Honda CT series

Last updated

The Honda CT series was a group of Honda trail bike motorcycles made since 1964. The CT designation is a slight exception in Honda nomenclature in that "CT" does not indicate a series of mechanically related bikes, but rather a group of different bikes that are all for casual off-road use.

Contents

Overview

A description of the CT-series is necessarily convoluted because it spans several decades during which Honda altered its naming system, re-used previously issued CT designations, assigned different model names for different markets, and sometimes used multiple names for the same model within single markets. The most commonly-used nomenclature is the name "Trail" being followed by the engine displacement class; thus, several different models bore the "Trail 90" designation, over a 20-year period (making this, collectively, the most popular series). Not surprisingly, the assumption is often made that any of the full-sized CT series is a "Trail 90" when first observed.

The CT designation has been used for the Trail Cub series of bikes since 1964. Alongside, a ST-series bike was renamed CT70 for the Canadian and US market from 1969 to 1994 (to further confuse the issue, both the CT70 and Z50 series were dubbed "Mini Trail," again followed by the displacement class). Honda also uses the CT designation to cover an Australia-only series of "farm bikes" for agricultural work. In 1981 Honda released a CT250S Silk Road "trekking bike", and in 1983 a Japan-only CT50 Motra minibike. These last two vehicles are mechanically unrelated to other CT-series bikes, and each other.

Trail Cub/Hunter Cub

Australian CT110 "Postie Bike" Postie1.jpg
Australian CT110 "Postie Bike"

The Trail Cub series is an offshoot of the popular Super Cub line, and the bikes are known by several names. In Japan they were introduced as the Hunter Cub, while in the Canada/US market they were called the Trail Cub or just "Trail" followed by a number indicating engine size, such as "Trail 90". Individual models may also be known by model number, such as CT90 and CT110. In Australia the CT110 has acquired the popular moniker "Postie Bike" due to its long association with the Australia Post.

These small 17" wheel bikes are intended for relatively slow off-road travel. They have 4-stroke engines ranging from 49 cc to 105 cc, and automatic clutches. All bikes have either 3- or 4-speed transmissions, plus a second choice of HIGH or LOW bands to apply the same gears to road travel or slower off-road travel. The early bikes achieved this by having two drive sprockets at the rear wheel, which required the rider to dismount and thread the chain onto the desired sprocket. Later bikes placed the two-stage choice within the gearbox, and required the rider to only move a lever.

1960–1962 C100H/C100T/CA100T "Trail 50"

1961 Honda C100H Hunter Cub
Predecessornone
Engine 49 cc OHV 4-stroke
Transmission 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
1962 Honda CA100T Trail 50
Engine 49 cc OHV 4-stroke
Power 5 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Transmission 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
Tires 2.25-17
Weight68 kg (dry)

The initial model numbers are Super Cub numbers with the suffix H for Hunter, or T for Trail. These bikes are technically not CT-series bikes, but C- and CA- series variants. However, Honda would give the new Trail Cub line its own CT designation by 1964, so any overview of the CT-series should include these first models for clarity.

There is no CA100H because CA100 designated an America-only export Super Cub, hence H for Hunter version would not apply.

These first bikes exhibit the chief characteristics of the Trail Cub line. The Super Cub's plastic engine cover and leg shield were removed, exposing the long single tube joining the rear pressed-steel frame with the forks. The bikes have knobby tires, and the Super Cub's large front fender was replaced with a smaller unit to better clear mud. The Trail Cub has a single saddle followed by a large chrome equipment rack, on which a second saddle can be installed. There is also a skid plate to prevent damage to the low-slung engine. As with all Cubs, the fuel tank is within the seat pedestal.

These bikes also introduce characteristics that would only be typical of the first few Trail Cub models. The forks are Super Cub style, being a pressed steel unit with small leading-link springs. The long exhaust pipe sweeps straight back horizontal near the ground, unlike the upswept exhaust that would become characteristic of later bikes. The stepped chainrings are also quite evident, as the larger off-road ring is nearly twice the diameter of the road ring. This large sprocket also required the left rear shock absorber to be repositioned outboard of the swingarm, on an extended top mount, the right side remaining in its normal C100 position inboard of the swingarm. [1] [2]

1962–1965 C105H/C105T/CA105T "Trail 55"

1963 Honda C105H Hunter Cub
Engine 54 cc OHV 4-stroke
Top speed65 km/h
Power 5 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Transmission 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch

The "105" bikes are largely identical to their "100" predecessor. The rear shock mounts are made further apart to place both outboard of the swingarm (the C100T had only the left side outboard to clear the large sprocket). There is a slight increase in engine size from 49 cc to 54 cc, and 1963 sees the introduction the distinctive upswept exhaust with large chrome heat-shield. [3]

1964–1966 CT200 "Trail 90"

1964 Honda CT200 Hunter Cub
Engine 87 cc 4- stroke push rod engine
Transmission 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
1965 Honda CT200 Trail 90
Engine 87 cc Push rod 4-stroke
Transmission 4-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
Tires 2.50-17, 2.75-17

The 1964 CT200 is technically the first "CT-series" Honda.

This bike represents a relatively large increase in engine size from 54 cc to 87 cc, and the introduction of a 4-speed transmission. This bike also introduced adjustable steel-tube handlebars, rather than the fixed, pressed-steel covered, Super Cub style bars of previous bikes. It was a bigger heavier bike, the frame and engine being based on the CM90, rather than the C100.- [4] [5] [6] [7]

1966–1979 CT90 "Trail 90"

1970 Honda CT90 Trail 90
PredecessorCT200 (Honda)
SuccessorCT 110 (Honda)
Engine 89.5 cc OHV 4-stroke
Transmission dual-range 4-speed, automatic clutch
Brakes Drum front and rear
Tires 2.75-17-4PR
Wheelbase 1.215 m
DimensionsL: 1.870 m
W: .680 m
H: 1.040 m
Fuel capacity6 L
Oil capacity.95 L
Fuel consumption80 to 90 mpg
1974 Honda CT90 Trail 90
Engine 89.5 cc OHV 4-stroke
Transmission dual-range 4-speed, automatic clutch
Tires 2.75-17-4PR
Wheelbase 1.220 m
DimensionsL: 1.870 m
W: .740 m
H: 1.060 m
Seat height.775 m
Fuel capacity5.5 L

The CT90 begins the now-familiar Honda nomenclature of prefix letters indicating bike family, followed by numbers indicating engine size. The 87cc OHV engine is replaced by an 89cc alloy-head OHC unit, which is basically a 4-speed version of that used in the CM91 Super Cub.

This model sees two important improvements to the series. In 1968 the stepped-chainring is replaced with a convenient secondary gearbox that only requires a turn of a small lever placed near the rider's left heel. In 1969 the Super Cub style leading-link fork is replaced with a modern telescopic fork of greatly increased travel.

This Trail Cub would become one of the most popular models, staying in production for 13 years.

1968 CT50 Hunter Cub

1968 Honda CT50 Hunter Cub
Engine 49 cc OHV 4-stroke
Transmission dual-range 3-speed, automatic clutch

In 1968 Honda announced a new CT50 Hunter Cub for the home market. This light-weight bike featured the new dual-range gearbox, coupled with a 3-speed transmission. It retained the Super Cub style leading-link fork. [8] [9]

1980-2008 CT110 "Trail 110"

1981 Honda CT110 Hunter Cub
Honda TRAIL110 CT110 Hunter Cub.jpg
Engine JD01E 105 cc OHV 4-stroke
Power 7.6 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque 0.85 kg-m @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission dual-range 4-speed, automatic clutch
Tires 2.75-17-4 PR
Wheelbase 1.220 m
DimensionsL: 1.905 m
W: 0.755 m
H: 1.060 m
Seat height.770 m
Weight87 kg (192 lb) (dry)
92 kg (203 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity5.5 L (1.452 g)
Fuel consumption60 km/L @ 50 km/h (140 MPG @ 31.1 m/h)
Turning radius1.8

The CT110 is the final model of the Trail Cub line. It is largely identical to the CT90 except for an increase in engine size from 89.5 cc to 105 cc. Very late model CT110 have a completely enclosed chainguard like a Super Cub.

The bike was last sold in the US in 1986. Honda lists domestic production from 1981 to 2000. [10] [11]

The CT110 has a long association with the Australia Post as a mail carrier vehicle, leading to the popular moniker "Postie Bike". Australia Post was still receiving hundreds of new CT110 as late as 2010. [12]

CT50 Motra

Honda MOTRA 50cc.jpg

The CT50 Motra is a minibike produced in 1982–1983 for the Japanese domestic market. It has a boxy rugged appearance, with an angular steel-tube and panel frame supporting large racks fore and aft. This utility/military style is emphasized by a lack of decorative chrome, and by a solid yellow or green paint scheme for all bodywork and wheels.

It is unrelated to the Trail Cub series and should not be confused with the 1968 CT50 Hunter Cub.

CT70 "Trail 70"

The Honda ST70 Dax was sold in Canada and the US as the CT70 "Trail 70" from 1969 to 1982 in the United States and 1986 in Canada, and reintroduced in 1991 until 1994 . It is a minibike distinguished by a pressed-steel "T-bone" frame, and equipped with folding handle-bars.

The slightly larger ST90 Dax was sold in the US as the Trailsport, but was not given a CT-series designation. This was probably to avoid confusion with the concurrent Trail Cub CT90 "Trail 90".

CT125/CT185/CT200 Farm Bikes

1977 CT125
Engine 124.00 ccm (7.57 cubic inches) SOHC single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke
Bore / stroke 56.5 x 49.5 mm (2.2 x 1.9 inches)
Transmission 5-speed
Suspension Inverted Forks, Twin Rear Spring
Brakes Expanding brake (front and rear)
Tires 3/19-4PR (front) 4/18-4PR (rear)
Rake, trail n/a, 110 mm (4.3 inches)
Wheelbase 1,295 mm (51.0 inches)
DimensionsL: 2,035 mm (80.1 inches)
W: 900 mm (35.4 inches)
H: 1,100 mm (43.3 inches)
Seat height813 mm (32.0 inches)
Fuel capacity6.05 liters (1.51 liters reserve)
1982 CT185
Also calledMD05
Engine 180.2 cc SOHC single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke
Power 13.2 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque 1.43 kg-m @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission 5-speed
Tires 3.00-19-4PR, 3.50-18-4PR
Wheelbase 1.295 m
DimensionsL: 2.035 m
W: .900 m
H: 1.100 m
Seat height.820 m
Weight106.5 kg (dry)
Fuel capacity6.2 L
1984 CT200
Also calledMD12
Engine 191.8 cc SOHC single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke
Transmission 5-speed
Tires 3.00-19-4PR, 3.50-18-4PR
Wheelbase 1.295 m
DimensionsL: 2.035 m
W: .900 m
H: 1.100 m
Seat height.820 m
Fuel capacity6.2 L

Honda has built a series of Australia-only CT bikes for agricultural work. As a general description these are variants of Honda dirt bikes, equipped with larger saddles, a fully enclosed chainguard, and front and rear racks.

The last model of CT110 Trail Cub (described above) is also marketed as a Farm Bike in Australia. It is not mechanically related to these bikes.

CT125 "Trail 125"

The 1975–1985 Honda CT125 is a 125cc fourstroke motorbike which was designed for farm use. The bike is actually an XL125 with a more 'comfortable' seat. The CT125, which takes its engine from the TL125 with different gear ratios, also has lower gearing than the XL125. The first two gears are spaced very close together for low speed operation. The CT also came with a chrome rear rack, a steel handlebar and lever protector, engine guard, sidestand guard, a smaller 19" front wheel (XL125 had a 21"), and a unique enclosed chainguard that completely covers the drive chain. The seat is also shorter and the bike is only designed to carry one person, not two. Also specific to the CT125 are the large mudflaps front and rear. The frame is painted Shiny Orange as is the tank and sidecovers. The XL had a black frame. The CT125 also has a welded on bash plate on the bottom of the frame.

The CT125 was also exported to the USA and Canada for 1977 only.

CT250S Silk Road

CT250S Silk Road
Honda CT250S Silkroad.jpg
1981 CT250S Silk Road
Also calledL250S
Engine L250SE 248 cc OHC 4-valve parallel-twin air-cooled 4-stroke
Transmission 6-speed
Tires 3.00-19-4PR, 3.50-18-4PR
Wheelbase 1.390 m
DimensionsL: 2.140 m
W: 0.815 m
H: 1.125 m
Seat height0.775 m
Fuel capacity11 L

The 1981 CT250S Silk Road was Honda's attempt at a "trekking" motorcycle, marketed between its mechanical siblings, the CB250RS road bike and the XL250 dirt bike. It has slightly more ground clearance than the CB250RS, and an upswept and close-fitted chrome exhaust that is kept clear of both debris and luggage. The Silk Road was offered with a single saddle followed by a chrome baggage rack. A removable pillion seat can be fitted to this rack. Its 6-speed transmission is geared as a regular 5-speed plus one extra-low gear. [13] [14]

2020 CT125

CT125 Trail
2020 Honda CT125.jpg
2020 Honda Trail CT125
Engine 124.9cc air-cooled, single cylinder 4 stroke
Transmission 4-speed, semi-automatic
Brakes Front: 220mm disc, ABS, Rear: 190mm disc
Tires Front: 80/90-17, Rear: 80/90-17
Rake, trail 27.0°, 3.1"
Wheelbase 1.254 m
Seat height0.8 m
Fuel capacity5.3 L
Relatedcurb weight(wet) - 116.12 kg

In 2019 Honda Announced they would be bringing back the Iconic design of the CT110 with a model dubbed the CT125 (Not to be confused with the farm bike of the same name). It was released in Australia in 2020 [15] and America in 2021. [16] The vehicle is equipped with several modern features such as an LED Instrument cluster, Led Headlights and Front Wheel ABS. [17]

the Model CT-125 was available in the USA in Red for 2020-2022. It was green in 2023, and bright yellow was adopted in 2024.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Magna</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda Magna is a cruiser motorcycle made from 1982 to 1988 and 1994 to 2003 and was the second Honda to use their new V4 engine shared with the VF750S Sabre and a few years later a related engine was fitted to the VF750F 'Interceptor', the later models used a retuned engine from the VFR750F with fins added to the outside of the engine. The engine technology and layout was a descendant of Honda's racing V4 machines, such as the NS750 and NR750. The introduction of this engine on the Magna and the Sabre in 1982, was a milestone in the evolution of motorcycles that would culminate in 1983 with the introduction of the Interceptor V4. The V45's performance is comparable to that of Valkyries and Honda's 1800 cc V-twin cruisers. However, its mix of performance, reliability, and refinement was overshadowed by the more powerful 1,098 cc "V65" Magna in 1983.

The Honda XR series is a range of four-stroke off-road motorcycles that were designed in Japan but assembled all over the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modenas</span>

Syarikat Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd, or known as Modenas for short is a Malaysian national motorcycle company producing various small motorcycle models below 400cc targeted for local market and export. The company's headquarters and factory are located at the small town of Gurun, Kedah, Malaysia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Super Cub</span> Light motorcycle

The Honda Super Cub is a Honda underbone motorcycle with a four-stroke single-cylinder engine ranging in displacement from 49 to 124 cc.

The Honda CR series was a line of two-stroke off-road motorcycles made by Honda from 1973 to 2007. They are racing motorcycles with countless trophies in the 125, 250 and 500 motocross classes. Marty Smith, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael and many other motocross legends dominated racing circuits on Honda CR's. CR's continue competing today and are prized by racing enthusiasts and collectors alike.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Z series</span> Honda minibike series

The Honda Z series or Monkey Bike was a line of minibikes made by Honda which have a model number starting with the letter Z. The bike came to be known as a monkey bike because those riding them "looked like monkeys".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda P50</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda P50 was introduced in June 1966. It was the last motor-wheel moped design by Honda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda CT110</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda CT110 is a small dual-sport motorcycle made by Honda in Japan since 1980 and is sold in various parts of the world. The bike has sold well worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha YZF-R6</span> Sport motorcycle

The Yamaha YZF-R6 is a sport bike, produced by Yamaha as a 600 class from 1999 to 2020. From 2021, production availability is limited to race-only specification in most global markets, causing race organisers to realign their engine eligibility criteria to encourage other manufacturers having larger than 600 cc displacements to enter road-race competition from 2022. Race organisers wanted to provide scope for alternative machinery to move away from established tradition of the Yamaha R6 being the dominant marque in Supersport racing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda Gyro</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda Gyro is a family of small, three-wheeled motorcycles sold primarily in Japan, and often used for delivery or express service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda CBR1000RR</span> Superbike

The Honda CBR1000RR, marketed in some countries as the "Fireblade", is a 999 cc (61.0 cu in) liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder superbike, introduced by Honda in 2004 as the 7th generation of the CBR series of motorcycles that began with the CBR900RR in 1992.

A dual-sport motorcycle is a type of street-legal motorcycle that is designed for both on and off-road use. The terms all-road, on/off-road, and dual-purpose are also used for this class of motorcycles. Dual-sports are equipped with street-legal equipment such as lights, speedometer, mirrors, horn, license plate mounting, and muffler and can, therefore, be registered and licensed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda ST series (minibike)</span> Honda DAX

The Honda ST-series minibikes are known as the Dax in Japan and Europe, and the Trail 70 in Canada and the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda CT90</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda CT90 was a small step-through motorcycle manufactured by Honda from 1966 to 1979. It was offered in two models: Trail or X with the main variations being gear ratios and tyre style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda XL125V Varadero</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda XL125V Varadero is a dual-sport motorcycle with a 125 cc four stroke V-twin engine, produced by Honda from 2001 to 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda PC50</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda PC50 is a moped produced by the Honda Motor Company in Japan from May 1969 until at least 1983. The PC50, though much smaller and lighter, had some similar features to Honda's popular C50 /70 /90 Super Cub line, with a step-through pressed-steel frame, a fuel tank under the saddle, a chain cover, and optionally equipped with leg shields,

The Honda Juno is a scooter. Two versions were produced, the K-series of 1954, and the M-series of 1962.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda CT50 Motra</span> Honda minibike

The Honda Motra is a minibike produced in 1982–3 for the Japanese domestic market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honda CB250F</span> Type of motorcycle

The Honda CB250F also known as the Honda Hornet 250 is a standard motorcycle which was launched by Honda in 1996. It was initially only available in Japan, as a domestic model but was made available to the rest of the world as a grey import. Powered by a de-tuned version of the inline-four engine from the CBR250, it produces around 40 PS at 14,000 rpm to its redline of 16,000 rpm. This tuning allows the engine to provide more useful low-end power. The bike features a 6-speed transmission and a 16-litre fuel tank and in later models, a dual-tone coloured exterior. This bike is said to emit a peculiar high-pitched whine due to the gear driven camshafts used inside the engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triumph Tiger Trail</span> British motorcycle

The Triumph Tiger Trail was a motorcycle model manufactured by Triumph Motorcycles at the Meriden factory. The Tiger Trail was made from 1981 to 1982 in both 750 cc (TR7T) and 650 cc (TR65T) capacities, and under 180 examples were built. Emission regulations precluded export to the USA but otherwise the model was available to all Triumph's other markets particularly in many British Commonwealth nations and western Europe.

References

  1. ↑ "C100H general description". SmartCycles. Archived from the original on 2009-05-25. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  2. ↑ "C100H general description". SmartCycles. Archived from the original on 2009-05-25. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  3. ↑ "C105H general description". Honda. Archived from the original on 2009-05-24. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  4. ↑ "CT200 general description". super-cub.com. Archived from the original on 2008-03-01. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  5. ↑ "CT200 general description". motorera.com. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  6. ↑ "CT200 general description". Honda. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  7. ↑ "CT200 general description". Honda. Archived from the original on 2007-08-22. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  8. ↑ "1968 CT50 Hunter Cub". Honda. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  9. ↑ "1968 CT50 Hunter Cub". super-cub.com. Archived from the original on 2008-03-01. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  10. ↑ "CT110 Production USA". motorera.com. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  11. ↑ "CT110 Production Japan". Honda. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  12. ↑ "Australia Post CT110 contract". hondashop.com.au. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  13. ↑ "CT250S general description". Honda. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  14. ↑ "CT250S production". Honda. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  15. ↑ "Honda CT125 coming to Australia!". Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  16. ↑ "2022 Honda Trail 125 / CT125 Review: Specs & Features + Changes Explained! | miniMOTO Buyer's Guide". Honda-Pro Kevin. 2022-03-31. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  17. ↑ "Honda Motorcycles". motorcycles.honda.com.au. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.