2023 Honda Trail 125 Guide • Total Motorcycle

Jan 08, 2024

LITTLE BIKE. BIG ADVENTURES.The Honda Trail125 is a mega hit with riders all across the world—and it's easy to see why. It's inspired by our timeless classic Trail 90 and Trail 110, but completely updated and modernized with a bigger, more powerful 125cc engine, fuel injection, disc brakes, and an electric starter. There's even front-wheel ABS! Like the originals it still features our world-famous no-clutch semi-automatic transmission, a frame with a low step-over height, and an integral luggage rack. This year we’ve further updated the engine with a new bore and stroke, but you get the same peak horsepower, wide powerband, and excellent fuel efficiency that have always helped make this great bike such a hit.

When it comes to fun, approachable, popular miniMOTO models, no manufacturer even comes close to Honda, and the Trail 125 is a prime example of one such machine that also pays tribute to the past. The model harkens back to a golden era of motorcycling when there was seemingly a CT model on the bumper rack of every motor home but, like Honda's nostalgic Monkey and Super Cub, it incorporates the modern joys of practical design and hassle-free technology. Based on the urban-appropriate Super Cub, the Trail 125 has a number of rugged upgrades, making it ideal for casual trekking on- and off-road.

EVERYONE’S FAVORITE TRAIL BIKESome songs are timeless classics. The same with motorcycles—especially when you’re talking about our Honda Trail125. It's a modern riff on our classic Trail 90 and Trail 110 from decades ago. Except now it has a fuel-injected 125cc engine, disc brakes and a four-speed gearbox. Like the originals, it still features our world-famous no-clutch semi-automatic transmission, a frame with a low step-over height, and an integral luggage rack. There's even front-wheel ABS and an electric starter! Best of all, it's as much fun to ride as the originals too—maybe even more. So what are you waiting for? With a Honda Trail125, the world is yours to ride.

Base Features

125cc Fuel-Injected EngineNobody can match Honda's reputation for engines, and even though the Trail125 ABS is relatively compact, it's a giant in terms of performance and reliability.

Upswept Exhaust And IntakeDirt bikes keep their intake and exhaust up high for better clearance and to keep them further from dirt and water. That's what we’ve done with the Trail 125 ABS too.

Four-Speed Semi-Automatic TransmissionThe Trail 125 ABS features a four-speed semi-automatic transmission you shift with your left foot, like a traditional motorcycle. But here's the unique part: there's no clutch to worry about. Plus, the Trail 125's heel-toe shifter makes operation even easier, especially in boots.

Electric StartTurn the key, push a button, and you’re on the road—or the trail. But because adventure sometimes throws us an unexpected curve, we’ve also given the Trail 125 ABS a kickstart lever, just like the original Trail 90 and Trail 110 had.

Underseat Fuel TankWith its awesome fuel efficiency and easy to access, underseat fuel tank, the Trail 125 ABS offers a spectacular range for any adventure.

Front SuspensionWe designed the Trail 125 ABS suspension for a smooth off-pavement ride. The telescopic fork are also protected by rubber accordion boots to keep dust out—and give it a cool retro look.

Twin Rear ShocksThe Trail 125 ABS's blackout twin rear shocks and coil springs not only look proper, but they also do a great job of smoothing out the road and trail. Preload adjustment is intuitive and easy.

Rugged Steel Backbone ChassisThe Trail 125 ABS is built for adventure. That's why we gave it a special, reinforced steel backbone chassis. The design makes getting on and off easier, while providing great ground clearance and a rugged, ready-for-anything look.

Easy To ParkBecause the Trail 125 ABS is compact, it's easy to park in the city, to load and unload from a motorhome, and to store when you’re not riding. There's always room for a Trail 125!!

CenterstandOn a bike as rugged as the Trail 125 ABS, a centerstand just makes sense. It gives you more parking options than just a sidestand, especially if you’re carrying cargo on the rack. It also makes servicing your own bike easier.

Standard ABSOur front-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System can be a big help in making controlled stops in less-than-ideal conditions, like on wet pavement or other compromised surfaces. It's a great feature whether you’re using your new Trail 125 as a commuter or just riding it for fun, since it helps you stop with added confidence.

Hydraulic Disc BrakesThe Trail 125 ABS features a 220mm front single disc brake for excellent stopping power, along with a 190mm rear disc. There's even standard front-wheel ABS.

Trail-Tuned GearingThe Trail 125 ABS's final-drive gearing features a 38 tooth rear sprocket, giving it better hill-climbing ability on trails and dirt roads—the kind of places you’ll want to explore.

LED LightingOld-school light bulbs? Forget about them. The Trail 125 ABS features a full LED lighting package that's lighter, brighter, and longer lasting. The headlight has a traditional round shape, while the indicators are squared off for a rugged look.

17-Inch Wire-Spoke WheelsReal dirt bikes use spoked wheels, and so does the new Trail 125 ABS. They’re big enough to roll along smoothly even in rugged terrain, and they’re strong enough to handle riding on dirt roads (or gnarly city streets).

Ready For On- And Off-Road AdventuresThe best part of the Trail 125 ABS is that it lets you ride so many places. On the street it's a fun, practical commuter. And its light weight, skid plate, and ground clearance make it a joy in the dirt.

Roomy SeatingWith a 31.5-inch seat height and a taller handlebar, the Trail 125 ABS has a nice, roomy cockpit that makes it comfortable in just about every riding situation, from urban commutes to dirt roads.

Standard Engine Skid PlateWho knows where your adventures are going to take you? That's why we gave the Trail 125 ABS a sturdy skid plate and a pair of front brush-guard tubes, along with 6.5 inches of ground clearance.

Multi-Function Digital InstrumentsWhen it comes to instruments, the Trail 125 ABS is fully equipped. The digital display features a speedometer, odometer, A&B trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator for low/high beam.

Cargo RackNeed to pack along some camping equipment, or gear to survive the zombie apocalypse? Check out the Trail 125 ABS's large, flat rear cargo rack. Add our accessory cargo box and you’ll be ready for anything!

HISTORYIn 1960, Idaho dealer Herb Uhl began modifying Honda's popular step-through 50 and selling it for use in the area's rugged mountain terrain. American Honda learned of the concept and sent an example of the updated machine to Japan, and by March of 1961, the CA100T Trail 50 was offered in the U.S. The machine was a huge hit, and the platform evolved through numerous upgrades and revisions, eventually becoming the popular CT brand.

Milestone models included the 1964 CT200 Trail 90, the 1969 CT70 Trail 70 and the 1981 CT110. Over the course of nearly three decades, well over 725,000 units from the CT series were sold in the U.S. before it disappeared for several decades. Then in 2019, a concept CT125 debuted at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, paying tribute to the popular platform of old. It received rave reviews, along with requests for a production model, and that wish was granted with the introduction of the 2021 Honda Trail 125.

DESIGN / STYLINGThe 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.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSIONCompared to the Super Cub, the wheelbase of the Trail 125 is .5 inches longer at 49.4, the front-suspension stroke is .4 inches longer at 4.3, ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher at 6.5, and the seat height is .8 inches higher at 31.5. Together with the following updates from the Super Cub, these differences 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 seat is narrower at the front to facilitate foot reach to the ground.The fuel-tank capacity is 1.4 gallons – 0.4 gallons larger than the Super Cub, increasing 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 / DRIVETRAINAs with the Super Cub C125, the Trail 125 engine is a 125 cc 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.

PERFORMANCE125cc FUEL-INJECTED ENGINENobody can match Honda's reputation for engines, and even though the Trail125 ABS is relatively compact, it's a giant in terms of performance and reliability. Air cooling keeps it super simple, too.

EASY TO PARKBecause the Trail125 ABS is compact, it's easy to park in the city, to load and unload from a motorhome, and to store when you’re not riding. There's always room for a Trail125!!

HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKESThe Trail125 ABS features a 220mm front single disc brake for excellent stopping power, along with a 190mm rear disc. There's even standard front-wheel ABS.

UPSWEPT EXHAUST AND INTAKEDirt bikes keep their intake and exhaust up high for better clearance and to keep them further from dirt and water. That's what we’ve done with the Trail125 ABS too. The exhaust also features a heat shield, and makes a big contribution to this awesome little bike's overall style.

TRAIL-TUNED GEARINGWe changed up the Trail125 ABS's final-drive gearing compared to the Super Cub's. Adding three teeth to the rear sprocket gives it better hill-climbing ability on trails and dirt roads—the kind of places you’ll want to explore.

TECHNOLOGY

FOUR-SPEED SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe Trail125 ABS features a four-speed semi-automatic transmission you shift with your left foot, like a traditional motorcycle. But here's the unique part: there's no clutch to worry about. Plus, the Trail125's heel-toe shifter makes operation even easier, especially in boots.

LED LIGHTINGOld-school light bulbs? Forget about them. The Trail125 ABS features a full LED lighting package that's lighter, brighter, and longer lasting. The headlight has a traditional round shape, while the indicators are squared off for a rugged look.

ELECTRIC STARTINGTurn the key, push a button, and you’re on the road—or the trail. But because adventure sometimes throws us an unexpected curve, we’ve also given the Trail125 ABS a kickstart lever, just like the original Trail 90 and Trail 110 had.

STYLE

READY FOR ON- AND OFF-ROAD ADVENTURESThe best part of the Trail125 is that it lets you ride so many places. On the street it's a fun, practical commuter. And its light weight, skid plate, spark arrestor and ground clearance make it a joy in the dirt. Plus, since it has a license plate, you can ride it in areas restricted to some off-road-only bikes, like state and national parks.

RUGGED STEEL BACKBONE CHASSISThe Trail125 ABS is built for adventure. That's why we gave it a special, reinforced steel backbone chassis. The design makes getting on and off easier, while providing great ground clearance and a rugged, ready-for-anything look.

ROOMY SEATINGWith a 31.5-inch seat height and a taller handlebar, the Trail125 ABS has a nice, roomy cockpit that makes it comfortable in just about every riding situation, from urban commutes to dirt roads.

MULTI-FUNCTION DIGITAL INSTRUMENTSWhen it comes to instruments, the Trail125 ABS is fully equipped. The digital display features a speedometer, odometer, A&B trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator for low/high beam.

ROUND HEADLIGHTThe Trail125 ABS's round headlight looks retro, but its LED performance is totally up to date and provides superior illumination and visibility.

UNDERSEAT FUEL TANKWith its 1.4-gallon fuel tank (larger than the Super Cub's) and awesome fuel efficiency, the Trail125 ABS offers a spectacular range. The tank filler is under the seat so it's easy to access.

STANDARD ENGINE SKID PLATEWho knows where your adventures are going to take you? That's why we gave the Trail125 ABS a sturdy skid plate and a pair of front brush-guard tubes, along with 6.5 inches of ground clearance.

CARGO RACKNeed to pack along some camping equipment, or gear to survive the zombie apocalypse? Check out the Trail125 ABS's large, flat rear cargo rack. Add our accessory cargo box and you’ll be ready for anything!

ACCESSORIESRiding in cold weather? Check out the optional heated grips. An available rear cargo box is another favorite. And what about adding a 12-volt electrical port too—it’ll keep your devices charged while you’re on the go, or even let you run a GPS.

HANDLING

STANDARD ABSOur front-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System can be a big help in making controlled stops in less-than-ideal conditions, like on wet pavement or other compromised surfaces. It's a great feature whether you’re using your new Trail125 as a commuter or just riding it for fun, since it helps you stop with added confidence.

17-INCH WIRE-SPOKE WHEELSReal dirt bikes use spoked wheels, and so does the new Trail125 ABS. They’re big enough to roll along smoothly even in rugged terrain, and they’re strong enough to handle riding on dirt roads (or gnarly city streets).

FRONT SUSPENSIONWe gave the new Trail125 ABS more suspension travel, for a smoother off-pavement ride. The telescopic fork is also protected by rubber accordion boots to keep dust out—and give it a cool retro look.

TWIN REAR SHOCKSThe Trail125 ABS's blackout twin rear shocks and coil springs not only look proper, but they also do a great job of smoothing out the road and trail. Preload adjustment is intuitive and easy.

CENTERSTANDOn a bike as rugged as the Trail125 ABS, a centerstand just makes sense. It gives you more parking options than just a sidestand, especially if you’re carrying cargo on the rack. It also makes servicing your own bike easier.

ENGINEEngine Type 124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-strokeBore And Stroke 50.0mm x 63.1mmCompression Ratio 10:1Valve Train SOHC; two valves per cylinderInduction Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 24mm throttle bodyDRIVE TRAINTransmission Four-speed semi-automaticFinal Drive #420 Chain; 14T/38TClutch Automatic centrifugalCHASSIS SUSPENSION BRAKESFront Suspension 27mm telescopic fork; 4.3-inch travelRear Suspension Twin shocks; 3.4-inch travelFront Brake Single 220mm hydraulic disc; ABSRear Brake Single 190mm hydraulic discFront Tire 80/90-17Rear Tire 80/90-17DIMENSIONSRake (Caster Angle) 27.0°Trail 3.1 inchesWheelbase 49.4 inchesSeat Height 31.5 inchesFuel Capacity 1.4 gallonsCurb Weight 256 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank offuel—ready to ride)Miles Per GallonTBD MPG – Honda's fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emissionmeasurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Youractual mileage will vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle,weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, riderweight, and other factors.OTHERModel ID CT125AMEmissions Meets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARBstandards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.Available Colors Pearl Organic GreenFACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATIONOne Year Included Unlimited-mileage, limited warrantyOptional Extended Extended coverage available with a HondaCare® Protection Plan

Engine & DrivetrainEngine Type Air-cooled single-cylinderDisplacement 124 ccBore & Stroke 50.0 mm x 63.1 mmCompression Ratio 10.0:1Valve Train SOHC; two valves per cylinderFuel Delivery PGM-FITransmission Four-speed semi-automaticFinal Drive #428 Chain; 14T/38TChassis & SuspensionFront Suspension 27 mm telescopic fork; 99 mm (3.9 in) travelRear Suspension Twin shock; 86 mm (3.4 in) travelAdditional InformationTires Front: 80/90-17Rear: 80/90-17Brakes Front: Single 220 mm discRear: Single 190 mm discABS Front wheel ABSSeat Height 800 mm (31.5 in.)Wheelbase 1260 mm (49.6 in.)Curb Weight 116kg (256 lb.)Fuel Capacity 5.3 litres (1.1 liter reserve)Colour Glowing RedWarranty 1 year, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

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