Why no Honda Trail 110 clones?

[jjn]

As I was riding my 2009 Kymco People 150 home from Hilo on the highway, I came upon a small motorcycle riding on the shoulder. Turned out to be a bike I've seen around a few times. It's the later version of my first motorcycle I got back when I was 8 years old. A Honda Trail 90. This one I saw was, I believe, a CT-110, as I could tell it was a later model.

Now, I happen to know that a mid 60's Trail 90 is capable of hitting about 57 mph (statute of limitations long expired now!) if it's in street gear. On this island, one of these makes a lot of sense. We have LOTS of gravel and dirt and embedded rocky roads. No freeways. Main highways are posted 50-55, and they have very wide shoulders for moped riders, pedestrians, bicyclists. 50+ years ago, I never bothered checking gas mileage, but I bet a good running Trail 90 would get what, 90 mpg? And, they have a pretty good following too.


So, why no Chinese clones of the Trail 90/Trail 110? I know about the SYM Symba and the BMS 110cc Metro. And the CT-70 clones (which I do like). Someone like Skyteam could make them using their current 125cc engine that they used in the TRex, CT clone, and the monkey bike models. Some decent suspension travel, a solo seat with sturdy rack, maybe an attached spare gas container (like the CT-110's had I believe). A real front fork, rather than the Earles type, or leading link type front forks. Kick and electric start. Center stand.

I bet they'd sell!

[Weldangrind]

Excellent question. It would make a good clone.

[katoranger]

I would like to see a CT110 clone too.

[SpudRider]

X3; perhaps Zongshen will make one.

[katoranger]

It would get me back on forth to work. I can just ride the gravel and stay off the highway.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

It would get me back on forth to work. I can just ride the gravel and stay off the highway.

I would love to have a Zongshen Rapido for that purpose.

http://en.zongshenmotor.com/?q=node/895

[Mudflap]

The only way you're going to hit 57 mph on a trail 90 is in a free fall off a cliff. That may be exaggerating a bit but I've owned several and 45 mph is about all they've got on level ground. Start up a hill or get into a headwind and you're looking at 35 mph. Still, a very light sturdy little bike that can be hauled on a bumper rack and used on and off road is very useful.

My solution is to buy a cheap and junky Trail 90 and put a Lifan engine on it. This one has the 140 cc Lifan and will cruise easily at 55. It'll also climb anything it can get traction on.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Mudflap

The only way you're going to hit 57 mph on a trail 90 is in a free fall off a cliff. That may be exaggerating a bit but I've owned several and 45 mph is about all they've got on level ground. Start up a hill or get into a headwind and you're looking at 35 mph. Still, a very light sturdy little bike that can be hauled on a bumper rack and used on and off road is very useful.

My solution is to buy a cheap and junky Trail 90 and put a Lifan engine on it. This one has the 140 cc Lifan and will cruise easily at 55. It'll also climb anything it can get traction on.

That is nice work. If you have time, please do post a thread on that project.

[Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Mudflap

The only way you're going to hit 57 mph on a trail 90 is in a free fall off a cliff. That may be exaggerating a bit but I've owned several and 45 mph is about all they've got on level ground. Start up a hill or get into a headwind and you're looking at 35 mph. Still, a very light sturdy little bike that can be hauled on a bumper rack and used on and off road is very useful.

My solution is to buy a cheap and junky Trail 90 and put a Lifan engine on it. This one has the 140 cc Lifan and will cruise easily at 55. It'll also climb anything it can get traction on.

Very similar to my in progress project Honda Cub Chinese clone.




edit reduced pic size


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[jjn]

First off, with a 12 year old laying flat on a Trail 90, and going down a hill on 348th in Federal Way, Washington, my trail 90 speedo read 57 mph. Now, 50 years ago, we didn't gps or mini cams. That was at the bottom of the third hill heading west on that street. At 12, I was a whole lot lighter than the 200 pounds I am now.

Also, an old friend of mine, right about that time, road (illegally, as he was also about 12) his yellow trail 90 from his place in Federal Way, to Yakima, Washington. I didn't go with him, but, that little bike made it there and back.

And, adjuster, how many miles have you put on that bike in the photo so far? Has it been reliable for you?

[jjn]

Here is a forum on the Trail 90 and CT110 (105cc I believe on the later), and a thread on top speeds.

http://hondatrailcts.yuku.com/topic/...1#.VLgohjCJOuY

There's a number of these folks getting close to, or a bit over 50 mph.

Mine had a lever to change it internally from street gear to trail gear. It would hit around 30 or so in trail gear as I recall. The older ones had the dual rear sprockets, which were quick change, and a slick setup also.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Adjuster

Very similar to my in progress project Honda Cub Chinese clone.




edit reduced pic size


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You did a nice job. Did you start a thread on this project? If so, please do post a link to the thread. If not, please do start a new thread, if you have the time.

[jjn]

Thanks, adjuster. No, I was not aware of those websites.

[SpudRider]

I doubt the Zongshen Rapido will grace our shores; but I also said that about the Zongshen RX3.

How about a Honda Grom?

http://powersports.honda.com/2014/grom.aspx

[Weldangrind]

A Rapido would be cool, but there is something appealing about the vintage Trail 90 vibe.