CSC SG250: The fun commuter and trail motorcycle you want – for over $1,000 LESS!
Ever since Honda introduced the CT90 trail bike back in the 1960’s, I have wanted one! It is quirky, unique, and cool.
Honda’s marketing was inspired. They never attempted to market the CT90 to hardcore bikers. Instead, they targeted housewives, students, and campers. The Honda CT90 was a motorcycle designed for people who otherwise had no interest in big, loud, and expensive motorcycles.
Remember the sales pitch? "You meet the nicest people on a Honda."
Fast forward 60 years and the original Honda CT90 is now the CT125. It looks like fun.
The basic design remains the same. While buyers appreciated the economy of the CT90 in the 1960’s when gas was 25-cents a gallon, current owners REALLY appreciate the economy of the tiny motorcycle at today’s prices! The CT125 remains one of Honda's most popular models, and motorcycle riding is STILL fun!
BUT - WHY is the Honda Trail 125 the motorcycle its owners love to HATE?
Why are CT125 forums and owner’s groups on Facebook full of negative posts?
Why does it seem like HALF of CT125 owners want to sell, including some like-new bikes with less than 100 miles? If the CT125 motorcycle is the pinnacle of versatility, what are owners (and prospective owners) complaining about?
Top complaints about the Honda CT125:
1. Poor availability. Most Honda dealers typically stock ONE CT125 - or NONE. It’s obvious that dealers prefer to sell Honda 500’s and 1800cc Goldwings with much higher profit margins. Many dealers have a waiting list for the CT125, with delivery that can take months.
2. No color choices. It’s a small thing, but not everyone wants a yellow motorcycle (or green, or red, or whatever the single “color of the year” is.) Next year, if you want to buy a matching CT125 you are out of luck.
3. Lack of accessories. The Honda website lists only 2 (TWO) accessories for the CT125. Because the CT125 (Hunter Cub) is manufactured in Thailand and sold around the world, many North American owners are forced to order accessories directly from Asian sources. Because of the unique design, there are few generic parts available for the CT125.
4. Dealer service departments. This is not a complaint that is exclusive to Honda owners.
MOST motorcycle owners dread taking their bike into the dealership.
First, the hourly rate is typically around $150 per hour, and few services are not charged for two or more hours, plus shop supplies, waste and disposal fees.
Second, most shops are painfully overbooked and SLOW. You might not get an appointment for several weeks, and then need to wait longer for the service to be completed.
Third, satisfaction with the completed repairs is dismal. There are legions of stories about being charged for services (valve adjustments, for example) that were never completed. Others complain about misdiagnosis of problems adding to time delays.
Fourth, there is a good chance that the "technician" assigned to your motorcycle has never worked on that model! When you combine the hundreds of motorcycle models with the high turnover of personnel, many paid service technicians don't know any more about your cycle than you do.
Then there is the high cost of parts (even basic oil and filters) on top of the expensive labor. First, there is a slim chance the required part is in stock, adding to the delays. Then, you pay "through the nose" for the Honda brand.
In the end, most motorcycles will not be returned without a bill that totals several hundred dollars – even for a basic machine like the Honda CT125.
5. The HIGH purchase price of the CT125. Like all things, inflation has caught up to the Honda CT125 and the current 2024 MSRP is now $4,099.00.
Over the MSRP, Honda dealers add $300 for incoming freight, plus several hundred dollars more for set up and paperwork fees. The “out the door” price ends up totaling close to $5,000, NOT including taxes and license! $5,000 is "serious" money and that cuts into the “fun factor” of this little motorcycle
More than any other motorcycle model, the owners of the Honda CT125
simply suffer from Buyer's Remorse.
The Honda marketing overpromises and under-delivers. There are HUNDREDS, maybe THOUSANDS of CT125s for sale at any moment because the riding isn't FUN!
After CT125 owners have often waited months or traveled to another state to make the purchase, then paid a premium to buy the Trail 125, they are soon disappointed. These owners turn around and list their like-new motorcycles for sale.
WHY? The long list of CT125 complaints continues:
6. Lack of power. This complaint amazes me since all CT125 owners KNEW that this cycle has ONLY EIGHT horsepower! For comparison, my Honda walk-behind LAWNMOWER has a 170cc motor. And yet these owners are dismayed that the 125cc motorcycle won't top 45 miles per hour?
7. Uncomfortable seating position. Owners complain about the saddle on the CT125, but it isn't the seat. The seating position is upright, like sitting in a chair with your legs out in front. ALL the weight is on your butt. No saddle can absorb all the bumps and cracks in the pavement or trail.
8. Uncomfortable riding position. On a conventional motorcycle, your legs help support your weight and absorb shocks. Your back is relaxed because you lean slightly forward. But on the CT125, you sit straight and invite pain in your back, neck and arms after just a short ride.
9. Poor ergonomics. It seems that the compact CT125 was just not designed with larger Americans in mind. Anyone over 5'6" knocks their knees on the handlebars. You can't slide back because of the small saddle - and the ridiculous, painful raised bar at the front of the rear rack!
10. Quirky, unnatural transmission and shifting pattern. Honda designed the CT125 (and Super Cub) without a clutch lever to appeal to non-motorcycle riders. Great marketing, but the transmission shifting is not intuitive, especially for experienced riders. The 4-speed shift pattern doesn't adequately cover the speed range, and the odd heel/toe lever adds to the awkwardness.
11. POOR trail capabilities. Despite the "Trail" name, the CT125 is woefully inadequate off the paved road.
• The small and narrow 17" wheels and street tires don't provide needed traction. The rims and fenders make installation of true dual sport tires impossible. Adding new tires adds parts and labor costs to the already high price.
• The seating position makes the weight distribution uneven front to back, impacting steering control on and off road.
• The large rear rack encourages riders to add more weight, further adding to the imbalance.
• The foot peg position is designed for a flat-footed, for a seated rider. The position makes standing uncomfortable for anyone over 5 feet tall - with handlebars that are too close and too low.
Sadly, TOO many Honda CT125 owners purchase the little cycle for emotional reasons. Even worse, some BUY the CT125 without even taking a test ride! (Not that all Honda dealers ALLOW test rides...)
The CT125 motorcycle stirs nostalgic FEELINGS. But the high turnover confirms the dissatisfaction with the riding experience. I really can't think of another product that so many people buy and hate immediately. Only a small percentage of CT125 owners are willing to tolerate the inadequacies of this model.
What is the alternative? Is there an economical motorcycle that is also affordable? Is there a motorcycle that is fun to ride, but also comfortable? Is there a motorcycle with the features that overcome the deficiencies of the Trail CT125?
CSC Motorcycles is dedicated to delivering "Motorcycle riding fun that you can afford!" One of the most popular CSC motorcycle models has delivered riding fun for THOUSANDS of riders across North America: The SG250 San Gabriel.
The CSC SG250 San Gabriel brings us back to our motorcycle riding roots.
The San Gabriel (named for the mountains and twisty roads above CSC's headquarters) is handsome, yet rugged. It is equipped with ALL the essentials and intentionally avoids high-tech complications. The SG250 is equipped with a proven 230cc, air-cooled counter-balanced engine.
CSC SG250 vs Honda CT125. Let's Compare the Specs:
Specifications CSC SG250 Street/Scrambler Honda CT125 Trail
Engine Type: Single-cylinder, Four- stroke Single-cylinder, Four- stroke
Engine Cooling: Air cooled* Air cooled
Engine Starter: Electric/Kick Starter Electric/Kick Starter
Fuel delivery: Carburetor Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Displacement: 229.5cc, Overhead Cam, 125cc, Overhead Cam
Counterbalanced
Power Rating: 16.1 hp @ 7000 rpm 8.7 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max Torque: 13.5 nm @ 5500 rpm 11 nm @ 4,500 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 72 mm x 61.4 mm 50.0mm x 63.1mm
Compression Ratio: 8.7:1 9.3:1
Transmission: 5-speed (428 drive chain) 4-speed (420 drive chain)
Standard hand clutch Semi-automatic clutch
Brake(front/rear): Single Disk/Disk Single Disk/Disk
Suspension: Front telescopic fork Front telescopic fork
(non-adjustable) (non-adjustable)
Rear double shocks Rear double shocks
(adjustable) (non-adjustable)
4.3” front/3.5” rear travel 4.3” front/3.4” rear travel
Wheels: Wire spoke, Aluminum Rims, Tube Wire spoke, Steel Rims, Tube
Tires(front/rear): 90/70x17; 120/70x17 street 2.5x17; 2.5x17 street
Top Speed: 65 mph w/standard gearing** 50 mph w/standard gearing**
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gallons (locking gas cap) 1.4 gallons (under saddle)
Fuel Economy: 70 mpg** 125 mpg**
Range (@90%): 250 miles** 150**
Lights: LED headlight, taillight, LED head and taillight,
turn signals turn signals
Instrumentation: Electronic dash: speedometer, tach, Electronic dash: speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, gear, tach, odometer, trip odometer, neutral light, high/low headlight, gear indicator, nuetral light,
turn indicators/hazard, fuel gauge, turn indicators, fuel gauge,
clock. clock.
300-watt alternator,
2 accessory switches on handlebars
Accessories: Standard passenger seat and pegs
Standard side stand & center stand Standard side stand & center stand
Optional rear rack Standard rear cargo rack
Wheelbase: 50.8 in 49.5 in
Dimensions: L 80 in x W 32 in x H 39 in L 77.2 in x W 31.7 in x H 42.7 in
Ground Clearance: 6.3 in*** 6.5 in
Seat Height: 26 in 31.5 in
Net Weight: 273 lb 256 lb
Warranty: One-year, Unlimited Miles**** One-Year
Colors: Black, White, Green, Blue Yellow
*Optional: External oil-cooler.
**Depending on rider weight, elevation, etc. Optional front/rear gearing available.
***With stock street tires; 7.3 inches with dual sport tires
****1 to 4-year extended warranties are available from Aftercare
CSC SG250 San Gabriel owners tend to fall into two categories.
First, the CSC SG250 is a favorite of new motorcycle riders.
These riders appreciate the nimble handling and performance of the 230cc engine in the lightweight chassis. New riders also enjoy the simplicity of the dash, controls, and especially the low-maintenance requirements of the SG250. It doesn't hurt that the CSC SG250 LOOKS expensive (but it's not!)
Many Motorcycle Rider Safety (MSF) operations buy the SG250 to INSTRUCT new riders!
The second (and largest) category of CSC SG250 San Gabriel owners are experienced bikers who already own several motorcycles.
The cafe racer-style appeals to experienced riders for its vintage and rebellious heritage. It is streamlined, minimalist, and retro. Experienced riders are attracted to the SG250 because it ISN'T high-tech. Just turn the key and ride OR stomp the kick starter for another reminder of a simpler time!
The budget-priced SG250 is also the PERFECT bike to customize. This includes many riders who add knobby tires and enduro handlebars to transform the SG250 from a street bike into a capable, dirt road scrambler!
Here are more views of the CSC SG250 in Scrambler form:
The CSC SG250 San Gabriel delivers 100% MORE horsepower than 125cc mini-moto bikes, including the Honda CT125 and Super Cub, Grom, and Monkey.
The CSC SG250 has a MSRP of only $2,495.00 including a One-Year warranty! (The SG250 Scrambler is $2,995.00 as shown. Set-up and Documentation is $410.00. Delivery, if required, is $425.00 flat rate. Total delivered price: $3,330.00 for the street model; $3,830.00 for the Scrambler option.)
Compare the CSC SG250 vs the Honda CT125: There is NO comparison!
The CT125 has an underpowered 125cc, 8 HP motor with 4-speed transmission, 1.4-gallon gas tank, and ONE-year warranty. It is overpriced: MSRP $4,099 plus dealer fees and markup (average $4,600 to $5,000, NOT including taxes and registration.)
The CSC SG250 is simply BETTER in EVERY category.
The SG250 embodies modern design and technology, yet has a reputation for durability and low maintenance. The CT125 is a retro design that hasn’t been updated since the 1960’s.
The CSC SG250 is a modern street and commuter motorcycle with the features that experienced riders demand. The SG250 has earned a reputation for durability and low maintenance. When outfitted with the Scrambler package of options, the SG250 Scrambler is a FAR more capable and comfortable gravel road cruiser than the “Trail” CT125!
The SG250 is the BEST Value:
MORE power and torque
HIGHER weight capacity, rider and passenger
Wide, soft COMFORTABLE saddle
HIGHER top speed
LARGER gas tank and LONGER riding range
HIGHER power output for electric accessories
BETTER seating position for MORE comfort
MORE standard features: aluminum rims, accessory switches, adjustable rear shocks
With the Scrambler options, BETTER ground clearance
WITH ALL THESE FEATURES AND BENEFITS, WHY IS THE SG250 PRICED SO LOW?!
CSC Motorcycles only sells the SG250 DIRECT to its customers - bypassing the dealer hassles and added markups. Then CSC offers BETTER support after the sale to its SG250 Owners/Customers with 100% in stock parts, full online Owner's Manual, and an extensive library of online maintenance tutorials.
The Bottom Line: The CSC SG250 is a complete street and back road scrambler motorcycle that ALSO costs $1,300 LESS! See CSCMotorcycles.com for more details.
Best of all, you don’t need to wait months to ride your CSC SG250. CSC has motorcycles IN STOCK for immediate delivery. With shipping, you can still be riding in one to two weeks! Note that the scrambler options, rear rack, and other accessories shown are EXTRA cost items that CSC Motorcycles can install during the pre-delivery process so that your motorcycle is ready to ride upon delivery!
Would you like a PDF document of the comparison of the CSC SG250 versus the Honda CT125?
Click the Button below to send me an email. Be sure to ADD "SG250 Specs" and I will reply with the PDF document attachment that has all the specs listed above to help your comparison shopping!
