2021 Honda Trail 125

The Trail 125 invites adventure in a raw and simplistic way. No, it’s no tech-rich ADV, but it doesn’t skimp on the off-road fun factor. It’s ready to tackle the road or single-track trail if you are.

From the ’60s to the ’80s, the Honda Trail was the ride of choice for small-town and countryside adventure. It was an all too common sight to see Jack or Jill bounding around town or down the local trail on the minibike, or for it to be seen strapped to the back of an RV as the family was headed to the campsite. Now Honda is resurrecting that beloved classic in the 2021 Trail 125. Cycle World Editor-in-Chief Mark Hoyer worded it best when he said, “The Trail 125 makes you feel good in a pure way not matched by many vehicles. It’s the combination of its handy, agile chassis, automatic clutch, and a demeanor that says, ‘Relax and enjoy the scenery.’”

The Trail 125 is a new model for 2021 and the latest reincarnation of the beloved CT/Trail models from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.

The Honda Trail 125 has a price tag of $3,899 which adds to its overall approachability.

With a 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, the Trail sits in the fun-bike category with adventure in mind. Its four-speed semi-automatic transmission and smooth-delivering single-cylinder engine offers a fantastic reintroduction to riding for the nostalgic, older generation as well as less experienced newer riders.

In Motorcyclist’s First Ride, test rider Serena McKnight noted, “It is approachable because the semi-automatic transmission removes the traditional clutch lever. Clutch function is integrated into the transmission. Twist the throttle, grab a gear, and away you go.”

Pinning the throttle results in a 55 mph top speed, and the Trail’s test run on our in-house dyno recorded 7.9 hp at 5,710 rpm and 7.4 pound-feet of torque at 4,650 rpm.

With the 1.4-gallon fuel tank located under the seat, the Trail’s light, low-slung 259-pound weight is conveniently centralized. Combine that with a compact 49.4-inch wheelbase and there’s the ticket for a flickable and an approachable ride for any terrain. Additionally, the 27mm telescopic fork and twin shocks “deliver a nice ride over road and trail, though washboard bumps rattle the rider,” we reported in Motorcyclist’s first ride.

While its predecessors featured drum brakes, Honda has updated this latest-generation model with hydraulic disc brakes, 220mm disc at the front and 190mm at the rear. ABS is equipped at the front so riders can brake loose the rear tire for off-road shenanigans, if desired.

When Mark Hoyer took the Trail on a 60.5-mile adventure only 0.541 gallons of fuel was used, giving the Trail about 112 miles per gallon or 159-mile range to empty.

Hoyer also noted in his review, “The ergonomics for my 6-foot-2 frame were just spacious enough, though I had to repeatedly remind myself to scoot forward on the solo saddle lest my tailbone hit the luggage rack. Standing on the pegs as a periodic and brief relief from big bumps was workable, but there was no ‘rally stance’ for me on this little bike.”

The upswept exhaust, 17-inch tires, and high intake and air filter are purposeful in exploration. Center- and sidestands, skid plate, and 45-pound-weight-capacity luggage rack are useful components as well.

The engine can turn over via an electric starter button or also-equipped kickstarter. Other electronics are kept relatively simple on this machine. ABS is equipped on the front brake and LED lighting throughout brings a modern touch to an otherwise retro-looking design.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Trail comes with a one-year unlimited-mileage warranty with the option to extend coverage with the HondaCare Protection Plan.

This model is an uncanny replication of its predecessors, but with modern power and electronics to suit today’s riders. Raw, simple, and pure fun.