2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS Announced for U.S. Market

The famed Honda Trail/CT is returning to the U.S. market. Honda has announced its new 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS, based on the Super Cub CT125. The Honda Trail/CT series of motorcycles rose to popularity in the 1960s due to its light off-road capabilities and affordable price point. MSRP is $3,899.

From Press Release:

2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS

If there were ever a motorcycle made for casual trekking on- and off-road, one that harkens back to the golden era of motorcycling while incorporating the joys of modern design and technology, the 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS is it.

Debuted in 2019 as a concept model at the 46^th Tokyo Motor Show, the CT125 received rave reviews, along with requests for a production model. That wish is now granted with the introduction of the 2021 Honda Trail 125.

Much like Honda’s fun and nostalgic Monkey and Super Cub miniMOTO models, the new Trail 125 resurrects a time-honored brand by injecting a healthy dose of practical design and hassle-free technology to create a machine that honors the past while adapting easily to modern lifestyles.

Whereas the 2019 Super Cub C125 sought to serve the casual daily needs of urban riders, the Trail 125 expands that scope by providing features that make it just as capable in rural settings and on two-track roads and trails. This was accomplished by strengthening the chassis, increasing suspension travel, improving range and updating the electronics for virtually maintenance-free operation.

DESIGN / STYLING

The many improvements to the function and capability of the original CT series have not detracted from the distinctive CT design, which is carefully preserved in the modern Trail 125. With the goal of balancing the image of a tough-yet-modern machine, Honda’s designers simplified the surfaces of each part on the frame while preserving the symbolic elements such as the upswept muffler, air-cleaner cover, fuel tank, rear carrier, steel front fender, turn signals, footpegs and handgrips.

A 3-D emblem of the signature original Honda wing logo represents the traditional series model while the drop-shadow Honda logo, reminiscent of the CT-series, is attached on left and right side covers.

Electronic features include the following:

190 watt generator output
Accessory charger
LED lighting
Large, square turn signals mimic the look of the older CT models and are durable for off-road use

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Compared to the Super Cub, the wheelbase of the Trail 125 has been lengthened .5 inches to 49.4, the front-suspension stroke increased to .4 inches to 4.3, ground clearance upped 1.1 inches to 6.5, and the seat height raised .8 inches to 31.5. Together with the following upgrades, these changes allow the Trail 125 to readily traverse uneven road surfaces and challenging terrain while still providing ample rider comfort and control:

The head pipe is reinforced and the triple clamp redesigned to ensure a balance between frame rigidity and flex.
An upswept bend enables the handlebar to be turned 45 degrees in each direction so that the rider can easily make course corrections at low speed.
Dual-sport-style knobby tires mounted on 17-inch rims with stainless-steel spokes offer traction and long life.
Disc brakes front and rear ensure excellent braking power even when luggage is loaded; ABS is standard.
The reshaped seat is narrowed at the front to facilitate foot reach to the ground.

Enlarging the fuel-tank capacity to 1.4 gallons (.4 gallons larger than the Super Cub) increases range when fuel stations are few and far between. The high-mounted air intake and upswept exhaust enhance low-end power and are consistent with the CT lineage, and the engine guard adds protection from obstacles like large rocks and tree stumps.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

As with the Super Cub C125, the Trail 125 engine is a 125cc four-stroke, single-cylinder overhead-camshaft design operating two valves. Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enrichment and electronic ignition ensure trouble-free starting and efficient operation in every conceivable condition. The Trail 125 has a longer intake and tuned exhaust for enhanced low- and midrange power, as well as a three-tooth larger rear sprocket (39 teeth) for lower gearing—all changes that are ideal for trekking and touring on forest-service roads and trails. Like the Super Cub, the Trail 125 uses a four-speed semiautomatic transmission.

As a package, the Trail 125 pays tribute to the original CT line while embracing the convenience and performance of modern technology, making it a great tool for riding around town or exploring the wilderness.