Reviving the Glory Days: The 1971 Honda CT90 Trails Rediscovered
Picture this: a husband and wife back in 1971, fresh-faced and bursting with adventure, deciding that the best way to conquer the open road is on a pair of Honda CT90 Trails. Fast forward half a century, and these vintage beauties find themselves under the care of a new enthusiast after a stellar run in the couple’s loving care. Now, dressed in a vibrant yellow, these twin time machines are more than just motorcycle relics; they’re legends with stories to tell.
Classic Aesthetics with a Kick
Both bikes still boast their original yellow finish, an homage to the sunny optimism of the 70s. They’re equipped with staples of that era—kick starters, head and tail lights, and the ever-trusty drum brakes. The 17-inch wire-spoked wheels support these classics, crowned with chrome rear racks that are essentially the must-have accessory for any retro bike.
But wait, there’s more to these tales than meets the eye—or the seat, perhaps. One of the bikes has a passenger seat that’s held together by good old-fashioned duct tape, while the other sports a practical cargo box. Note the battle scar—a crack in the plastic frame backbone cover—each mark a reminder of the roads travelled and stories spun.
The Heart of the Machine
Both bikes hum with the gentle purr of an 89cc four-stroke single engine, modestly equipped with a dual-range four-speed transmission and an automatic clutch—a duo that ensures a smooth, if not vintage, riding experience. And yes, they’ve been pampered with oil changes just last year, ensuring they’re fit and ready for their next adventure.
The Honda CT90 Trails don’t skimp on durability either. Suspend these beauties on a telescopic fork with dual preload-adjustable shocks for the kind of ride that rolls with the punches yet maintains that unmistakable nostalgic feel you remember from when bell-bottom trousers were the rage.
The Road Ahead
Each twist of the throttle sends power through a four-speed semi-automatic transmission, controlled by a heel/toe shifter connected to a drive chain. It’s a seamless dance between past and present, guaranteeing these bikes are more than mere static displays— they’re road warriors.
- Each bike features:
- Center Stand
- Chrome Rear Rack
- Dual Mirrors
- 17″ Wire-Spoked Wheels
From Showroom to Showstopper
Taking a closer look, the elegance of yesteryear is preserved in each color-matched headlight shell. Inside lurks a 80 mph speedometer that seems to whisper: “Remember when top speed felt like flying?” With shift points highlighted and a handy tripmeter, one bike proudly shows 1,700 miles on the odometer and the other, 2,300 miles—both proudly proving they’ve been well-loved and sparingly used. Post-purchase, the seller himself has added a neat 100 miles to these legendary roads.
The ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a nod to practicality—the tool kit is still packed and ready to assist on those DIY weekends. On paper, the California title for the bike with VIN CT90242960 reads like a piece of history, albeit with a tiny mystery – an engine number that skips the last digit, “7”. Perhaps an intentional oversight or simply another story in this bike’s journey?
The invitation stands: take history for a spin. These Honda CT90 Trails are nostalgic pieces of the past that whisper tales of adventure and call out to those with a spirit for the road less traveled.