Throwbacks aren't uncommon these days. Honda even resurrected its Monkey small bike into a modern icon. But Honda isn't done with throwbacks yet. Following rave reviews over a modern trail bike concept with a six-decade old design, Honda decided to offer a production version -- the all-new 2021 Trail 125. It may not be a street-legal superbike with a three-second 0-60-mph sprint, but it's iconic.
A Tribute To An Icon
The new 2021 Honda Trail 125 is designed to be capable on the rural settings, two-track roads and trails. Honda managed to do this by building on the elements of the urban-focused 2019 Super Cub C125, and strengthening the chassis, increasing its suspension travel and updating its electronics. Design-wise, the Trail 125 remains loyal to the persona of the original CT series -- the 1964 CT200 90 -- but with modern elements.
For instance, Honda simplified the surfaces of the frame but was careful enough to preserve symbolic CT elements such as its upswept muffler, turn signals, foot pegs, hand grips, fuel tank, rear carrier, steel front fender and air-cleaner cover. For another throwback, the Trail 125 features a 3D emblem of the original Honda wing logo.
Conquering Rural Roads
Powered by a 125-cc four-stroke, single-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed semi-automatic transmission, the Trail 125 features a 190-watt generator output, accessory charger, LED lighting, and large square turn signals similar to that of older CT's. Featuring ABS as standard, the Trail 125 rides on 17-inch rims shod with dual-sport-style knobby tires.
To allow the Trail 125 to conquer uneven rural roads, Honda lengthened its wheelbase by 0.5 inches (to 49.4 inches), increased its ground clearance by 1.1 inches (to 6.5 inches), and raised its seat height by 0.8 inches (to 31.5 inches). It also gave the handlebar an upswept bend and reshaped its seat. With a fuel tank capacity is at 1.4 gallons, the Trail 125 offers greater range than the one-gallon Super Cub.
Launch Set November 2020
Honda will commence sales of the 2021 Trail 125 in November in the United States. Available in Glowing Red finish, the new Honda Trail 125 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3,899.
Source: Honda