I've already ridden the Honda Trail 125 in places where I was continually telling myself I wouldn't take the Himalayan here. The Himalayan still has a place though and I expect it will be with me for some time yet. We'll see how things sort out as the weather warms and I'm riding everything more. Who knows what I am going to have to leave behind...

A lot of people suggested the Trail 125 to me. And I really like the way they look. So I took the plunge and I am glad I did. I am indeed fortunate to have great riding roads so close. It really makes the Honda Trail 125 a great choice for my aging riding body!

It is a fine machine for the dirt and gravel roads. And like you, I'm ready for much warmer weather. I've found the Trail 125 great for just about all the things you've described. I've not been to a waterfall or lake yet though.

It is another kind of ride Eric. And so much fun. I am really glad I bought it. And I suspect as I get older and have to scale back what I can ride that the Honda Trail 125 will be one of the last machines in the garage.

Nice memories to have. If I didn't live so close to great places to ride the Trail 125 I would not have purchased one. But I do have quick and easy access. And I could easily ride to Maryland or New York with very little time spent on paved roads. That's a gift.

Thanks, will do!

I agree, I don't think I'll regret buying the CT125. And I've already duck walked it through things I could never have managed with the Himalayan. A perhaps best of all, it's just fun to ride. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the Honda. It's nice hearing how others use the Trail 125.

They are a lot of fun and capable of doing a lot.

It's a lot of fun to ride. I'll be making more videos but now with five machines it will be some time to work through them before another video appears.

It must be warmer where you are or you have a heated garage. It's cold and damp here --- not ideal for a cold beer! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. I plan to make more.

Smaller, lighter, and a less intense pace. That mirrors my path well. I hope you are able to manage your psoriatic arthritis as well as methotrexate has mine so far. It's nice to be able to still walk!

@@ScooterintheSticks Yes sir, that is the way re: riding. I loved what MTX did for my joints, but I had to go off of it and go on a biologic as the MTX gave me bad vertigo. I too am thankful to be able to continue to be somewhat physically active.

@@dustinsegers4534 I'm grateful there are a variety of medications available to keep me active. So far my liver and kidneys seem unaffected by the MTX and it keeps the joints in decent shape. The worst part of the MTX are the blood tests every 3 months. I'm grateful to have health insurance! Buy that before scooters, motorcycles, nice cars, vacations, pretty much everything but food, clothing and shelter. Life would be bad if I couldn't pay for medical stuff.

@@ScooterintheSticks Yes sir! I’m right there with you!

Good luck in your search. If you have a chance to test ride one you can determine whether the shifting of the Trail 125 is something you can warm to. Not everyone likes it because you can't as easily control the power band. For me it's fine. But I would hate to buy one only to find I don't like that part.

We're fortunate that we have choices on what to buy and ride. The Zuma is a cool scooter. Have fun with it!

The weather here has been less than ideal. Still cold much of the time and most recently heavy rains for days. Things should warm up this coming week. Now the question is what ride next??? A good problem to have.😎

I'm not sure how to respond other than to say thank you for the kind and supportive words. Riding definitely induces a calm state of being for me. Knowing the video imparts some of that is gratifying. It's not my goal in making them but rather I just try and share the feelings and experiences I have. I'm glad you find some value in the things I post here.

@@ScooterintheSticks Most definitely very enjoyable for me. It may not be your goal but it works and I have the same feelings when I ride my W650 and also my Classic 350. Thanks Steve.

It’s a fine little motorcycle. I’m just beginning to explore what it can do. Glad you like the video.

Couldn't agree more! I will be riding this one for a long time hopefully.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the CT125. I've owned a variety of VWs over the years with perhaps my GOLF coming closest to a GTI. I always wanted one of those cars. I'm sitting here now imaging the GTI and the Trail 125. I don't live far from the original Piper Aircraft factory where a lot of Super Cubs were manufactured. I think they may still have an annual fly-in of cubs. I'll need to look into that. I have a friend who's a pilot. He'll know.

Thank you for the kind words about the videos I post on KZfaq. I appreciate them. I plan to keep riding as long as I can. And all the while trying to make videos that are worth watching!

I am indeed fortunate to have so many beautiful roads to ride. As far as small capacity bikes go, I started small and saw how capable those machines can be. I've ridden a lot of big bikes but always felt they were bigger and heavier that is needed for the lovely rides. So I keep things simple and small.

You’re correct. That opening scene was shot at Alan Seeger Natural Area. I first visited in 1972 when I started college. Most of the big ancient hemlocks were still standing then. It’s still a beautiful place but not like it was.

Right in my backyard! I see Shingletown gap from my back windows.

It is perfect for these roads where I live. I hope to ride it for a long, long time...

I hope to get out tomorrow on it if the rain stops at some point. I think I grin on everything I have in the garage!

Indeed, quite the stable👌

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Like you, some increased fear riding off-road on my Himalayan led me to the CT125. I'm glad it did. What a great little motorcycle. I'm fearless again!

Thank you for the kind words about the video. There will be more to come.

So far it's been quite a ride!

You're right about the Himalayan on the paved roads. And I have some rides in mind that it will be the perfect choice. So until space really demands a change in the garage I'm going to keep it!

I'm a poor steward of my computer screens as well. Sort of amazing how much better things look when I clean them off. I plan to keep riding until I physically or mentally can't manage it anymore. Who knows when that will be. I've seen some videos of guys riding on the TAT with Honda Trail 125s. I'll look for "This Guy Rides." Thanks for the head's up and the kind words about the video.

I've heard a lot about the functioning of the dual range CT90. While it isn't a feature I would need now for the type of riding I do I'm sure there are riders who could use it. So far 1st gear is more than adequate. I always enjoyed riding KLRs and for a time considered buying one. But the opportunity never presented itself and when I purchased my Himalayan the KLR just seemed too big and tall for me. I was out on the Honda this morning. It sure is fun. No worries about anything with that motorcycle!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and God bless you as well. There's so much to see in the world. The Honda Trail 125 opens a door to another part of it.

You need to get your Honda Trail 90 going and join us next time! Maybe a trip up through Sproul State Forest!

@@ScooterintheSticks I’d love that, and your note gives me some added incentive to get it running again!

@@heckadude Or maybe find yourself a Trail 125! Now that your GTS has over 50K miles on it you've earned an additional machine!

@@ScooterintheSticks I like your way of thinking!

I'm ready for some warmer weather. The Trail 125 is a perfect choice for me. But the Himalayan will continue to offer possibilities for off road riding that's a long way from home since it can handle higher speed travel on the pavement.

It really is!

I'm beginning to discover how far and wide the embrace of this motorcycle seems to engender. And now I'm part of it. Looking forward to more explorations.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and observations on some of the choices in the 125cc range of Honda products. I always am interested in them. The CB125F isn't available in the United States. The comparable model here may be the XR150L. It's still got a carb, bigger wheels, etc. And less expensive that the Honda Trail 125. But it just doesn't pass the looks test for me. Looks like any other motorcycle. My requirements for a machine are always looks first, then how it feels to ride. Mechanical and technical specs are a far distant concern. I can get used to almost anything as long as the appearance of the machine resonates and it feels "right" to ride. The CT125 gets salty to buy with an out the door price here of over $5K US. A used one is a better value if you can find one. Some of the depreciation has already taken place and the freight and shipping costs aren't there. I've seen them advertised under $3K. The 2023 model has an oil filter and is fuel injected. And it's fun to ride!

@@ScooterintheSticks That's great that they updated the CT125 to CB125F specs by the sound of it. The updated model isn't on sale in Oz just yet, but may come back. I agree the look of a bike is important. If you don't look longingly at it in the garage, something is wrong! And regardless of mobility, the step thru design will be attractive (like the Vespa) and likely mean you would ride it more often. In fact, given your dirt trails are so close to home, I'm betting the Himalayan will gather cobwebs and eventually be sold... especially when you jump on it and realise just how heavy it is compared to the Honda.

@@andrewgreen6060 I've been riding the Himalayan more lately and I still enjoy it. Time will tell though whether it gathers cobwebs... The Trail 125 isn't really step through. At least not for me. The center is too high to make that workable. It's much easier to throw my leg over the seat. It sure is fun to ride!

Good luck in your search for something appropriate to ride. I think taking up riding again when we're older opens us to a perspective different than if we had ridden uninterrupted all those years. I find riding is more about experiencing the landscape and what I see rather than any sort of masterful manipulation of the machine. I've looked at some of your videos and they are calm, steady, and serene. And the sound of water is a powerful thing. I find myself attracted to the same kinds of places as you do. And thank you for the kind words about the video. I appreciate them.

@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you for your kind reply. As you said, I too feel that I will be able to ride a motorcycle from a different perspective than when I rode before. I also want a dual-sport motorcycle because the environment in which I live is the same rich natural environment in which you live, and I want to enjoy that nature at a leisurely pace. I feel that CT125 is very suitable for my current purpose. But your W650 is my favorite road bike, and the Himalayan is a good bike with a lot of character. I envy you. Your videos are very soothing, like a poet speaking to us. Thank you so much again.

@@vlogfuji Thank you for your supportive words regarding my videos. Riding has a soothing quality for me. I'm glad that comes through in the videos. I am indeed fortunate to have the CT125, the Himalayan, and the W650. Each has a unique character to them and I am lucky to be able to experience them.

Thank you Robert for the kind words about the video. How can I go wrong with old growth trees, 20 foot tall rhododendrons, and a pristine creek as a backdrop. The Honda Trail 125 sure is a lot of fun. I'm glad I have one now.

Yeah, I would not choose the Trail 125 if I didn't have some easily accessible dirt and gravel roads to explore. The GTS seems a lot better fit for Belgium!

So far mine is stock. I've looked at accessories and different tires but not sure I need anything more at this point. I did buy a KLIM backpack so I could carry a little more than fits in the small tailbag I have strapped on the back.

I can’t step through the CT125. Too high in the middle for my aching hip joints. Easy to throw a leg over though. Honda makes good stuff. I expect the Honda Trail to last longer than me!

Thanks for the kind words about the video. I was a little concerned about the riding position before I bought the CT125 but it's fine and comfortable. I'm a bit over 6'2" and have no issues. The only real adjustment I've had to make is in the shifting with my left foot. But that's coming along fine as well.

My partner is 6'1“, he bought the long seat and ended up removing the front bar from the back rack in order to ride the CT125 comfortably.

@@corinnavanhine I had read about people doing that. So far I'm fine as things are. Perhaps more important than height is leg length. My inseam is 33 inches. I've not ridden enough to say how I would feel after 8 hours of riding but to this point everything feels ok.

I think a lot of what makes a ride think a certain machine can or can't do something has to do with their personal expectations. I could comfortably ride the Trail 125 from Pennsylvania given the time. There are plenty of guys riding 50cc scooters across the country with no more support than their own wits and wallet. For me, the longest ride I foresee with the Honda would be a day long. Maybe 200 miles. For that I don't need much of anything. If guys make long trips alone on a bicycle I can do it on the Honda!

The SuperCub may be a reasonable alternative in terms of performance. But the Honda Trail 125 is dead sexy in comparison. In my not so humble opinion!

I've never taken an offroad rider course so you must have met an imposter! Good luck and have fun with your new CT125. They are a hoot.

See you in the Rothrock!

It's a lot of fun and more functional and utilitarian than I imagined.

The 2024 models should be arriving at dealers now!

I certainly can understand the desire for another 10mph of top speed. But for me, part of the charm and challenge of the Trail 125 is puzzling out how to operate with the speed limitation. It's a non-issue off-road for me but it definitely has me considering how I address higher speed roads. And that brings a new element of satisfaction for me. Good luck with your new motorcycle and be safe bouncing around in the world!

Thank you! And thanks for your posts, I've watched quite a few over the last six to eight months. :)@@ScooterintheSticks

I don't know. The red ones look pretty cool!

My local dealer got six last week…all yellow. They are already down to 2 left. I would take one in any color.

The Honda Trail 125 has so far been nothing but fun and has opened up the kind of riding that I've grown uncomfortable attempting on the Himalayan. My wife has ridden a few times on the back of my Vespa scooter but she has told me she would rather ride her own scooter than on the back of mine. So far she hasn't pushed for another scooter purchase!

I must confess a growing dissatisfaction riding in the cold. Where 40F once felt fine it is now close to my lower limit. Another gift of aging... Smaller and lighter is definitely feeling great. Especially as my riding windows narrow due to unrelated circumstances in life. A small machine can provide big adventure when you can't go very far. I watch the Cannonball with great interest. Just can't imagine ever doing it. Much like I feel when I watch Itchy Boots traveling the world. I turn into an armchair rider. The Trail 125 is a completely different riding experience. I bought it to downsize but it seems I got something different as a bonus. It sure is fun.

@@ScooterintheSticks Love your outlook! Back in the day, Joan and I did plenty of long distance riding. These days, I am quite content to haul the bikes in a trailer behind the motorhome so we can ride in some fun places. You adjust to what the body allows.

@@captainjim605 Yes sir, I agree. I just need to take my daily dose of willingness and acceptance!

Sorry to hear of your accident. Best wishes for a successful recovery. The CT125 will require more patience on the road and some submission to faster traffic. If your ego can handle it you may find a new kind of adventure on the little Honda. I'm looking forward to them.

@@ScooterintheSticks 71 in 3 weeks, my ego better be able to handle it, where I've missed out on some valuable life lessons 🙂. J/k I am good with that, and for that matter on the backroads here in Thailand at 35mph I'll be flying past the locals puttering along at 20 or so. Cheers

@@RonniesRambles I'll be 70 in 3 months so not far behind you. And yes, 35mph off the pavement sure does feel fast enough for me!

Another option is a Honda Monkey 125, comparable power with a classic look.

@@kaio3757 The Honda Monkey is one cool looking little motorcycle.

Before I retired I could not imagine not working. Now that I'm retired I can't imagine ever working again!

Hard to say why Honda makes the sales and marketing decisions they do. Maybe it will appear in the UK eventually. I've watched several of Sterling Noren's videos. He sure rides in much narlier places than I do. So far!

You think Honda is going to make a water-cooled version? Seems pretty unlikely. But a real advantage in the heat of Arizona summers.

How do you like the KLX230? That's a air cooled unit. I was thinking to purchase the 125 too explore salt flats local to AZ.

Couldn't agree more! It is a lot of fun to ride. I'm looking forward to more peaceful rides!

Oh oh. Sounds like trouble! Life is short. A CT125 is so much fun and so different than the Vespa that I'm glad I have the opportunity to have the varied experience. If you can afford it (cash), and have a place to easily ride it then life is short. If a person has to take out a loan for a scooter, motorcycle, or car, then in my mind, that means they can't afford it. I wish I had stumbled upon that bit of financial wisdom long ago before I wasted so much money on car loans and leases...

Let's get right to the important stuff -- walking between 8 and 10 miles a day. Geez, my average is about 4 miles a day. Probably could benefit from a little more mileage. I bet my cardiologist would agree. Regarding the Honda Trail 125 -- just a barrel of fun to ride and can go just about anywhere other than the freeways.

It's a potent package. A joy to ride.

They're not common here either. I had to look around to find one. I'm glad I have it now!

My GTS is still with the mechanic. I spoke with him last week and he said everything is done except for the front steering races and bearings. I’ve made the mistake to this point of telling him I’m in no hurry but as the weather warms I am starting to change my mind!

As the weather warms the old man starts to fade!

Amen I believe Clint phrased it, and Toby sang it. Isn't life interesting. Hallelujah

It is definitely fun to ride. I'm looking forward to more adventures on it.

True. Yes is the answer.

I like to think my ego is well controlled. And I suspect that's true most of the time. But I continue to look in that direction to make sure. Thankfully, years of scooter riding has made downsizing seem a bit easier. And any ego concerns regarding the things I ride were dealt with long ago.

I agree. But how a person responds to that dicey performance varies greatly depending on experience, skill, and the size and weight of the machine. With the Honda Trail 125 things feel effortless and safe that would be frightening on the Himalayan. Now I have a more expansive machine palette to make riding choices!😎

Any thoughts on why they won't import the CT125?

@@ScooterintheSticksHonda UK probably think it would steal sales from the Grom, Monkey Bike and The Cub, already in the 125 cc line up I views, I think that’s a mistake.

@@adrianstrand1120 Maybe. We have all those models here too. Maybe there aren't enough dirt roads to justify that sort of bike.

I've ridden my Vespa GTS in pretty rough off-road settings and it handled it but isn't really built for the battering it gets. The small tires can be a challenge and the low ground clearance can be a problem. And the suspension isn't made for the rough stuff. And perhaps the really scary thing is taking a very expensive scooter designed for the pavement off-road. You're right, it would be nice to see someone built one really intended as a rally scooter. But I suspect the pool of potential buyers is just too small to make it a realistic offering.

@@ScooterintheSticks Some of the far eastern makers like Sym are making soft off road scooters. More looks than go. I just think if somebody just offered a kit would be a start.

@@clangerbasher I think scooter riders are left to their own ingenuity to modify something for off road use. Possible but with so many small dual sport and off road motorcycles those options may be chosen first except for the scooter purists.

@@ScooterintheSticks Scooter Purist is t-shirt worthy.......

Look at the Honda ADV160 or the Suzuki Burgman 200. The Honda has a steel frame with 6.5' of clearance, and is purpose-built for light adventure riding off pavement (forest roads, gravel, dirt).

There's definitely something to be said about riding the bike that's easier to get out of the garage. Since mine are packed tight in a single car garage I have to deliberately rotate them around so I don't just ride the easiest one. It was a pain at first but I'm used to it now. Doesn't take long to do. I usually try and do the rotation the night before I ride if the bike I want is in the back. Definitely a first world problem...

I have never ridden a Honda monkey. But I’ve seen a lot of videos of people riding them off road and very rough terrain. For the kind of places I ride I don’t think there would be a lot of difference between the trail 125 and the Honda monkey. The bigger spoke wheels may be a theoretical advantage, but for all practical purposes, I don’t think it would matter much. I looked at a Honda monkey when I bought my trail bike. It was beautiful. Way too pretty to take off road in my opinion! That would be my only hesitation. Since you already have a monkey, I would just keep riding.

@@ScooterintheSticks Thank you. I'm planning a little road trip to your area so I can see it for myself. There is nothing but non stop cars and intersections where I live.

I don't have any concerns with the Vespa on wet roads. Just the Himalayan off road in mud and snow.

@ScooterintheSticks I notice I am still getting a bit nervous when I take out the tw200... cars riding up my arse, not being able to get away because it's slow... plus, it doesn't feel stable on dirt roads. I've been looking at vespa for quite a while. It seems like a bike I'd use much more frequently and with more confidence. I love the look and the fact that many people say it's super easy to get comfortable on. Would you say it's your most used bike?

@ScooterintheSticks I notice I am still getting a bit nervous when I take out the tw200... cars riding up my arse, not being able to get away because it's slow... plus, it doesn't feel stable on dirt roads. I've been looking at vespa for quite a while. It seems like a bike I'd use much more frequently and with more confidence. I love the look and the fact that many people say it's super easy to get comfortable on. Would you say it's your most used bike?

@@jamieletourneau1176 I've put more miles on the GTS than anything else in the garage but that is mostly a result of it being the only machine I owned for a long time. Now I pretty much spread my time among all of them. I'm not sure there is a most used bike. I can say though, if I could only have one machine in the garage, it would probably be the Vespa GTS. It is anxiety provoking to be in aggressive traffic on a motorcycle that cannot keep pace. I generally make way for those behind me and seek a different route. The Vespa GTS will be a lot quicker than the TW200 but I can't say whether that will solve your discomfort in traffic. It is hard to imagine a more stable motorcycle on dirt roads than the TW200. The nature of the dirt can have an effect on how the bike handles and could in some situations make it feel unstable. I've run into that on my Himalayan. Airing down the tire pressure may help gain some stability but again it depends on the nature of the dirt. If you know any experienced off-road riders you may want them to take your TW200 for a spin to see if they think something is wrong. Could be tire issues, suspension issues, alignment issues that are causing the bike to feel unstable. And last, that part none of us likes to consider including me, are my skills just not up to the task. I've ridden with guys off road going twice as fast as me. They just were more experienced and could handle the bike better. Not that I wanted to go faster but it would be nice to feel more comfortable! Practice, practice, practice....

I'm an old, slow tourist sort of rider!!!

@@ScooterintheSticks 😄 me to

Not sure my health issues are correctable. But I certainly can work to be in better physical shape. Sadly genetics are working against me...

Look for a used one, like I did. You'll save on dealer fees and taxes. Many people end up selling them because they get frustrated with the lack of speed. Selling for $3500-4K in my area, often with less than 1000 miles. I'm not sure what price point you'd need for the bike not to be "overpriced."

I bought mine new and there were a lot of dealer prep and delivery fees that pushed the price up. But used ones save on that. I've seen a couple under $3K. In the end though, we each decide what the term "overpriced" means.

@@twloughlin Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find one.

"It's not a big motorcycle but a groovy little motor bike!!"

@@tagoooU It sure is!

It is a perfect machine for much of the riding I do here in the mountains. I'm glad I have it.