New toys

[marcfj60]

My father-in-law decided to give me his 2 1968 Honda CT90 trail bikes as a graduation present. I'd made it clear to him a couple years ago that if he ever wanted to sell them, I'd buy them. Just a few weeks ago I offered to pay the NM OHV sticker fee so that we could ride them when we go camping together. Now I know why he avoided the subject. He's owned them since the early '80s and Danise has many fond memories of riding them as a kid. I think she was even more excited than I was when she found out they were giving them to me. I've included a picture I pulled off the web that shows what they look like.

 

[Devil Frog]

Very cool! I love vintage motor bikes. Are yours in that good of condition? Be sure to post pics when you get a chance.

 

[marcfj60]

On a scale of 1-10, if that one rates as a 10, I'd say mine are 8. They are all original, unrestored. But they've been very well maintained and not abused. And they've been stored in a garage or water-tight shed at least since my father-in-law has owned them (~1980). I hope to bring them to my house in the next couple of weeks once I make room for them in my shed.

 

[TroutRunner]

My granddad had one of these also, used it for fishing. It was in my family's garage for a while and my brother learned to hotwire it so we could ride it up and down the street until our parents got home.

Pretty cool with a high and low gear box.

G

 

[SteveLCetc]

Yep - that's one of the newer ones. Mine had two sprockets - you would unbolt and move out the larger back sprocket over the smaller one and put an extra segment of chain on to go into low range. Cost me $150. That one has a little switch under the left foot peg as I recall. Mine might still be in my dad's shed...

 

[frobuster]

Argg, now I could kick myself, there were two 68's on Craig's, I passed em up thinking that the newer shock design would be so much more comfortable. CONGRATS GRAD! and good luck with your new toys.

 

[SteveLCetc]

Ours was the first model:

http://www.trail90.hondagl.com/wp-content/uploads/yearbook-photos/honda-90-ct200.jpg

 

[Cruisergreg]

I love the Trail 90! It was the ideal little puttin' around and exploring bike. Tried to find one on a couple occassions back in the 80s but ended up with a few enduro-type bikes that were a little more than what I wanted. Congrats Marc!

 

[marcfj60]

I picked up my two new toys today. Here are some pictures. My father-in-law got them cleaned up, some new fuel in them and adjusted the carbs so they were running well. They both start on the first kick. Now I just need to figure out the licensing or OHV stickers and go ride them.

Spare parts and useful stuff.

 

[TOYOTARIG]

Man those are wicked! I would love to have a matching set of Trail 90's!

 

[sirenmoses]

drool. much jealous, congrats!

 

[Devil Frog]

very beautiful Marc, those look just as good as that first example you showed. Almost the 2 wheel equivalent of the FJXX Land Cruiser=> You won't get there fast, but all utility you will ever need and absolute bullet proof. Also perfect motorcycle to teach your son to ride.

 

[gr8wrk]

Very, very cool. And retro. You'd fit in anywhere in S.E.A.

 

[marcfj60]

very beautiful Marc, those look just as good as that first example you showed. Almost the 2 wheel equivalent of the FJXX Land Cruiser=> You won't get there fast, but all utility you will ever need and absolute bullet proof. Also perfect motorcycle to teach your son to ride.

Yep. I think you need to be at least ~5'2" to be able to safely control them, or at least have legs longer than my 5'2" wife. She can just barely touch the ground with both feet on level, hard surfaces. I can't imagine her on uneven, soft or gravel surfaces. So she is content with being a passenger.

I took the kids for short rides down the block when I brought them home but need to still get the licensing sorted out. I'm leaning toward paying the $100/year for liability so they can be street legal and then I won't have to ever worry if I need to spend a little time on a paved road between trails. Plus, I'll get the small added security of having some liability protection in the unlikely event that I cause damage to something or somebody while riding them.

 

[marcfj60]

Very, very cool. And retro. You'd fit in anywhere in S.E.A.

Assuming you mean Southeast Asia? My bikes would fit in. I'm sure I'd still stick out like a sore thumb. My wife says it's almost comical to see me sitting on them. I actually feel more comfortable sitting on the rear seat when I'm driving them.

 

[Beowulf]

Maybe you'll bring a fruit dish for the pot luck at the next meeting?

You could bring the whole fam damily.

-Mike-

 

[evanz80]

Very nice Marc! They look to be in great condition. Those will be a lot of fun.

 

[pappy]

Those would be a great option when you can't afford gas for the Hundy. Can you get to work on one?

 

[marcfj60]

Those would be a great option when you can't afford gas for the Hundy. Can you get to work on one?

I was thinking the same thing. Mileage is estimated at 100 mpg (YMMV). I think I'd have to stay off the freeway since the speedo has a 'redline' at 55. I'd have a 1-hour commute through the city though.

On the bright side, maybe I could charge for a taxi service like Mike's pictures show. Or I could deliver fruit.

 

[Devil Frog]

I was thinking the same thing. Mileage is estimated at 100 mpg (YMMV). I think I'd have to stay off the freeway since the speedo has a 'redline' at 55. I'd have a 1-hour commute through the city though.

On the bright side, maybe I could charge for a taxi service like Mike's pictures show. Or I could deliver fruit.

When I take the side streets, It takes about 35 minutes to get between home and the base, (going the speed limit, under 45 MPH). Taking the freeway, (and exceeding the speed limit) cuts it to 21 minutes (record) from my garage to behind my desk. You are about another 10 minutes from my place, going the speed limit of course.

I would recommend riding to work; so much more refreshing in the mornings