Honda CT series

The CT-series 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.

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 CT designation has been used for the Trail Cub series of bikes since 1964. Alongside, a ST-series bike was re-named CT70 for the Canadian and US market from 1969 to 1994. 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

The Trail Cub series is an off-shoot 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"

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1961 Honda C100H Hunter Cub


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor = none
successor =
class =
engine = 49 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power =
torque =
transmission = 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires =
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
seat_height =
dry_weight =
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar = Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1962 Honda CA100T Trail 50


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 49 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 5 hp @ 9,500 rpm
torque =
transmission = 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 2.25-17
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
seat_height =
dry_weight = 68 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar = 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 gas 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. [cite web|url=http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0050/trail/trail.htm|title=CA100T/C100T general description|publisher=motorera.com|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.super-cub.com/history.html|title=C100H general description|publisher=super-cub.com|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/toufuya/SMARTCYCLES/trailcub/C100T.html|title=C100H general description|publisher=SmartCycles|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/toufuya/SMARTCYCLES/trailcub/C100T_60.html|title=C100H general description|publisher=SmartCycles|accessdate=2008-03-01]

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

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1963 Honda C105H Hunter Cub


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 54 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed = 65 km/h
power = 5 hp @ 9,500 rpm
torque =
transmission = 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires =
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
seat_height =
dry_weight =
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

The '105' bikes are largely identical for their '100' predecessor. 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. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/220.html|title=C105H general description|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0055/trail105/trail105.htm|title=C105T/CA105T general description|publisher=www.motorera.com|accessdate=2008-03-01]

1964-1966 CT200 "Trail 90"

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1964 Honda CT200 Hunter Cub


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 87 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 6.5 hp @ 8,000 rpm
torque = 0.65 kg-m @ 6,000 rpm
transmission = 3-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires =
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
seat_height =
dry_weight = 82 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar = Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1965 Honda CT200 Trail 90


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 87 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 7 hp @ 8,500 rpm
torque =
transmission = 4-speed + stepped chainring, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 2.50-17, 2.75-17
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
seat_height =
dry_weight =
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

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. [cite web|url=http://www.super-cub.com/history.html|title=CT200 general description|publisher=super-cub.com|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0090/trail200/trail200.htm|title=CT200 general description|publisher=motorera.com|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/sou50/Hworld/Hall/2r/87.html|title=CT200 general description|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/event/week/05_6/index.html|title=CT200 general description|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-01]

1966-1979 CT90 "Trail 90"

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1970 Honda CT90 Trail 90


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 89.5 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 7.0 hp @ 8,500 rpm
torque = 0.69 kg-m @ 6,000 rpm
transmission = dual-range 4-speed, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 2.75-17-4PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.215 m
length = 1.870 m
width = .680 m
height = 1.040 m
seat_height =
dry_weight = 91 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity = 6 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar = Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1974 Honda CT90 Trail 90


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 89.5 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 6.5 hp @ 8,500 rpm
torque = 0.62 kg-m @ 3,500 rpm
transmission = dual-range 4-speed, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 2.75-17-4PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.220 m
length = 1.870 m
width = .740 m
height = 1.060 m
seat_height = .775 m
dry_weight = 90 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity = 5.5 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

The CT90 begins the now-familiar Honda nomenclature of prefix letters indicating bike family, followed by numbers indicating engine size.

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. [cite web|url=http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0090/trail90/trail90.htm|title=CT90 general description|publisher=motorera.com|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.super-cub.com/history.html|title=CT90 general description|publisher=super-cub.com|accessdate=2008-03-01]

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

1968 CT50 Hunter Cub

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1968 Honda CT50 Hunter Cub


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 49 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 4.8 hp @ 10,000 rpm
torque = kg-m @ rpm
transmission = dual-range 3-speed, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires =
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
seat_height =
dry_weight = 71.5 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

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. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1968/2680813.html|title=1968 CT50 Hunter Cub|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.super-cub.com/history.html|title=1968 CT50 Hunter Cub|publisher=super-cub.com|accessdate=2008-03-01]

1980-2008 CT110 "Trail 110"

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1981 Honda CT110 Hunter Cub


aka =
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = JD01E 105 cc OHV 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 7.6 hp @ 7,500 rpm
torque = 0.85 kg-m @ 6,000 rpm
transmission = dual-range 4-speed, automatic clutch
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 2.75-17-4 PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.220 m
length = 1.905 m
width = 0.755 m
height = 1.060 m
seat_height = .770 m
dry_weight = 87 kg
wet_weight = 92 kg
fuel_capacity = 5.5
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 60 km/l @ 50 km/h
turning_radius = 1.8
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

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. [cite web|url=http://www.hondampe.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/hondampe/Home/Motorcycles/Product+Range/Off+Road/Agricultural/CT110+AG|title=2008 CT110 showing enclosed chainguard|publisher=hondampe.com.au|accessdate=2008-03-01]

The bike was last sold in the USA in 1986. Honda lists domestic production from 1981 to 2000. [cite web|url=http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0110/trail110/trail110.htm|title=CT110 Production USA|publisher=motorera.com|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/pressroom/library/motor/on_off/ct_cl/t_index.html|title=CT110 Production Japan|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-01]

As of 2008 the bike is still sold in Australia and New Zealand as an agricultural vehicle. Also as of 2008, Honda's Australia website carries this statement: "The CT110AG bike is not a Road Registerable Bike and cannot be ridden on the road. Only to be used on private property." [cite web|url=http://www.hondampe.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/hondampe/Home/Motorcycles/Product+Range/Off+Road/Agricultural/CT110+AG|title=AUS CT110 status 2008|publisher=hondampe.com.au|accessdate=2008-03-01] Honda's New Zealand website lists the bike as "Road registerable." [cite web|url=http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/bikedetails.asp?BikeTypeID=8&ModelID=126&type=|title=NZ CT110 status 2008|publisher=honda-motorcycles.co.nz|accessdate=2008-03-01]

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 recently as 2002. [cite web|url=http://www.hondashop.com.au/newsletter/01/oct_newsletter.htm?Honda=d26a548cf146e7cf993e957e720315fa#post|title=Australia Post CT110 contract|publisher=hondashop.com.au|accessdate=2008-03-01]

CT50 Motra

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 USA as the CT70 "Trail 70" from 1969 to 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 USA 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

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1982 CT185


aka = MD05
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 180.2 cc SOHC single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 13.2 hp @ 7,500 rpm
torque = 1.43 kg-m @ 4,500 rpm
transmission = 5-speed
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 3.00-19-4PR, 3.50-18-4PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.295 m
length =2.035 m
width = .900 m
height = 1.100 m
seat_height = .820 m
dry_weight = 106.5 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity = 6.2 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar = Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1984 CT200


aka = MD12
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 191.8 cc SOHC single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 13.5 hp @ 7,500 rpm
torque = 1.49 kg-m @ 3,500 rpm
transmission = 5-speed
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 3.00-19-4PR, 3.50-18-4PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.295 m
length = 2.035 m
width = .900 m
height = 1.100 m
seat_height = .820 m
dry_weight = 118 kg
wet_weight = kg
fuel_capacity = 6.2 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar = 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 1976-1985 Honda CT125 is a 125cc fourstroke motorbike which was designed for farm use. The bike is actually an XL125 with a more 'comfortable' seat. These bikes are very reliable because of the small fourstroke engine. The CT125, which takes its gearbox from the TL125, 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/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 for 1977 only.

CT250S Silk Road

Infobox Motorcycle
name = 1981 CT250S Silk Road


aka = L250S
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = L250SE 248 cc OHC 4-valve single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke
top_speed =
power = 20 hp @ 7,500 rpm
torque = 2.0 kg-m @ 6,000 rpm
transmission = 6-speed
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 3.00-19-4PR, 3.50-18-4PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.390 m
length = 2.140 m
width = 0.815 m
height = 1.125 m
seat_height = 0.775 m
dry_weight = 131 kg
wet_weight = 141 kg
fuel_capacity = 11 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 50 km/l @ 50 km/h
turning_radius =
climbing_ability = 30 degrees
related =
similar =

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. Ithas 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. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2810313.html|title=CT250S general description|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-01] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/pressroom/library/motor/on_off/ct_cl/t_index.html|title=CT250S production|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-01]

References

* 1961 Honda C100H Hunter Cub infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.super-cub.com/history.html http://www.super-cub.com/history.html]
* 1962 Honda CA100T Trail 50 infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.hondamuseum.com/hallOfFame.asp?pg=specs&bike=DCA100&name=1962%20CA100T%20Trail%2050 http://www.hondamuseum.com/hallOfFame.asp?pg=specs&bike=DCA100&name=1962%20CA100T%20Trail%2050]
* 1963 Honda C105H Hunter Cub infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/220.html http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/220.html]
* 1964 Honda CT200 Hunter Cub infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/sou50/Hworld/Hall/2r/87.html http://www.honda.co.jp/sou50/Hworld/Hall/2r/87.html]
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/event/week/05_6/index.html http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/event/week/05_6/index.html]
* 1965 Honda CT200 Trail 90 infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0090/trail200/trail200.htm http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0090/trail200/trail200.htm]
** [http://www.hondamuseum.com/hallOfFame.asp?pg=specs&bike=BCT200&name=1965%20CT200%20Trail%2090 http://www.hondamuseum.com/hallOfFame.asp?pg=specs&bike=BCT200&name=1965%20CT200%20Trail%2090]
* 1968 Honda CT50 Hunter Cub infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/event/week/05_10/index.html http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/event/week/05_10/index.html]
* 1970 Honda CT90 Trail 90 infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-3.htm http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-3.htm]
* 1974 Honda CT90 Trail 90 infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-4.htm http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-4.htm]
* 1981 Honda CT110 Hunter Cub infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2811001.html http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2811001.html]
** [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-6.htm http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-6.htm]
** [http://www.super-cub.com/history.html http://www.super-cub.com/history.html]
* 1982 CT185 infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-7.htm http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-7.htm]
* 1984 CT200 infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/ct200_1985.html http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/ct200_1985.html]
** [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-10.htm http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-10.htm]
* 1981 CT250S Silk Road infobox specifications from these pages on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2810313.html http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2810313.html]
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/VT250/19820500/019.html http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/VT250/19820500/019.html]
** [http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-5.htm http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/7509/sub9-5.htm]

External links

* [http://www.bikepics.com/honda/ct125/ CT125 pictures] at bikepics.com
* [http://www.bradsbikes.net/view_photo.aspx?maxWidth=500&photoID=305 CT125 picture] at bradsbikes.net
* [http://www.honda.co.jp/HondaSearchParty/SILKROAD_CT250S/index.html CT250S Silk Road Owners Gallery at honda.co.jp]
* [http://www.weightlessdog.com/ct90.nsf weightlessdog.com] Honda CT-90 and CT-110 Resource