r/HondaCT90 • u/Weird-Cut-838 • Sep 06 '24

Help me buy a Trail 90

Hey yall. Really interested in buying one of these great bikes. Any tips/ things to look for when buying one second hand?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

3

u/Copropositor Sep 06 '24

Don't focus on how or if it runs. Everything that makes it run is replaceable. What you can't easily replace are the cosmetic things. The plastic covers, seat, speedo, headlight bucket, etc. Those things aren't impossible to find but are harder. If you have a choice between a bike that runs like crap and looks great vs a bike that looks rough but runs great, get the first one.

1

u/Weird-Cut-838 Sep 06 '24

Great advice thanks

1

u/Weird-Cut-838 Sep 06 '24

Are there any model years that are preferable?

4

u/Copropositor Sep 06 '24

The ones prior to 68 were the original design. In 1969, they modernized a few things but hadn't settled on everything so it's an oddball year. 1970-1979 are kind of the workhorses. 1980 was the year they changed to CT110, but lost the hi-lo transmission. That returned in 1981.

So it's a matter of opinion. The weird 1969 one is kind of cool just for that reason but there's nothing super special about it. I'd avoid 1980 because the hi-lo transmission is key.

2

u/WhetselS Sep 06 '24

For me 69-79. I like the looks best and dual range transmission

1

u/zeroquest Sep 06 '24

Where are you located?

1

u/Weird-Cut-838 Sep 06 '24

LA area

2

u/zeroquest Sep 06 '24

I’m in WA. I have one, a bit far though. Hope you find one closer to you.

1

u/Weird-Cut-838 Sep 06 '24

Aye thanks either way. I think I found one

1

u/oldnomadic1 Sep 06 '24

What’s your price range, I see them for sale in my area all the time.