2021 Honda Trail 125

[Hugh Janus]

2021 Honda Trail 125 (Honda/)

Ups

• Spot-on throwback to the classic<br/>
• Lightweight, low seat height, and step-through design makes it approachable<br/>
• Welcomes all skill levels<br/>
• Exceptional fuel economy

Downs

• Causes too many dreams of exploratory riding (but is that really a bad thing?)

Verdict

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.

2021 Honda Trail 125 (Honda/)

Overview

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.’”

Updates for 2021

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.

2021 Honda Trail 125 (Honda/)

Pricing and Variants

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

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

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.

2021 Honda Trail 125 (Honda/)

Handling

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.

Brakes

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.

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

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.

2021 Honda Trail 125 (Honda/)

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

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.

Electronics

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.

Quality

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.

2021 Honda Trail 125 (Honda/)

2021 Honda Trail 125 Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$3,899
Engine:	125cc, SOHC, air-cooled single; 2-valve
Bore x Stroke:	52.4 x 57.9mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	4-speed semi-automatic/chain
Fuel Delivery:	PGM fuel injection w/ 24mm throttle body
Clutch:	Automatic centrifugal
Engine Management/Ignition:	Full transistorized
Frame:	Reinforced steel backbone chassis
Front Suspension:	27mm inverted telescopic fork; 3.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Twin shocks; 3.4 in. travel
Front Brake:	Hydraulic caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	Hydraulic caliper, 190mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked wheels
Tires, Front/Rear:	80/90-17 / 80/90-17
Rake/Trail:	27.0°/3.1 in.
Wheelbase:	49.4 in.
Ground Clearance:	6.5 in.
Seat Height:	31.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.4 gal.
Wet Weight:	259 lb.
Contact:	powersports.honda.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	31.6 in.
Wet Weight:	259 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower:	7.9 hp @ 5,710 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque:	7.4 lb.-ft. @ 4,650 rpm

Source