2 Honda Trail CT125's on Hurricane Creek Rd in Western North Carolina

My buddy John and I had planned to do the TAT on these bikes. It took months and months for them to show up. But once we got them - we put a bunch of road miles on them, and should not have been surprised by how underpowered they are. They're tons of fun on the twisty country roads with lower speed limits. But on any secondary road with a speed limit above 50mph - it's not great. The more we read about the TAT, the more worried we became about there being lots of paved miles to do. Or long stretches of straight road through the deserts.

But we hadn't taken them on any real dirt yet. So - we scrambled one nice morning and went out to Hurricane Creek Rd near Max Patch (one of the most beautiful views in the world in my option) to see what they could do in the slop. And slop it was. It had rained for several days and the trail was a disgusting muddy slippery goopy mess.

I've mostly ridden street bikes, but have done a bit of exploring on the great fire roads in this region on rented bikes. But I have zero experience on trails like this. So enjoy the slaughter. There are lots of grunts, groans, bottoming out clunks, heavy breathing, and swearing. I went down twice - the first time within 1 minute of being on the trail. John went down once although I have no proof of that. The resale value of these bikes plummeted over a few hours.

Anyway - going into this ride we were 98% sure we were NOT going to do the TAT on these bikes. They're not very comfortable and they suck on roads above 50mph. But after this ride in the dirt- we may have changed our minds. They are little tractor beasts, and because they're so light, even an inexperienced dirt rider like me can make it through with only minor injuries and bike trashing. This is definitely what these bikes are best at...

Here's John's video of the same ride:

Other Bikes We've Considered for the Tat:
XT250. I'll say it again - this is probably the best bike for the TAT. Super lightweight, but can go on the highway if needed. But neither of us thinks it looks cool.

Royal Enfield Himalayan: I rented one of these and road all through the Santa Monica Mountains a few weeks ago and loved it. But I can not imagine doing Hurricane Creek on one. They're 450lbs or something and way too heavy for me to do trails like this. I mean - I haven't tried it - but I don't think it would be as fun as the CT125. I'm buying one of these either way because it just seems like the perfect all-around bike. Fine on the highway. Comfortable. And can handle dirt.

Affiliate Links

[donnavohar]

I grew up on a Honda trail bike since I was 10 years old in the woods of Western Pennsylvania. I have never heard a rider complain as much as this guy. He whines because it is hard. Did you buy the trail bike for your image? It’s supposed to be a hard challenge. Maybe you should stay on the road. You’re not cut out for challenges and getting back up after you drop your bike. Actually the video did not show you getting off The bike and walking around it to see if there were any structural integrity type problems after you dumped it on the right side. You were more concerned with cosmetics and getting mud out of the cables. I’m glad you have a friend with you who knows how to get through hard times. You should keep him close. Try not to complain so much - it takes all the fun out of it for everybody else. I was going to put a picture of a pacifier here for you but then I realized if you sucked on the pacifier as you ride on the trails you wouldn’t be able to complain into your microphone. Best wishes to stay upright and to have the courage to get off the bike after you drop it and check the whole bike. Have FUN

[frogdogify]

In the right state of mind, this could be a great educational experience.

[goaxleone]

Dude! that was awesome! We ride trails like that in the blue ridge mountains in Virginia. We ride them on Mini bikes old mb200's. Guys laugh at us as we blow by them, all 5 of us. and ask us at the trail heads, "How the Hell"!! Just gun it and plow on through. Momentum is the name of the game.. Love it laughed with ya'll just like I was with you.!!! by the way Im 51 and love every ride, keeps me young!

[chrisq]

I watched this video because you made me laugh the whole time. great commentary.

[billumberson]

Dang! That's a fun video to watch, but I'm keeping my shiny new Trail 125 off of that road. You've earned my respect for taking it on like you did. Great job!

[ripmax]

The CT125 can be ridden on TAT, it’s all about the rider. 80% rider 20% bike, you will improve and will love it. There’s a guy on youtube that travelled around the world on a beaten up C90, it’s all about you.

[trashpandatrailadv]

Loved the video man, great to see these little trails out on the trail doing what they are made for. Choice of bike around the world for a reason! Keep it up man!

[mcrmb]

Ang, I have watched every video production you have made including the NEbDR 2. Waiting for the conclusion. I keep going back to the original Hurricane creek video. You amaze me with your willingness to proceed to the TAT after such a very hard trip down the Hurricane creek. With the stock gearing and stock tires, it seemed impossible, yet you did it. You are theMan.

[edwardtumbaking]

Best trail ride seen so far . Salute dont stop the vid

[edt]

"Fuck!, oh shit, Jesus"
- Some Guy Rides

[lukealston]

sorry to be so harsh, I do applaud your effort and tackling of hard trails. just remember to keep your spirit high no matter what the trail throws at you. its what will get you through. life is in the journey, not the destination...

[montanawhite]

Sometimes when you don’t see a good line you just have to let the bike do all the work and you hold on.

[Rider-zrix]

We all give you credit for trying though. Have fun and Live Long and Prosper! :)

[donoliver]

Feel what you went through
I used to race cross country on a 90 Suzuki when I was a teenager in my adult life I rode roads like that on a 1983 street legal gold wing and it fun anyway I just sold my last motorcycle and I’m 70
Good job on the film
Stay with it gets easier

[gregghershberger]

Loved your video. Expect to get my 125 by the end of the month. Have ridden roads like in your video in my younger days. We get smarter with age. Enjoy.You did good.

[Terry_]

Wow. Just wow. Glad you guys made it safely!

[feliperenan]

I own a 2006 Honda CG Fan 125 as a daily for work and it keeps up steady 70 MPH; these little engines were MADE to run at high revs, granted you've good oil and ventilation, you're golden. Mine makes almost 80 to 90 MPG so that's awesome.

It has a 5 speed manual trans, and outputs about 10 hp;

[mcrmb]

ANG, as a loyal subscriber and follower I hark back to the humble beginnings with you and Johnny Pow at Hurricane creek over and over. I even bought your Death T-shirt. I still can't imagine why you thought these trail 125's would take you to the end of the TAT in Oregon. I would have thought that Hurricane Creek would have been Buzzkill. You and your understated courage amazes me.I love all you have done and love all that you do. Just finished watching your latest video. Loved it but it did not keep my ass puckered like the TAT and BDR. Videos. For the record, I have a Trail 125, a 1982 CT 110, and a 2022 Himalayan . 60% of this is your influence. Hoping to be back on the NC Tat when the weather warms a bit, Tracks 5, 6, 7 Maybe we can hook up and have a beer.

[sarahdell]

Ha! Regular shoes! Gotta love people with limited experience, just sending it!

I’ve ripped through this same road, after loads of rain before. Never crashed so many times. Horrible, yet endless fun.

[Liquid_Fear]

Caught up on your tat trip uploads, I'm now going through your past videos. I ALMOST bought one, then I saw the crf300l that was released and ordered one of those. Having had a 125 Sachs Madass for a decade I need something with a bit more pep, but love the single cylinder small engine bikes. love your channel, keep it up!