Honda CT90 Detailed Tour | What makes the Trail 90 so SPECIAL?

Detailed walkthrough of a Honda CT90, or Trail 90. They have some unique features not found on any other motorcycle that you might think are cool. Enjoy!

[tauncfester]

I've owned a lot of Trail 90's, 4 to be exact. The first one was a 1965 CT 200, the Hunter Trail Cub 90 with the 87cc pushrod OHV all cast Iron top end. It was probably about a half horsepower down compared to the '71, also no dual range shifter. You had an additional large sprocket that you removed from the hub carrier and bolted over the top of the small sprocket. And the typical old Honda Earl's leading link suspension. Nice bike and a real glutton for punishment, 60K miles of urban riding.

The next one was a 1971 in yellow, but like yours otherwise. Didn't really bond with it like the CT200.

So the next one was a 1968 CT90 in red with the Earl's fork again but the OHC engine and 4X4 transmission I kept that bike for a few years and did a lot of local trail riding, and commuting. I actually like the Earl's forked Trails.

In between the '68 and the following Trail 90 I owned a few 2 stroke "trail bikes" The 1969 Yamaha LT5-A which was Yamaha's version of the Trail bike, much like the Trail 90 except no semiauto clutch. And the PO had bored it out to a 125 cc and mounted plastic high mount fender. It had a 3X3 transmission and that little engine was really torquey, especially in 1st low. Also electric start and 12 volts. Then a Hodaka Road Toad 100, probably the best overall road and trail capable small 100 cc enduro style bike. Also like the Yamaha, a really wide torque curve so great for trailing on single tracks.

My last trail 90 was a '70 in yellow that the PO had Powroll do a 125 cc stroker kit on. It was very high compression and you had to kick start it like an old British 500 cc single otherwise the clutch would slip. Also demanded 100 Avgas or racing fuel. The only near stock trail 90 that could easily cruise at 60 mph. The power delivery was a bit like a light switch, which made using the low range a bit of a wheelie fest. Needed some careful throttle control.

[sjensen]

As an old Trail 90’s guy from back in the day, I can tell you that the rotating handlebars was because many people traveled with these bikes on bumper racks on the the back of pickup campers etc. Not designed so they could be fit in a closet. 😀

[tedecker]

There is a group of guys from Colorado who are trail 90 geeks, don’t know if their group has a name. They all run the little square led lights on the sides of their forks. They occasionally load the 90s into a container and ship it to whatever country they want to explore next.

[johndocbikerestorations]

Nice bike, I have a 68 that requires re commissioning, look forward to riding it. Interesting set up for your lights.

[TimsWorkshopTJY]

Love these little trail bikes. Mine is the original with the auto clutch and extra links to switch from street to trail sprockets. The later ones like your has the lever to switch

[donsoule]

Just because it has a “snorkel” for air intake to the air box and filter doesn’t mean the bike can be run through a body of water up to the seat. There is a crankcase vent path that exits from the left stator cover just a bit back from the shifter shaft. There is also a small passage to atmosphere behind the points cover. So any water level higher than the bottom of the cylinder or higher than the stator cover will find it’s way into the engine!

[RCE]

Very cool motorcycle. It's in great shape. Watched your first start video. Curious what all you did to clean it up before the first start in 17 years. I'm looking at buying a 81 CT110 that hasn't been started in the same amount of time.

[lawrencefranck]

Same motor as the ATC 90’s and 110’s of the late 70’ and 80’s. The handle bar feature is for stacking them on a front or back rack of a motor home.

[michaeljones]

Pemby where did you get that cool light kit conversion? I've got a 69 ct90 and an 81 ct110. They are both 6v. I think this would be a great addition to the bikes.

[chuckcafiero]

looks cool, you ever going to ride it?

[benkanobe]

What was your source for the tires? Were they listed as CT90 or did you purchase based on tire size?

[TwostrokePuchwizard]

I would like to see more videos with Puch mopeds

[keithcastleberry]

I would like the source on your lights and 6/12v transformer. Please.