Reviews

2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS MC Commute Review

Santa Claus gets busy this holiday season on Honda’s Trail 125 ABS.

December 22, 2020

Generations of motorcyclists were raised on Honda Trail motorcycles. After selling upwards of 700,000 Trails during the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, Big Red returns to its working class roots with the re-introduction of the 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS. Originally unveiled in concept form during the 2018 Tokyo Motor show (read the Here’s The Honda CT125 Trail Cub Concept Bike article), we finally swing a leg over this fifth-generation dual-sport in this review.

Santa Claus lends a hand in this week’s MC Commute review taking a spin on the 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS.Adam Waheed

In the spirit of the holidays, we enlist the help of Kris Kringle, giving us his seat-of-the-sleigh assessment as he delivers Mattel Hot Wheels toys to children in need via the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Click the ‘play button’ and see what Honda’s Trail is like to ride in this special edition MC Commute.

2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE	$3,899 as tested
ENGINE	125cc, SOHC, air-cooled single; 2-valve
BORE x STROKE	52.4.x 57.9mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	9.3:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection
CLUTCH	Semi-automatic wet multiplate clutch
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	4-speed/chain
FRAME	Steel
FRONT SUSPENSION	27mm fork; 4.3-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Hydraulic shock adjustable for spring preload; 3.4-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE	Axial-mount 2-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE	1-piston caliper, 190mm disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Die-cast aluminum; 17 x 3.0-in. / 17 x 4.0-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	;IRC 80/90-17, 80/90-17
RAKE/TRAIL	27.0°/3.1 in.
WHEELBASE	49.4 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	31.5 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	1.4 gal.
CURB WEIGHT	259 lb.
WARRANTY	1 year
AVAILABLE	Now
CONTACT	Powersports.Honda.com

The 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS is powered by a 125cc OHC air-cooled single. It’s the same engine Big Red uses in its new Super Cub C125. The engine pumps out eight horsepower and puts power back to the 17-inch rear wheel via a semi-automatic transmission.Adam Waheed

US-bound Honda Trail 125’s only have accommodations for the rider. European riders can purchase an optional passenger seat kit.Adam Waheed

The Honda Trail 125 employs hydraulic disc brakes fore and aft. The front setup also incorporates one-channel ABS. On the other hand, the rear brake is full-manual. Santa said he appreciated the ability to slide the rear end during braking maneuvers.Adam Waheed

We are big fans of the Honda Trail 125’s bright LED lighting. Not only is it functional, but it pays homage to past iterations of Honda’s dual-sport Trail bikes.Adam Waheed

Santa Claus used the Honda Trail to transport Mattel Hot Wheels toy cars to the Toys for Tots charity in Southern California. Launched in 1947, the charity gives away 17 million toys annually to underprivileged children in the US.Adam Waheed

Simple, elegant and clean. The negative backlit LCD display on the Honda Trail 125 is another tasteful, yet modern homage to the original.Adam Waheed

The Trail 125 offers more ground clearance than the Super Cub. A skid plate helps protect the undercarriage when riding past pavement.Adam Waheed

The Honda Trail 125 delivers a pleasing ride around town. We appreciate the quality appearance of its twin shock absorber setup.Adam Waheed

Subtle styling touches like this 3D Honda wing logo make the Trail 125 feel more expensive than its $3,899 asking price.Adam Waheed

A large alloy cargo rack and rear LED lamps add to the Trail 125’s resume.Adam Waheed

The 1.4-gallon fuel tank is positioned beneath the rider’s seat. It’s accessed via a mechanical key slot on the left hand side of the vehicle.Adam Waheed

Compared to the Super Cub, the Trail 125 employs a longer wheelbase and a larger-tooth rear sprocket for more competency off-road.Adam Waheed