the money from selling the CT 125, I switch to Vespa GTS 300 and later switch it again to Kawasaki ZX25 and that bike made for me.
I grew up on a CL 90. I got it used from a neighbor for a whopping 15 dollars. It was beat up and had a hole in the crank case. My dad and me rebuild it. It took weeks as I only had 5 dollars a week to put in it. Now it was 1963. Parts was cheaper then. We bored it to a 150. Anyway the first time out I got a speeding ticket doing 62 in a 35. And had to pay it myself. So there is a way to get the speed. My dad taught machinist at mississippi state and was a die hard biker.
So many told me to get one of these, but the limited speed, & upgrades costs got me leaning towards Janus motorcycles. Maybe Halcyon 250 isn't good for off roading, but it starts 14hp, & for $1500, I can push it to 30hp. But I'm more looking at the $500 for pushing to 20hp.
Hey. It's fairly old at this point, but look into a Honda Helix. 250cc and great for tall and short riders alike! I own one, and it's so low to the ground, I suspect I could lean over and drag my knuckles against the ground while riding! Or just about, anyways...
One way the Trail 125 will be amazing off road is how light it is. Hopefully you'll see that pay dividends when you make the trip 🙂 lightness is everything, especially when you have little legs
It's not that light. My Suzuki DR200 weighs a few pounds less and has far more performance. My Yamaha XT250 weighs only 30lb more. Trail is heave for such a little bike.
@@finerbiner I'm really talking about light when compared to a mid size adventure bike which will weigh twice as much. The Trail is also good at handling lots of cargo, and has low range. More power isn't really useful to it off road for a fairly new ADV rider
@@BorderlandBiker Trail no longer has a low range. It also does not belong on any hwy. If the wind is blowing in your face and you have to go uphill you will be going 35mph. That is dangerous. Trail belongs on a dirt road or in town. The poster wants a bike with more utility.
I have some Kiwi friends who have ridden a pair of Groms across the US on the TAT from east to west. They are Kiwigrom on youtube. You should check them out for some inspiration. I have a CT125 2023 here in NZ and added knobby tires and go riding off road. If you remember it's not a full blown mx bike they are fun off road. It is also my daily commuter. BTW my wife has a F700gs that is lowered and she loves it. I occasionally steal it for rides. My other bike is a Triumph Tiger 800 XC. You'd need a ladder to get on that!