Tote Gote, Rokon Trail Breaker, the list of two-wheeled machines that would get you deep into the woods began to grow in the early 1960’s. Honda entered the market with the Trail 50 in 1962. The step through machine was so basic it had no true muffler or front fender. A small push-rod 49cc engine drove through a 3-speed automatic clutch transmission, and the machine came stock with a large overlay rear sprocket, and a short length of drive chain, offering a dual range final drive. Under the seat is the fuel tank. The air intake was mounted nearly at seat level. All about function, the standard luggage rack was bigger than the seat and very useful for camping equipment, packs, maybe even moderate sized game. Shotgun scabbards mounted easily.
Lightweight and very nimble, the machine grew in displacement and sophistication over time. The Trail 55 was offered for 1963 through 1965. 1964 brought the Trail 90 model and around 1967 the overlay sprocket setup was replaced by a true 1.867:1 dual range auxiliary gear box. Now with an OHC engine, it was sold that way until the late 1970’s. It then grew to a 110cc OHC machine and was sold into the mid-1980’s. Early models used a pressed steel frame, fork and swingarm; a hydraulic fork arrived in 1969, moveable handlebar in 1970.
Realize that by 1970 Honda and the other Japanese makers offered some serious trail bikes, two-stroke and four-stroke. Yet the street-legal Trail 90 was for a different market and still popular enough in America and other parts of the world to remain in production. You still see them used as transportation for motorhome camping and at swap meets of all types. Easy to start, ride slowly, and park, with a milk crate strapped on, it’s capable of hauling your finds of over 100 pounds. For 2020 Honda introduced the Hunter Cub 125 with disk brakes and ABS. Retro is popular as this machine, in limited markets, joins the Monkey, Super Cub and Grom.
This Honda Trail 90 is on loan from Jay Gaard who has over time supported National Motorcycle Museum exhibits by loaning all sorts of original and restored trials, motocross and enduro machines, minibikes and ATVs. “The CT90 was the 156th bike that I purchased. Rescued it off a pile of junk in southern Minnesota for $20. Took it to show my dad and he said, “I think you should do something with that.” Gaard actually restored the bike twice over time. His best friend, his father Hubert Gaard, pictured with the CT90 on Jay’s lift, suggested it be painted Honda Red, even though Honda did not offer red that year. Recently, Gaard bought his 300th motorcycle.
Specifications:
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- Engine: Air-Cooled Single, OHC
- Bore & Stroke: 50mm x 46mm
- Displacement: 89cc
- Compression Ratio: 8.2 : 1
- Horsepower: 7HP at 8500
- Primary: Gear Driven
- Transmission: Semi-Automatic 3-Speed
- Clutch: Automatic
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheels/Tires: 2.75 x 17 inch / 2.75 x 17 inch
- Wheelbase: 48 Inches
- Weight: 195 Pounds
- Colors: Mars Orange / Dark Gray Metallic
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hi i am looking for a trail 90 is yours for sail
Sorry. That bike does not actually belong to the Museum, it is on loan from one of our best supporters.
I have an unrestored 90 with 540 original miles. Garage find. Still has a 1973 Wyoming License plate. Original tires. I have a clean Colorado title and it’s for sale $3000. I’d like to know if you think that’s a fair price. One very small dent at the tip of front fender and missing one mirror.
Hello,
My Dad purchased a CT 90 years ago and stored in his garage. The bike is really nice and runs great. It only has 630 original miles. It still has original tires. It must be early 70’s. I am going to take pictures tomorrow. If you are interested contact me.
Is this Trail 90 still for sale? Please provide the cost to me or could you please advise me on the sale price if the 90 has sold? I will pay a fair price for sure.
Thank you, Steve
I have a ct90 for sale
I have a trail 90 CT model low m8les
Yes sir I. Have. A. Nice one
Not even close! Wrong tires, color, air cleaner, center cover, chain adjusters, fork boots, etc. Come on guys!
painted it red per my dads request,he always had a thing for this little bike, one of his favorites. center cover is what was on there. i was not going for a 100 point restoration. i know there are some items that are not correct, but did this one the way i wanted.
Why do people give a flip if it’s some perfectly “correct” restoration. How about they go eff themself and be happy there is another nice one still out there instead of in some scrap heap or parted out for pennies. People just need to go eff off.
Just to clarify, 4 speed transmision and high/low sub-transmision. Equals 8 speeds. Not sure where you got 3 speeds. Your way off.
My 71 is a three speed with the dual range gearbox, but you have to stop, and get off the bike to change to ratio so it is actually only 3 speeds at a time
Twenty years ago my brother bought 5 Trail ’90s. He took them all apart and painted them.
10 years ago I bought 2 of them. A ’67 and ’69. Hardly ever drove them. I just wanted them because I had a Trail 55 when I was I kid.
Now I have no time for them and need to clean out my garage.
They needed some work work done on them. Rebuild the carbs, replace the chains and sprockets, replace rustednuts and bolts, replace light bulbs, and wash and wax.
Hate to see them go, but I need to sell them.
Text me at 858 484 5065 if your interested. I’m here in San Diego, CA.
They are of museum quality and run strong and usually start on the first
kick.
Thanks, Matt